Trade and free agency speculation

[NTB]

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[TeamTragic]

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[Stix]

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I could make the same video of myself, just cut together all the ones I actually make.

[TeamTragic]

Read on Twitter

I could make the same video of myself, just cut together all the ones I actually make.

Just like Melo "working out"

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

So, based on your assessment of Smart - what Stretch 4 makes sense - a more offense oriented or would Mbah Moute still work. Suns aren't getting say Ariza and Smart unless deals are TRULY a lot less or the Suns make a trade moving say Daniels and Chriss for instance to get 6m more cap space.

Bertans, Bjelica, Jeff Green, Ilyasova, in that order. I think we already have two stretch 4s on the roster in Bender and Bridges (if Ariza and Mbah a Moute are 4s, then so is Bridges). But neither of those guys is a "true" stretch 4, by which I mean a guy who takes quick shots whenever offered and whose range extends a couple feet beyond the 3 point line.

If they'd be willing to compensate us for taking on a bad contract, you could include Marvin Williams and Kelly Olynyk. Perhaps the Jazz would be willing to part with Jerebko on the cheap.

Bridges is more of a 3 now and probably closer to a 2 than a 4. Mbah a Moute is more of TJ's size (6'8, 230). Ariza is more of a SF anyway....but is still 6'8, 215 and a savvy vet so when they go super small he can play some 4.

I don't doubt Bridges will guard some 4s but it's not ideal unless it's those types of guys.

Bridges is 6'7", 210 with a 7'1" wingspan.
Mbah a Moute is 6'8", 230 with a 7'2" wingspan.
Trevor Ariza is 6'8", 215 with a 7'2" wingspan.

There are differences in these numbers, and while I wouldn't trot Bridges out against Julius Randle, there are plenty of 4s I'd have no problem having him guard - for instance, Mbah a Moute or Trevor Ariza.

[TOO]

Can't wait til someone picks up Len and all of a sudden it all clicks. I'm fairly interested to see where he lands.

[BobbieL]

Ariza would be ideal. I thought he was joining the Warriors?

Unless he wants to play for the MLE - they can only offer him 5.3m .
Now if the wants to play for the MLE - fine

But I agree with Dave King - hey, that might be a first , but overpay for a short term deal. 25-30/2. Ariza is 33 - money might talk. Possibly can get both Ariza and Beverly.

[Kerrsed]

I could make the same video of myself, just cut together all the ones I actually make.

Just like Melo "working out"

Dont you dare talk about Hoodie Melo!!!

[bwgood77]

Bertans, Bjelica, Jeff Green, Ilyasova, in that order. I think we already have two stretch 4s on the roster in Bender and Bridges (if Ariza and Mbah a Moute are 4s, then so is Bridges). But neither of those guys is a "true" stretch 4, by which I mean a guy who takes quick shots whenever offered and whose range extends a couple feet beyond the 3 point line.

If they'd be willing to compensate us for taking on a bad contract, you could include Marvin Williams and Kelly Olynyk. Perhaps the Jazz would be willing to part with Jerebko on the cheap.

Bridges is more of a 3 now and probably closer to a 2 than a 4. Mbah a Moute is more of TJ's size (6'8, 230). Ariza is more of a SF anyway....but is still 6'8, 215 and a savvy vet so when they go super small he can play some 4.

I don't doubt Bridges will guard some 4s but it's not ideal unless it's those types of guys.

Suns should be able to get either Ariza or Mbah a Moute. Granted, the PG position and how much that person is paid will factor. But these are two good options. Sunday we should know where the Suns are headed.

I don't know that we really need to go after ANOTHER undersized PF, now that we have so many wings and forwards but I wouldn't be opposed to a small deal for a guy like Mbah for his defense and veteran status. But Ariza wants to get paid. Like ImNotMcDiSwear compared him too, Bridges is kind of like our younger, cheaper version of Ariza. I would still probably prefer a guy like Favors who could slide to C when Ayton sits. Chandler is done and Williams likely done.

It would really help to know what the plan is with Bender and Chriss though. If those guys are part of the future, I don't necessarily want to bring in guys to put them back on the bench and limit development. They could grow a lot this year.

