2019 free agency and trade ideas: part 2 Downloading

[lilfishi22]

I think Kawhi is probably going to do a long term deal with Toronto. Gives him financial security considering his injury concern and given that he brought Toronto to the Promised Land (still can't believe it!), I don't think there would be any issues or hard feelings if he decides he wants to be traded.

Yeah I wonder if this AD trade might impact him. The clips most likely would be second class citizens in LA (again) now. So any merchandising and all of the bonus stuff that comes from living in LA in gonna be tempered.

Plus, like you said thats alot of money to turn down both what the raps can pay and all the Kawhi stuff that he'll sell up there. Plus raps are a better team and will get a ton of cap room nxt season

I don't think Kawhi is chasing fame per se. As in, I don't think he'd care about the difference in popularity between the two LA's and is probably more interested in just being in California and being on a competitive team. Whether it's the Lakers or Clippers, I think he's rather indifferent. I don't think AD nor Kawhi are at the pinnacle of marketability anyway so it probably doesn't matter. I really hope he stays in Toronto, I just think that's a whole nation that is 100% behind him (and no one else) and with how reserved and low key he is, that perfectly matches the wonderful people of Canada

[bigfoot]

Drafting Clarke or Culver and getting Russell would be ideal. Russell is about as good a PG as we have a shot of getting and hasn't peaked. While some would want a defensive PG, none as good as Russell overall are available. And while Bev would be great and all and cost less, the gap between his salary and Russell's is Tyler Johnson and Jackson. That gap is worth it to get Russell.

I really have a hard time with Russell and his intellect or lack thereof. The Nick Young thing with the Lakers and the latest Arizona Tea caper at the airport lead me to believe he is just going to continue to make stupid decisions both on and off the court.

[Crives]

Drafting Clarke or Culver and getting Russell would be ideal. Russell is about as good a PG as we have a shot of getting and hasn't peaked. While some would want a defensive PG, none as good as Russell overall are available. And while Bev would be great and all and cost less, the gap between his salary and Russell's is Tyler Johnson and Jackson. That gap is worth it to get Russell.

I really have a hard time with Russell and his intellect or lack thereof. The Nick Young thing with the Lakers and the latest Arizona Tea caper at the airport lead me to believe he is just going to continue to make stupid decisions both on and off the court.

I would love to add Russel... but adding him at 27m-35m a year puts me off.

Wouldn’t everyone rather have brogdon at 23m per year over Russel at 27m-35m?

[Frank Lee]

When does Tyler Johnson have to opt in ?

I still think there is a way to extend/redo his deal and gain 8-9 mill cap room... peddle Jackson and #6 for future considerations and there is another 10. I just don’t quite have the grasp of the cap game though to know if that is even feasible

But Give me a guard rotation of Book, TJo, and DLo with Bridges, Oubre AND Warren as wings... and Ayton. we are almost set. Plenty of fire power there and some D. That’s a good seven to build on. And they’d be locked in for 4 more yrs

[lilfishi22]

Drafting Clarke or Culver and getting Russell would be ideal. Russell is about as good a PG as we have a shot of getting and hasn't peaked. While some would want a defensive PG, none as good as Russell overall are available. And while Bev would be great and all and cost less, the gap between his salary and Russell's is Tyler Johnson and Jackson. That gap is worth it to get Russell.

I really have a hard time with Russell and his intellect or lack thereof. The Nick Young thing with the Lakers and the latest Arizona Tea caper at the airport lead me to believe he is just going to continue to make stupid decisions both on and off the court.

I don't disagree with you but I don't think there's a perfect guy out there that is likely available. So while I'm not really a huge DLo fan, I think i could get excited about the prospects of a Booker/Russel backcourt because it's

[lilfishi22]

When does Tyler Johnson have to opt in ?

I still think there is a way to extend/redo his deal and gain 8-9 mill cap room... peddle Jackson and #6 for future considerations and there is another 10. I just don’t quite have the grasp of the cap game though to know if that is even feasible

But Give me a guard rotation of Book, TJo, and DLo with Bridges, Oubre AND Warren as wings... and Ayton. we are almost set. Plenty of fire power there and some D. That’s a good seven to build on. And they’d be locked in for 4 more yrs

Good question. I had a look around and couldn't find anything so I would love to know too

I really can't see a realistic situation where we would redo his deal. A new deal would need to be lucrative enough for him to forgo the $19m and aside from that I'm not sure I'm keen on extending him after having only played 13 games with us.

[Blonde]

When does Tyler Johnson have to opt in ?

