2025 Off-Season Strategy - What will Cronin do?

[Walton1one]

Kasparas:#1-3 Higher
Maluach: Scoaut #1-3 Lower
Murray Boyles: #1-3 Lower
Essengue: Scout #1-2 Much Higher #3 Not sure
Queen: Scout 1+3 Lower, #2 Higher
Newell :Scout 1 Higher, 2+3 Lower
Mcneely: Scout 2+3 Much Higher Scout, 1 Lower
Denim: CONSENSUS MUCH HIGHER*
Penda: 1-3 Much Higher
Riley: 1+2 Much Higher, Scout 3 Lower
Hugo Gonzalez: Scouts 1-3 Much Higher
Patti Sandfort: Scouts 1-3 Higher

*My closest Eastern Conference buddy actually said he thinks Portland pushed as hard as they did at the end because they had Igor “around 4 to 5” on their board. That’s just speculation based on some things he’s heard, so take it with a table spoon of salt.

I’ve been doing a ton more NFL stuff this Spring/Summer and I’m just now catching up with my NBA people.

Thanks for the input. Much appreciated.

Any ideas on the following players (some of my favorites if we pick up a second or third pick):
+ Richardson
+ Coward
+ Theiro
+ Yang

If you guys put together a list of like 10 players you want me to ask about I’d be happy to to.

I think you have most of the most intriguing ones, however there are a few I am curious about:

Carter Bryant
Kon Knueppel
Nique Clifford
Cedric Coward
Rasheer Fleming
Nolan Traore
Joan Beringer

[Case2012]

Watch on YouTube

;ab_channel=NBAonESPN
Very surface level overview. Thinks Simons is deserving a extension... Camara's max extension should be 4/89. Doesn't cover a lot in 14 minutes.

[DaVoiceMaster]

Good to hear Sharpe is not worth $43M/year.

[Wizenheimer]

Watch on YouTube

;ab_channel=NBAonESPN
Very surface level overview. Thinks Simons is deserving a extension... Camara's max extension should be 4/89. Doesn't cover a lot in 14 minutes.

I got really close to stopping the video when he yapped about a 15 win improvement. That is such a bull$hit gauge that I hear/see a lot of peopl use. It's a false gauge because it was a 15 win improvement on a team that deliberately & blatantly tanked the entire season. If the 2023-24 Blazer team had sold their souls for wins like this year's team did, how many wins would they have had? 28? 30? 32? Sure doesn't make this year's team look nearly as improved if it was a 4-6 win improvement after trading for Avdija and drafting Clingan, does it

but I gave it a bit more time until he said Simons is "certainly worthy of an extension"....I'm out

[Walton1one]

The fact that Bobby Marks was a GM is startling when I watched\suffered through that recap for POR. IMO he is a cap guy who should probably not have been a GM, his knowledge of the CBA seems fine, his knowledge of team construction strengths\weaknesses\needs etc.., not so much.

[Case2012]

He was actually a GM?? I was gagging the whole time. I said some not very nice things in the comments but then felt bad and dialed in my insults but he kind of deserves them. It made me think who easy it would be to start a pod cast. The locked on blazers guys and Marang inspire that train of thought as well sometimes.

[tester551]

Thoughts?

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

They suggest Lauri as their offensive weapon... Although I think he makes too much money and is crippling with the cap.
Anthony + Issac is ~$28M in salary outgoing. Lauri makes $46M (so Orlando would need to find $18M+ to include in the trade).

Where Orlando is relative to the tax and aprons -> they really need to send out more money than they take back.
Luckily Portland has an offensive weapon that makes $27.6M... The perfect amount to get a deal done.

[DusterBuster]

Thoughts?

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

They suggest Lauri as their offensive weapon... Although I think he makes too much money and is crippling with the cap.
Anthony + Issac is ~$28M in salary outgoing. Lauri makes $46M (so Orlando would need to find $18M+ to include in the trade).

Where Orlando is relative to the tax and aprons -> they really need to send out more money than they take back.
Luckily Portland has an offensive weapon that makes $27.6M... The perfect amount to get a deal done.