[bwgood77]

Bertans, Bjelica, Jeff Green, Ilyasova, in that order. I think we already have two stretch 4s on the roster in Bender and Bridges (if Ariza and Mbah a Moute are 4s, then so is Bridges). But neither of those guys is a "true" stretch 4, by which I mean a guy who takes quick shots whenever offered and whose range extends a couple feet beyond the 3 point line.

If they'd be willing to compensate us for taking on a bad contract, you could include Marvin Williams and Kelly Olynyk. Perhaps the Jazz would be willing to part with Jerebko on the cheap.

Bridges is more of a 3 now and probably closer to a 2 than a 4. Mbah a Moute is more of TJ's size (6'8, 230). Ariza is more of a SF anyway....but is still 6'8, 215 and a savvy vet so when they go super small he can play some 4.

I don't doubt Bridges will guard some 4s but it's not ideal unless it's those types of guys.

Bridges is 6'7", 210 with a 7'1" wingspan.
Mbah a Moute is 6'8", 230 with a 7'2" wingspan.
Trevor Ariza is 6'8", 215 with a 7'2" wingspan.

There are differences in these numbers, and while I wouldn't trot Bridges out against Julius Randle, there are plenty of 4s I'd have no problem having him guard - for instance, Mbah a Moute or Trevor Ariza.

Yeah, like I said, against those guys (basically the Rockets), I think it would be fine. But is weight is the bigger problem.

Ariza played primarily SF. Tucker played more PF. Tucker started 82 games and Capela started 74. Ariza started 67. That puts him almost always starting there...sure they had small ball lineups often, particularly against the Warriors, but Capela and Tucker were usually playing.

Wingspan is pretty important but you need to have mass to handle PF often. PJ Tucker is only 6'5 or 6'6 but is 245. Barkley was about the same size...a bit heavier.

[BobbieL]

Bridges is more of a 3 now and probably closer to a 2 than a 4. Mbah a Moute is more of TJ's size (6'8, 230). Ariza is more of a SF anyway....but is still 6'8, 215 and a savvy vet so when they go super small he can play some 4.

I don't doubt Bridges will guard some 4s but it's not ideal unless it's those types of guys.

Suns should be able to get either Ariza or Mbah a Moute. Granted, the PG position and how much that person is paid will factor. But these are two good options. Sunday we should know where the Suns are headed.

I don't know that we really need to go after ANOTHER undersized PF, now that we have so many wings and forwards but I wouldn't be opposed to a small deal for a guy like Mbah for his defense and veteran status. But Ariza wants to get paid. Like ImNotMcDiSwear compared him too, Bridges is kind of like our younger, cheaper version of Ariza. I would still probably prefer a guy like Favors who could slide to C when Ayton sits. Chandler is done and Williams likely done.

It would really help to know what the plan is with Bender and Chriss though. If those guys are part of the future, I don't necessarily want to bring in guys to put them back on the bench and limit development. They could grow a lot this year.

I like Favors but he truly seems more like an "old" 4 and not a "new stretch" 4. Low three point shooting, seems to be defense, rebound and mid range game. I don't consider him as it seems they want more of a shooting guy, 3 pointer type. But Igor knows Favors - and again, his past Ryan makes moves people don't see. Ayton doesn't count.

[bwgood77]

Suns should be able to get either Ariza or Mbah a Moute. Granted, the PG position and how much that person is paid will factor. But these are two good options. Sunday we should know where the Suns are headed.

I don't know that we really need to go after ANOTHER undersized PF, now that we have so many wings and forwards but I wouldn't be opposed to a small deal for a guy like Mbah for his defense and veteran status. But Ariza wants to get paid. Like ImNotMcDiSwear compared him too, Bridges is kind of like our younger, cheaper version of Ariza. I would still probably prefer a guy like Favors who could slide to C when Ayton sits. Chandler is done and Williams likely done.

It would really help to know what the plan is with Bender and Chriss though. If those guys are part of the future, I don't necessarily want to bring in guys to put them back on the bench and limit development. They could grow a lot this year.