I still think there is a way to extend/redo his deal and gain 8-9 mill cap room... peddle Jackson and #6 for future considerations and there is another 10. I just don’t quite have the grasp of the cap game though to know if that is even feasible

But Give me a guard rotation of Book, TJo, and DLo with Bridges, Oubre AND Warren as wings... and Ayton. we are almost set. Plenty of fire power there and some D. That’s a good seven to build on. And they’d be locked in for 4 more yrs

Good question. I had a look around and couldn't find anything so I would love to know too

I really can't see a realistic situation where we would redo his deal. A new deal would need to be lucrative enough for him to forgo the $19m and aside from that I'm not sure I'm keen on extending him after having only played 13 games with us.

I think it’s June 30th but not positive

[carey]

My concern with a Booker/Russel backcourt is that due to Ayton's limitations you absolutely have to have 2 amazing defenders at the forward spots or you're screwed. Bridges can be one but what are you doing at the other? Running Oubre out at PF? He's active and long. Stronger than you'd think. I'm just not sure he's big enough to do it full time. Can you get someone in the draft that can defend the PF position well from day one? I worry about Hunter but he may be the most fundamentally sound. His length and strength could probably allow him to do it full time.

[carey]

When does Tyler Johnson have to opt in ?

I think it’s June 30th but not positive

It is. Kind of annoying it's after the draft but whatever.

[Blonde]

My concern with a Booker/Russel backcourt is that due to Ayton's limitations you absolutely have to have 2 amazing defenders at the forward spots or you're screwed. Bridges can be one but what are you doing at the other? Running Oubre out at PF? He's active and long. Stronger than you'd think. I'm just not sure he's big enough to do it full time. Can you get someone in the draft that can defend the PF position well from day one? I worry about Hunter but he may be the most fundamentally sound. His length and strength could probably allow him to do it full time.

I think that’s where Clarke comes in (or Grant Williams). Melton would be a huge help on the perimeter too. Definitely agree with what you’re saying but I think there’s enough offense between Booker/Russell/Ayton that you can spend every last resource on defense first players and be in a good position.

What people aren’t talking about is that even if D’Lo becomes an unrestricted free agent, I don’t think the front office is willing to make the cap clearing moves necessary to sign him. I hope I’m wrong on that.

[sunskerr]

I think with a Booker and DLo back court, they'll both improve a little bit defensively because they won't have to expend all their energy on offense. It wouldn't be a big improvement, but rather just a modest one.

[Qwigglez]

I'd look at the Blazers team model and see if we can have a younger (maybe better) version of them with Russell/Booker. Both Lillard/McCollum aren't stout defenders, but they try and put defensive wings to cover their backcourts limitations. Similarly they have a traditional center like the Suns, who is able to post-up, though I'd say Nurkic knows how to pass and has a mean streak in him as well. Where we differentiate ourselves though is having long athletic wings in Bridges/Oubre.

I think my perfect off-season has us drafting Hunter, trading Jackson for pure cap space (maybe get a 2nd round pick, but likely have to give up the Bucks pick), stretching Tyler Johnson, signing DLo, and then signing Kelly Oubre. Trading Jackson for pure cap space is absolutely required if we want to offer Russell a max contract. It's either trading Jackson or Warren to make enough cap space. Ideally, we'd be able to fill out the rest of our roster with perhaps a couple of veterans.

Russell / Booker / Bridges / Oubre / Ayton
Melton / Okobo / Warren / Hunter / 2nd round pick?

[BobbieL]

I’d like to find a way to get Hernangomez

I’d prefer him over both Bender and Holmes

And think he can play next to Ayton as well, but I also think Ayton would be an effective PF. His perimeter D is underrated. #hopingtoseeanewwrinkle

One name that stands out to me as a defensive PF that can actually be had but no one is talking about is James Johnson.

Miami is looking for ways to gain capspace for the 2020 FA and could be looking to give away a pick or two in order to do so (Reports say Riley will trade the pick to clear cap space). I'd take him and start him if we get the #13 pick. While most wont be impressed by that name they might like another Miami PF that could also be substituted in the same scenario, Kelly Olynyk. Tyler Johnson could be traded back to them once he opts in, as his contract would expire perfectly in time for whatever Riley has up his sleeve, while getting out of Johnson's or Olynyk 2 remaining years.

If we did that, we could net us a starting PF and still have the capspace (Actually about double the current $7.Something million we currently have) to get us PatBev in FA. We get about $8M more cap space THIS SEASON (And a starting PF), while Miami gets around $16M more cap space NEXT SEASON.