This has been the trade package we've all had pinpointed for a Simons trade since last trade deadline. One that even got a good amount of buy-in from fans on both sides, so it still makes a ton of sense on paper vs something like Portland extending Simons and forcing Scoot to basically spend his entire rookie scale contract on the bench.

I'm a little confused on the financials. A few of the NBA trade machines online are showing different tradable contract values for Isaac because of his weird contract - so I'm unclear which is right or wrong. The spotrac trade machine I would assume is probably one of the most accurate? That one has a deal of Simons, RobWill3 for Isaac, Black and #16 pick working which would make sense for both sides.

[Wizenheimer]

Thoughts?

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

They suggest Lauri as their offensive weapon... Although I think he makes too much money and is crippling with the cap.
Anthony + Issac is ~$28M in salary outgoing. Lauri makes $46M (so Orlando would need to find $18M+ to include in the trade).

Where Orlando is relative to the tax and aprons -> they really need to send out more money than they take back.
Luckily Portland has an offensive weapon that makes $27.6M... The perfect amount to get a deal done.

This has been the trade package we've all had pinpointed for a Simons trade since last trade deadline. One that even got a good amount of buy-in from fans on both sides, so it still makes a ton of sense on paper vs something like Portland extending Simons and forcing Scoot to basically spend his entire rookie scale contract on the bench.

I'm a little confused on the financials. A few of the NBA trade machines online are showing different tradable contract values for Isaac because of his weird contract - so I'm unclear which is right or wrong. The spotrac trade machine I would assume is probably one of the most accurate? That one has a deal of Simons, RobWill3 for Isaac, Black and #16 pick working which would make sense for both sides.

I think it's all awkward

If it was Isaac + Anthony this season, around the draft, Orlando would be sending out 38M in salary and would likely have to take back 31M in order to meet the CBA differential

the big problem is Orlando's cap situation starting in July. Then, Isaac + Anthony represent 28M in salary. But Orlando will be 11M over the tax line and 4M over the 1st apron. They can mitigate that, mostly, by waiving Harris and Joseph. But they will probably be in a situation where they have to send out 100% of the salary they are taking back. Isaac + Anthony for Simons accomplishes that.

I'm not positive, but as long as the 16th pick, or 25th pick, hasn't been signed by Orlando they don't count as salary in July. If they are signed, then they count as salary and can not be traded for 30 days (maybe it's 60 days, not sure). This was the shifty little maneuver that Pat Riley mad last summer by signing Jaquez immediately and taking him out of the Dame-trade equation

so yeah, Isaac+Anthony for Simons is pretty much cap-neutral for Orlando. Actually, since the 16th pick has a rookie scale salary around 4.5M. it's actually close to 5M the Magic take off their cap/tax/apron issues next season

the trade makes as much sense as ever....unless of course the Magic don't rate Simons that highly; and they might not

Simons+Timelord for Isaac + Black (and I'm assuming Anthony) has way too much salary coming into Orlando

[Walton1one]

A trade with ORL makes too much sense NOT to do for POR (or ORL)

Isaac makes $15mil
Anthony $13.1

Isaac has FOUR more years left including next year @ $15\$14.56\$14.5\$15

He is a bit like Williams however in that over the last 4 years he has played in 34\11\58\71 games, so injury bug likes him

Anthony has a TO next year, so would not really affect POR that much

Still think KCP makes the most sense here, as he at least brings back some shooting (and defense!) back to POR which I imagine is important for Cronin\Billups


Something like KCP, Isaac, Howard & #16 for Simons & Williams?

(2) injured back up big men swapped for each other but, ORL gets the cap space next year off of Williams and solves the eventual Isaac issue. POR takes back a slightly less injured b\u big man to b\u Ayton\Clingan for now, eventually b\u for Clingan. Howard is a flyer @ wing, hasn't connected the dots yet, but probably a better flyer than Banton\Walker or Murray. POR gets to take another swing in this years' draft @ #16.

win\win for both teams IMO.

[DaVoiceMaster]

If Portland is taking back KCP and Isaac, then I want both picks (16 & 25).

KCP & Howard for Simon's should work, as well. Isaac's contract is only $8M if waived (or something similar to that).