I like Favors but he truly seems more like an "old" 4 and not a "new stretch" 4. Low three point shooting, seems to be defense, rebound and mid range game. I don't consider him as it seems they want more of a shooting guy, 3 pointer type. But Igor knows Favors - and again, his past Ryan makes moves people don't see. Ayton doesn't count.

Yeah, I'm fine with a small maybe one year deal for Mbah A Moute who is a better defender than Bender but Bender probably has the tools to be a better defender and they shoot the same from 3 (Bender a tad better on higher volume). And then if we go with one of our SFs at the 4, I don't know how much time that leaves for Bender, and Chriss if he's still around.

It just seems like unless we are getting a clear upgrade or another guy that can solidly play C and rim protect/rebound (like maybe Favors), then I don't know I'd want to waste too much on just another body who doesn't give us a huge upgrade.

[BobbieL]

I don't know that we really need to go after ANOTHER undersized PF, now that we have so many wings and forwards but I wouldn't be opposed to a small deal for a guy like Mbah for his defense and veteran status. But Ariza wants to get paid. Like ImNotMcDiSwear compared him too, Bridges is kind of like our younger, cheaper version of Ariza. I would still probably prefer a guy like Favors who could slide to C when Ayton sits. Chandler is done and Williams likely done.

It would really help to know what the plan is with Bender and Chriss though. If those guys are part of the future, I don't necessarily want to bring in guys to put them back on the bench and limit development. They could grow a lot this year.

I like Favors but he truly seems more like an "old" 4 and not a "new stretch" 4. Low three point shooting, seems to be defense, rebound and mid range game. I don't consider him as it seems they want more of a shooting guy, 3 pointer type. But Igor knows Favors - and again, his past Ryan makes moves people don't see. Ayton doesn't count.

Yeah, I'm fine with a small maybe one year deal for Mbah A Moute who is a better defender than Bender but Bender probably has the tools to be a better defender and they shoot the same from 3 (Bender a tad better on higher volume). And then if we go with one of our SFs at the 4, I don't know how much time that leaves for Bender, and Chriss if he's still around.

It just seems like unless we are getting a clear upgrade or another guy that can solidly play C and rim protect/rebound (like maybe Favors), then I don't know I'd want to waste too much on just another body who doesn't give us a huge upgrade.

I wouldn't want more than one year for Luc . As more than anything - he is there , for lack of a better term, as a bridge to see if Bender and Chriss both start to develop their game with Igor, Corliss etc.

[carey]

Please stop putting an 'F' in VanVleet's last name, people. Thanks.

I'd almost prefer that over abbreviating it FVV because it looks like FW to my brain and then I spend 15 minutes going, "Who is FW?"

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

Bridges is more of a 3 now and probably closer to a 2 than a 4. Mbah a Moute is more of TJ's size (6'8, 230). Ariza is more of a SF anyway....but is still 6'8, 215 and a savvy vet so when they go super small he can play some 4.

I don't doubt Bridges will guard some 4s but it's not ideal unless it's those types of guys.

Bridges is 6'7", 210 with a 7'1" wingspan.
Mbah a Moute is 6'8", 230 with a 7'2" wingspan.
Trevor Ariza is 6'8", 215 with a 7'2" wingspan.

There are differences in these numbers, and while I wouldn't trot Bridges out against Julius Randle, there are plenty of 4s I'd have no problem having him guard - for instance, Mbah a Moute or Trevor Ariza.

Yeah, like I said, against those guys (basically the Rockets), I think it would be fine. But is weight is the bigger problem.

Ariza played primarily SF. Tucker played more PF. Tucker started 82 games and Capela started 74. Ariza started 67. That puts him almost always starting there...sure they had small ball lineups often, particularly against the Warriors, but Capela and Tucker were usually playing.

Wingspan is pretty important but you need to have mass to handle PF often. PJ Tucker is only 6'5 or 6'6 but is 245. Barkley was about the same size...a bit heavier.

I don't disagree. Matchups are strange. PJ can guard a lot of centers. But he's basically helpless in the post against Joe Johnson. Surprising, but true. There are fewer and fewer big fours in this league, which means going with two of JJ/TJ/Bridges at the forward slots should be effective (I think) much of the time.