Had that trade last spring. Anderson and Ariza for Dragic and Johnson as Riley would have had a helluva lot of space in 2020. Miami is hosed until than unless they move James Johnson Olynyk or Waiters as they players are through 2021 and beyond. But with Whiteside and Dragic expiring in 2020- getting one of those players off would give Riley more next summer.

[DroughtsOverPHX]

Drafting Clarke or Culver and getting Russell would be ideal. Russell is about as good a PG as we have a shot of getting and hasn't peaked. While some would want a defensive PG, none as good as Russell overall are available. And while Bev would be great and all and cost less, the gap between his salary and Russell's is Tyler Johnson and Jackson. That gap is worth it to get Russell.

I really have a hard time with Russell and his intellect or lack thereof. The Nick Young thing with the Lakers and the latest Arizona Tea caper at the airport lead me to believe he is just going to continue to make stupid decisions both on and off the court.

Booker is already at risk for getting in trouble IMO. The Tyler Ulis hotel fight incident, dating Kylie Jenner's best friend, rumors of multiple girls pregnant by him. I'm not sure if adding a party buddy to the mix is a good move. Basketball-wise I'd hate for us to get rid of any of our defensive hustlers to get him or we go right back to the "lets try to outscore everybody" mode. I guess somebody could make the argument that with Dlo and Booker we actually could outscore everybody. Dunno.

[BobbieL]

I'd look at the Blazers team model and see if we can have a younger (maybe better) version of them with Russell/Booker. Both Lillard/McCollum aren't stout defenders, but they try and put defensive wings to cover their backcourts limitations. Similarly they have a traditional center like the Suns, who is able to post-up, though I'd say Nurkic knows how to pass and has a mean streak in him as well. Where we differentiate ourselves though is having long athletic wings in Bridges/Oubre.

I think my perfect off-season has us drafting Hunter, trading Jackson for pure cap space (maybe get a 2nd round pick, but likely have to give up the Bucks pick), stretching Tyler Johnson, signing DLo, and then signing Kelly Oubre. Trading Jackson for pure cap space is absolutely required if we want to offer Russell a max contract. It's either trading Jackson or Warren to make enough cap space. Ideally, we'd be able to fill out the rest of our roster with perhaps a couple of veterans.

Russell / Booker / Bridges / Oubre / Ayton
Melton / Okobo / Warren / Hunter / 2nd round pick?

Why not trade Josh for a second and see if the Cavs take the Bucks pick for JR Smith and Zizic. Clear even more space than stretching Tyler.

[Qwigglez]

I'd look at the Blazers team model and see if we can have a younger (maybe better) version of them with Russell/Booker. Both Lillard/McCollum aren't stout defenders, but they try and put defensive wings to cover their backcourts limitations. Similarly they have a traditional center like the Suns, who is able to post-up, though I'd say Nurkic knows how to pass and has a mean streak in him as well. Where we differentiate ourselves though is having long athletic wings in Bridges/Oubre.

I think my perfect off-season has us drafting Hunter, trading Jackson for pure cap space (maybe get a 2nd round pick, but likely have to give up the Bucks pick), stretching Tyler Johnson, signing DLo, and then signing Kelly Oubre. Trading Jackson for pure cap space is absolutely required if we want to offer Russell a max contract. It's either trading Jackson or Warren to make enough cap space. Ideally, we'd be able to fill out the rest of our roster with perhaps a couple of veterans.

Russell / Booker / Bridges / Oubre / Ayton
Melton / Okobo / Warren / Hunter / 2nd round pick?

Why not trade Josh for a second and see if the Cavs take the Bucks pick for JR Smith and Zizic. Clear even more space than stretching Tyler.

I could see several teams trade their pick this year for JR Smith, so I’m not sure our offer would be good enough. I could also see teams viewing cap space as more of an asset than Josh Jackson, I don’t think at $7M Jackson is hardly worth his contract.

[Fo-Real]

So Tyler's window of opting in has started like the others and he has till the 30th? Whats the hold up? Why not day one like many of the others who has either a big number, immediatly stake their claim to their gaurenteed money and the low ones who have immediatly opted out getting their names out there. 19 mil is a big number, why would he sit on that decision at all, what benifit does he get by waiting. This makes this whole situation fishy to me, the money should be a no brainer. Is there a chance in hell that he declines his option? Seems like a situation where his agent should have had an automatic message set up to send in on day one that Tyler shouldnt even have had to be involved with or talked to, like automatic bill pay LOL. What may be going on??