[oldfishermen]

A trade with ORL makes too much sense NOT to do for POR (or ORL)

Isaac makes $15mil
Anthony $13.1

Isaac has FOUR more years left including next year @ $15\$14.56\$14.5\$15

He is a bit like Williams however in that over the last 4 years he has played in 34\11\58\71 games, so injury bug likes him

Anthony has a TO next year, so would not really affect POR that much

Still think KCP makes the most sense here, as he at least brings back some shooting (and defense!) back to POR which I imagine is important for Cronin\Billups


Something like KCP, Isaac, Howard & #16 for Simons & Williams?

(2) injured back up big men swapped for each other but, ORL gets the cap space next year off of Williams and solves the eventual Isaac issue. POR takes back a slightly less injured b\u big man to b\u Ayton\Clingan for now, eventually b\u for Clingan. Howard is a flyer @ wing, hasn't connected the dots yet, but probably a better flyer than Banton\Walker or Murray. POR gets to take another swing in this years' draft @ #16.

win\win for both teams IMO.

Isaac's contract is complicated. Copied from hoopshype

Only $8,000,000 guaranteed in 2026/27, HoopsHype has learned. Guarantee increases to full if he plays in at least 52 games during the 2025/26 regular season, or if not waived by one day after the conclusion of the 2026/27 moratorium period.

His contract includes an Exhibit 3, which could limit or eliminate his salary projection based on an injury to a certain body part, according to John Hollinger.

[dckingsfan]

If Portland is taking back KCP and Isaac, then I want both picks (16 & 25).

KCP & Howard for Simon's should work, as well. Isaac's contract is only $8M if waived (or something similar to that).

Or one if not both of their SRPs.

[dckingsfan]

A trade with ORL makes too much sense NOT to do for POR (or ORL)

Isaac makes $15mil
Anthony $13.1

Isaac has FOUR more years left including next year @ $15\$14.56\$14.5\$15

He is a bit like Williams however in that over the last 4 years he has played in 34\11\58\71 games, so injury bug likes him

Anthony has a TO next year, so would not really affect POR that much

Still think KCP makes the most sense here, as he at least brings back some shooting (and defense!) back to POR which I imagine is important for Cronin\Billups


Something like KCP, Isaac, Howard & #16 for Simons & Williams?

(2) injured back up big men swapped for each other but, ORL gets the cap space next year off of Williams and solves the eventual Isaac issue. POR takes back a slightly less injured b\u big man to b\u Ayton\Clingan for now, eventually b\u for Clingan. Howard is a flyer @ wing, hasn't connected the dots yet, but probably a better flyer than Banton\Walker or Murray. POR gets to take another swing in this years' draft @ #16.

win\win for both teams IMO.

Isaac's contract is complicated. Copied from hoopshype

Only $8,000,000 guaranteed in 2026/27, HoopsHype has learned. Guarantee increases to full if he plays in at least 52 games during the 2025/26 regular season, or if not waived by one day after the conclusion of the 2026/27 moratorium period.

His contract includes an Exhibit 3, which could limit or eliminate his salary projection based on an injury to a certain body part, according to John Hollinger.

And why the trade proposal makes even more sense (from a Portland perspective anyway).

[DusterBuster]

If Portland is taking back KCP and Isaac, then I want both picks (16 & 25).

KCP & Howard for Simon's should work, as well. Isaac's contract is only $8M if waived (or something similar to that).

Orlando fans are convinced the Isaac contract is one of the best contracts on the planet and absolute gold. I'm ... not convinced, but there is a world where that's a thing and they don't want to give up even one pick with him for Simons.

Simons+Timelord for Isaac + Black (and I'm assuming Anthony) has way too much salary coming into Orlando

I admittedly only added in Timelord to get one of the trade checkers to say the trade worked.

The local guys who I listen to during work in the background had a small thing this afternoon just on the Blazers overall the Simons came up, Marang is still convinced it's more likely Simons gets extended (at probably around 32ish mil per season) than it is he gets traded. He also said talking to his people he knows in the league, there's a sense for a lot of people just don't believe Scoot will ever be anymore more than a mediocre starter at best these days. If that sense is within the walls of the Blazers org, the likelihood of Cronin even entertaining a Simons trade could be lower than any one of us like.