I don't know that we really need to go after ANOTHER undersized PF, now that we have so many wings and forwards but I wouldn't be opposed to a small deal for a guy like Mbah for his defense and veteran status. But Ariza wants to get paid. Like ImNotMcDiSwear compared him too, Bridges is kind of like our younger, cheaper version of Ariza. I would still probably prefer a guy like Favors who could slide to C when Ayton sits. Chandler is done and Williams likely done.

It would really help to know what the plan is with Bender and Chriss though. If those guys are part of the future, I don't necessarily want to bring in guys to put them back on the bench and limit development. They could grow a lot this year.

I like Favors but he truly seems more like an "old" 4 and not a "new stretch" 4. Low three point shooting, seems to be defense, rebound and mid range game. I don't consider him as it seems they want more of a shooting guy, 3 pointer type. But Igor knows Favors - and again, his past Ryan makes moves people don't see. Ayton doesn't count.

Yeah, I'm fine with a small maybe one year deal for Mbah A Moute who is a better defender than Bender but Bender probably has the tools to be a better defender and they shoot the same from 3 (Bender a tad better on higher volume). And then if we go with one of our SFs at the 4, I don't know how much time that leaves for Bender, and Chriss if he's still around.

It just seems like unless we are getting a clear upgrade or another guy that can solidly play C and rim protect/rebound (like maybe Favors), then I don't know I'd want to waste too much on just another body who doesn't give us a huge upgrade.

I'm a no on Favors because I don't think he's looking for a short-term bench role, which is what I'd offer.

As for Bender v. Mbah a Moute - IMO, Bender simply is the better shooter. I keep expressing these thoughts, but to reiterate:

(1) The collective crappiness of our team last season had a spillover, perpetuating effect. By comparison, Mbah a Moute was placed in a pretty good position much of the time with Lillard, McCollum and Shabazz kicking out.

(2) Also, you'll notice how abysmal Mbah a Moute was as a shooter up until pretty late in his career. A twelve year vet, he has only attempted threes at meaningful volume or hit a decent percentage of threes in 3 of his last 4 seasons (and by the metric I'm using, TJ's 40% on 1.5 attempts in his sophomore year beats ANY year of Mbah a Moute's career, save for last). This goes to show, and it is true for just about every player you look at, that three point shooting improves over the course of a career.

Now, it's true that (2) is true in large part due to the league's transition to focusing on the long ball, and players adjusting their games to stay in the league. Mbah a Moute was a bust as a draft pick and didn't become relevant until he started hitting threes at a respectable clip. The difference in talent between him and Jackson/TJ/Bridges I think is substantial, and if those guys improve as expected, what's the point of either Mbah a Moute or Ariza? To take the spot minutes we were hoping Dudley would claim? Given Dudley's advance numbers are generally good, perhaps we should just let Dudley keep those spot duty minutes.

Between Dragan, TJ, Chriss, Mikal, JJ and Dudley, I really don't think we'll have a problem manning the four spot. As I see it, the positional concerns at the 4 spot are:

(A) it isn't clear any of them should (and JJ simply shouldn't) START at the 4 (if we want to be any good);

(B) No flamethrowers. Not generally a big deal, but a guy like this sure can be useful, and I'm guessing Igor wants one; and

(C) There are still the Julius Randles of the league, who can beat you up pretty good if you don't have a body to bang with him.

I really hope (A) can be solved by one of Dragan, TJ, Chriss or Bridges earning that starting spot. I'm optimistic about this, even though (C) presents kind of a problem if you commit to TJ or Bridges. Bender can't handle Randle at all, but he can make up for that by continuing to improve on the offensive end. In some situations, you might have Dragan guard the 5 and Ayton guarding the 4.

And that leaves (B). If a starting quality guy can do this, that's great, but not necessary, and an expensive player is not ideal since you hope that one of the guys listed above can earn those minutes. So if you're just looking for a guy who can come in knock down that long ball...

... well, I know we're focused on the 4 spot, but could we trade a 2nd and Daniels for Kyle Korver? The best in the biz, and a solid defender at this point in his career, too. Only a 6'9" wingspan, but whatever. Two years left on Korver's contract at $7 mil per. I'd like that.