[BobbieL]

I'd look at the Blazers team model and see if we can have a younger (maybe better) version of them with Russell/Booker. Both Lillard/McCollum aren't stout defenders, but they try and put defensive wings to cover their backcourts limitations. Similarly they have a traditional center like the Suns, who is able to post-up, though I'd say Nurkic knows how to pass and has a mean streak in him as well. Where we differentiate ourselves though is having long athletic wings in Bridges/Oubre.

I think my perfect off-season has us drafting Hunter, trading Jackson for pure cap space (maybe get a 2nd round pick, but likely have to give up the Bucks pick), stretching Tyler Johnson, signing DLo, and then signing Kelly Oubre. Trading Jackson for pure cap space is absolutely required if we want to offer Russell a max contract. It's either trading Jackson or Warren to make enough cap space. Ideally, we'd be able to fill out the rest of our roster with perhaps a couple of veterans.

Russell / Booker / Bridges / Oubre / Ayton
Melton / Okobo / Warren / Hunter / 2nd round pick?

Why not trade Josh for a second and see if the Cavs take the Bucks pick for JR Smith and Zizic. Clear even more space than stretching Tyler.

I could see several teams trade their pick this year for JR Smith, so I’m not sure our offer would be good enough. I could also see teams viewing cap space as more of an asset than Josh Jackson, I don’t think at $7M Jackson is hardly worth his contract.

I can see that other teams might pay more than the 2020 bucks pick for Jr Smith, But I guess it doesn't hurt to call either. I wish the Suns could throw in the 2RP this year - but who knows how much value that has for a team like the Cavs.


There just seems to be a lot of buzz with Russell to the Suns since it seems Kyrie is going to the Nets. I am sure Book and DLo talk which means Book and Jones can talk.

[Blonde]

So Tyler's window of opting in has started like the others and he has till the 30th? Whats the hold up? Why not day one like many of the others who has either a big number, immediatly stake their claim to their gaurenteed money and the low ones who have immediatly opted out getting their names out there. 19 mil is a big number, why would he sit on that decision at all, what benifit does he get by waiting. This makes this whole situation fishy to me, the money should be a no brainer. Is there a chance in hell that he declines his option? Seems like a situation where his agent should have had an automatic message set up to send in on day one that Tyler shouldnt even have had to be involved with or talked to, like automatic bill pay LOL. What may be going on??

He probably doesn’t want to get traded. A lot of trades go down on draft day and he’s going to avoid them by not opting in. He’s got a nice role here and could be our starter next year. Not a lot of other teams he could start for and he knows that.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Personally, If I could, I'd prefer a combination of White and Clarke or Garland and Clarke ( If Garland was somehow available at 6). Maybe trade Warren and the Milwaukee pick to Charlotte for the 12th pick.

Send TJ home, and give New Orleans a 2nd scorer to help them keep Walker from leaving and joining the Flakers. ( Warren finally gets to be featured as a 2nd star, and Kemba has a genuine 20 point per game 2nd scorer and stays( Bonus that the Flakers don't get to add him now! ).

Then we could take one of White or Garland and also get Clarke. Nail both positions and cover some offense and defense with both. Or we could do my favorite option and GET REALLYCRAZY DEFENSIVELY (*** assuming Garland and Culver were obviously gone by 6 anyways) and take Hunter at 6, And then Clarke at 12. Could you just imagine how stifling and versatile our frontcourt defense would be??

Also how Clarke and Hunter would be perfectly interchangeable? Our 3 and 4 rotation would be extremely solid and defensively versatile. Then we go get a quality veteran guard( Russell anyone??) in free agency. We'd have amazing defense with the trio of Bridges, Hunter and Clarke. Hunter and Bridges would still provide 3 point shooting too.

Finally, we trade Jackson to Atlanta for cap space and the 35th pick. Package both the 32 and the 35th pick to move up and take Cam Johnson, or Luka Samanic, and then stash them in the g league for development.

Ideally, I'd trade in order to get both Clarke and Hunter for our defensive power forwards of the future. And also to have additional cap space for free agency. Get the best veteran guard we can, and then address 2nd unit guard next draft as it's absolutely loaded with talented guards.

So if we did this, We could head into the season with:

Russell/ Melton.
Booker/ Bridges.
Oubre/ Hunter.
Clarke/ Hunter. ( Vonleh in free agency?).
Ayton/Holmes.
***with a few minor roster flexes obviously. That's a hell of a potent mix of both offense and stifling defense.