[tester551]

A trade with ORL makes too much sense NOT to do for POR (or ORL)

Isaac makes $15mil
Anthony $13.1

Isaac has FOUR more years left including next year @ $15\$14.56\$14.5\$15

He is a bit like Williams however in that over the last 4 years he has played in 34\11\58\71 games, so injury bug likes him

Anthony has a TO next year, so would not really affect POR that much

Still think KCP makes the most sense here, as he at least brings back some shooting (and defense!) back to POR which I imagine is important for Cronin\Billups


Something like KCP, Isaac, Howard & #16 for Simons & Williams?

(2) injured back up big men swapped for each other but, ORL gets the cap space next year off of Williams and solves the eventual Isaac issue. POR takes back a slightly less injured b\u big man to b\u Ayton\Clingan for now, eventually b\u for Clingan. Howard is a flyer @ wing, hasn't connected the dots yet, but probably a better flyer than Banton\Walker or Murray. POR gets to take another swing in this years' draft @ #16.

win\win for both teams IMO.

Isaac's contract is complicated. Copied from hoopshype

Only $8,000,000 guaranteed in 2026/27, HoopsHype has learned. Guarantee increases to full if he plays in at least 52 games during the 2025/26 regular season, or if not waived by one day after the conclusion of the 2026/27 moratorium period.

His contract includes an Exhibit 3, which could limit or eliminate his salary projection based on an injury to a certain body part, according to John Hollinger.

It's not overly complicated.

He's guaranteed the following:
'25-'26 Season : $15M
'27: $8M
'28: $0
'29: $0

The guaranteed amount increases to $15M if he plays in 52 games the prior season.

https://www.spotrac.com/nba/player/_/id/23601/jonathan-isaac

[DusterBuster]

Read on Twitter

Mavs were an expected call. They've made it clear they want a stop-gap PG for Kyrie being out, but I don't really see a ton of I would move Simons to Dallas for unless they're willing to give up multiple FRPs like their 26 and 28 FRPs.

Magic we've talked to death.

Jazz are an unexpected entry here. Not really sure why they would be interested in him tbh. I almost wonder if there wouldn't be some kind of 3 team deal around Utah, Portland and Orlando? Picks and expirings going to Utah, Lauri going to Portland and Simons going to Orlando?

[dckingsfan]

Mavs were an expected call. They've made it clear they want a stop-gap PG for Kyrie being out, but I don't really see a ton of I would move Simons to Dallas for unless they're willing to give up multiple FRPs like their 26 and 28 FRPs.

Magic we've talked to death.

Jazz are an unexpected entry here. Not really sure why they would be interested in him tbh. I almost wonder if there wouldn't be some kind of 3 team deal around Utah, Portland and Orlando? Picks and expirings going to Utah, Lauri going to Portland and Simons going to Orlando?

I would HATE getting Lauri's contract. I understand why Ainge would do it, we should run - not walk away from that deal.

I hear you on the Dallas trade.

[Wizenheimer]

Read on Twitter

Mavs were an expected call. They've made it clear they want a stop-gap PG for Kyrie being out, but I don't really see a ton of I would move Simons to Dallas for unless they're willing to give up multiple FRPs like their 26 and 28 FRPs.

Magic we've talked to death.

Jazz are an unexpected entry here. Not really sure why they would be interested in him tbh. I almost wonder if there wouldn't be some kind of 3 team deal around Utah, Portland and Orlando? Picks and expirings going to Utah, Lauri going to Portland and Simons going to Orlando?

I imagine Utah has buyer's remorse on that Markkanen contract and is looking at getting out of it. Simons and his 28M expiring contract probably looks attractive

Dallas is an interesting alternative to Orlando. But unless, as you say, they are willing to send some good draft capital the contract match is poor.

Simons + Reath for Klay + Gafford + 1st round pick?

[DaVoiceMaster]

I don't think the Blazers can do better than Orlando's #16 pick for Simon's. I'm content sending Simons there for either KCP and Howard or Isaac and Anthony.