...... and now that we're talking about all the Cavs, I might consider something bigger like this if everyone coming back is okay with their roles (whatever they may be): http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=ybqzuz2a

Perhaps something like this is what that CLE tweeter was talking about a day or so ago. I might be open to throwing Quese and Zizic in that deal as well, if that would please CLE. Two birds, one stone.

We'd still have our $16-17 million or so of cap space, too. What would you add to this?

[Knight/Hill]-Okobo
Booker-Bridges-Harrison
Jackson-Korver-King
Bender-Warren
Ayton-Quese-Chandler

..... Mbah a Moute?

[BobbieL]

Bridges is 6'7", 210 with a 7'1" wingspan.
Mbah a Moute is 6'8", 230 with a 7'2" wingspan.
Trevor Ariza is 6'8", 215 with a 7'2" wingspan.

There are differences in these numbers, and while I wouldn't trot Bridges out against Julius Randle, there are plenty of 4s I'd have no problem having him guard - for instance, Mbah a Moute or Trevor Ariza.

Yeah, like I said, against those guys (basically the Rockets), I think it would be fine. But is weight is the bigger problem.

Ariza played primarily SF. Tucker played more PF. Tucker started 82 games and Capela started 74. Ariza started 67. That puts him almost always starting there...sure they had small ball lineups often, particularly against the Warriors, but Capela and Tucker were usually playing.

Wingspan is pretty important but you need to have mass to handle PF often. PJ Tucker is only 6'5 or 6'6 but is 245. Barkley was about the same size...a bit heavier.

I don't disagree. Matchups are strange. PJ can guard a lot of centers. But he's basically helpless in the post against Joe Johnson. Surprising, but true. There are fewer and fewer big fours in this league, which means going with two of JJ/TJ/Bridges at the forward slots should be effective (I think) much of the time.

I like Favors but he truly seems more like an "old" 4 and not a "new stretch" 4. Low three point shooting, seems to be defense, rebound and mid range game. I don't consider him as it seems they want more of a shooting guy, 3 pointer type. But Igor knows Favors - and again, his past Ryan makes moves people don't see. Ayton doesn't count.

Yeah, I'm fine with a small maybe one year deal for Mbah A Moute who is a better defender than Bender but Bender probably has the tools to be a better defender and they shoot the same from 3 (Bender a tad better on higher volume). And then if we go with one of our SFs at the 4, I don't know how much time that leaves for Bender, and Chriss if he's still around.

It just seems like unless we are getting a clear upgrade or another guy that can solidly play C and rim protect/rebound (like maybe Favors), then I don't know I'd want to waste too much on just another body who doesn't give us a huge upgrade.

I'm a no on Favors because I don't think he's looking for a short-term bench role, which is what I'd offer.

As for Bender v. Mbah a Moute - IMO, Bender simply is the better shooter. I keep expressing these thoughts, but to reiterate:

(1) The collective crappiness of our team last season had a spillover, perpetuating effect. By comparison, Mbah a Moute was placed in a pretty good position much of the time with Lillard, McCollum and Shabazz kicking out.

(2) Also, you'll notice how abysmal Mbah a Moute was as a shooter up until pretty late in his career. A twelve year vet, he has only attempted threes at meaningful volume or hit a decent percentage of threes in 3 of his last 4 seasons (and by the metric I'm using, TJ's 40% on 1.5 attempts in his sophomore year beats ANY year of Mbah a Moute's career, save for last). This goes to show, and it is true for just about every player you look at, that three point shooting improves over the course of a career.

Now, it's true that (2) is true in large part due to the league's transition to focusing on the long ball, and players adjusting their games to stay in the league. Mbah a Moute was a bust as a draft pick and didn't become relevant until he started hitting threes at a respectable clip. The difference in talent between him and Jackson/TJ/Bridges I think is substantial, and if those guys improve as expected, what's the point of either Mbah a Moute or Ariza? To take the spot minutes we were hoping Dudley would claim? Given Dudley's advance numbers are generally good, perhaps we should just let Dudley keep those spot duty minutes.

Between Dragan, TJ, Chriss, Mikal, JJ and Dudley, I really don't think we'll have a problem manning the four spot. As I see it, the positional concerns at the 4 spot are:

(A) it isn't clear any of them should (and JJ simply shouldn't) START at the 4 (if we want to be any good);

(B) No flamethrowers. Not generally a big deal, but a guy like this sure can be useful, and I'm guessing Igor wants one; and

(C) There are still the Julius Randles of the league, who can beat you up pretty good if you don't have a body to bang with him.

I really hope (A) can be solved by one of Dragan, TJ, Chriss or Bridges earning that starting spot. I'm optimistic about this, even though (C) presents kind of a problem if you commit to TJ or Bridges. Bender can't handle Randle at all, but he can make up for that by continuing to improve on the offensive end. In some situations, you might have Dragan guard the 5 and Ayton guarding the 4.

And that leaves (B). If a starting quality guy can do this, that's great, but not necessary, and an expensive player is not ideal since you hope that one of the guys listed above can earn those minutes. So if you're just looking for a guy who can come in knock down that long ball...

... well, I know we're focused on the 4 spot, but could we trade a 2nd and Daniels for Kyle Korver? The best in the biz, and a solid defender at this point in his career, too. Only a 6'9" wingspan, but whatever. Two years left on Korver's contract at $7 mil per. I'd like that.

...... and now that we're talking about all the Cavs, I might consider something bigger like this if everyone coming back is okay with their roles (whatever they may be): http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=ybqzuz2a

Perhaps something like this is what that CLE tweeter was talking about a day or so ago. I might be open to throwing Quese and Zizic in that deal as well, if that would please CLE. Two birds, one stone.

We'd still have our $16-17 million or so of cap space, too. What would you add to this?

[Knight/Hill]-Okobo
Booker-Bridges-Harrison
Jackson-Korver-King
Bender-Warren
Ayton-Quese-Chandler

..... Mbah a Moute?

Well if you trade Daniels for Korver - you just lost 4m of cap space - though only guaranteed 4m in 2019/2020. Quese for Zizic would get back 2m so Daniels /Chriss for Zizic/Korver would be a loss of 2m in cap space.

The reason I push for Mbah a Moute is he is a good defender - and sometimes you need dirtworker types who do positive things. Plus if you sign a PG for 10m that doesn't leave much. Hence, my trade of Chandler or Dudley for a useful player to stretch the cap.

[sunsbum]

I think ball would solve our PF and PG positions at the same time.

[BobbieL]

I think ball would solve our PF and PG positions at the same time.

Lebron would too !!

[bwgood77]

Spoiler:

Bridges is 6'7", 210 with a 7'1" wingspan.
Mbah a Moute is 6'8", 230 with a 7'2" wingspan.
Trevor Ariza is 6'8", 215 with a 7'2" wingspan.

There are differences in these numbers, and while I wouldn't trot Bridges out against Julius Randle, there are plenty of 4s I'd have no problem having him guard - for instance, Mbah a Moute or Trevor Ariza.

Yeah, like I said, against those guys (basically the Rockets), I think it would be fine. But is weight is the bigger problem.

Ariza played primarily SF. Tucker played more PF. Tucker started 82 games and Capela started 74. Ariza started 67. That puts him almost always starting there...sure they had small ball lineups often, particularly against the Warriors, but Capela and Tucker were usually playing.

Wingspan is pretty important but you need to have mass to handle PF often. PJ Tucker is only 6'5 or 6'6 but is 245. Barkley was about the same size...a bit heavier.

I don't disagree. Matchups are strange. PJ can guard a lot of centers. But he's basically helpless in the post against Joe Johnson. Surprising, but true. There are fewer and fewer big fours in this league, which means going with two of JJ/TJ/Bridges at the forward slots should be effective (I think) much of the time.

I like Favors but he truly seems more like an "old" 4 and not a "new stretch" 4. Low three point shooting, seems to be defense, rebound and mid range game. I don't consider him as it seems they want more of a shooting guy, 3 pointer type. But Igor knows Favors - and again, his past Ryan makes moves people don't see. Ayton doesn't count.

Yeah, I'm fine with a small maybe one year deal for Mbah A Moute who is a better defender than Bender but Bender probably has the tools to be a better defender and they shoot the same from 3 (Bender a tad better on higher volume). And then if we go with one of our SFs at the 4, I don't know how much time that leaves for Bender, and Chriss if he's still around.

It just seems like unless we are getting a clear upgrade or another guy that can solidly play C and rim protect/rebound (like maybe Favors), then I don't know I'd want to waste too much on just another body who doesn't give us a huge upgrade.

I'm a no on Favors because I don't think he's looking for a short-term bench role, which is what I'd offer.

As for Bender v. Mbah a Moute - IMO, Bender simply is the better shooter. I keep expressing these thoughts, but to reiterate:

(1) The collective crappiness of our team last season had a spillover, perpetuating effect. By comparison, Mbah a Moute was placed in a pretty good position much of the time with Lillard, McCollum and Shabazz kicking out.

(2) Also, you'll notice how abysmal Mbah a Moute was as a shooter up until pretty late in his career. A twelve year vet, he has only attempted threes at meaningful volume or hit a decent percentage of threes in 3 of his last 4 seasons (and by the metric I'm using, TJ's 40% on 1.5 attempts in his sophomore year beats ANY year of Mbah a Moute's career, save for last). This goes to show, and it is true for just about every player you look at, that three point shooting improves over the course of a career.

Now, it's true that (2) is true in large part due to the league's transition to focusing on the long ball, and players adjusting their games to stay in the league. Mbah a Moute was a bust as a draft pick and didn't become relevant until he started hitting threes at a respectable clip. The difference in talent between him and Jackson/TJ/Bridges I think is substantial, and if those guys improve as expected, what's the point of either Mbah a Moute or Ariza? To take the spot minutes we were hoping Dudley would claim? Given Dudley's advance numbers are generally good, perhaps we should just let Dudley keep those spot duty minutes.

Between Dragan, TJ, Chriss, Mikal, JJ and Dudley, I really don't think we'll have a problem manning the four spot. As I see it, the positional concerns at the 4 spot are:

(A) it isn't clear any of them should (and JJ simply shouldn't) START at the 4 (if we want to be any good);

(B) No flamethrowers. Not generally a big deal, but a guy like this sure can be useful, and I'm guessing Igor wants one; and

(C) There are still the Julius Randles of the league, who can beat you up pretty good if you don't have a body to bang with him.

I really hope (A) can be solved by one of Dragan, TJ, Chriss or Bridges earning that starting spot. I'm optimistic about this, even though (C) presents kind of a problem if you commit to TJ or Bridges. Bender can't handle Randle at all, but he can make up for that by continuing to improve on the offensive end. In some situations, you might have Dragan guard the 5 and Ayton guarding the 4.

And that leaves (B). If a starting quality guy can do this, that's great, but not necessary, and an expensive player is not ideal since you hope that one of the guys listed above can earn those minutes. So if you're just looking for a guy who can come in knock down that long ball...

... well, I know we're focused on the 4 spot, but could we trade a 2nd and Daniels for Kyle Korver? The best in the biz, and a solid defender at this point in his career, too. Only a 6'9" wingspan, but whatever. Two years left on Korver's contract at $7 mil per. I'd like that.

...... and now that we're talking about all the Cavs, I might consider something bigger like this if everyone coming back is okay with their roles (whatever they may be): http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=ybqzuz2a

Perhaps something like this is what that CLE tweeter was talking about a day or so ago. I might be open to throwing Quese and Zizic in that deal as well, if that would please CLE. Two birds, one stone.

We'd still have our $16-17 million or so of cap space, too. What would you add to this?

[Knight/Hill]-Okobo
Booker-Bridges-Harrison
Jackson-Korver-King
Bender-Warren
Ayton-Quese-Chandler

..... Mbah a Moute?

I'd probably do that trade, but not sure why Cleveland would. I don't think they save anything and get worse players. Neither Korver or Hill are guaranteed after next year (I think a $1 million guarantee for Hill and maybe a little over $3 million for Korver).


Mbah a Moute played for Houston this past year, by the way. I don't think we really need to do a move except to hopefully sign or trade for a decent starting PG if possible.

[sunsbum]

I think ball would solve our PF and PG positions at the same time.

I don't want lebron and hopefully he doesnt want us. I'm not about that paid mercenary life.