RobWill getting strong interest from Lakers, Nuggets, Rockets

[DusterBuster]

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[DusterBuster]

Rockets feel like such a natural landing spot here. I think Ime would do more than other coaches to encourage the FO to do what they need to do to get him. Unlike other coaches out there, he's the only one who's coached Rob before, knows first hand what he brings and how to use him.

They have a contract that can work 1 for 1 with Steven Adams, they also have expendable multiple FRPs.

Steven Adams + 2025 Rockets FRP (lottery protected) for Adams seems like a deal I would do. Maybe Portland can squeeze out a 2nd rounder as well if there's a bidding war?

[DusterBuster]

A Lakers deal is a bit harder because of the Lakers cap situation, there is a 2 for 2 that makes some sense...

RW3
Banton

for

Vincent
Vanderbilt
2028 FRP Lottery Protected

I question if the Lakers would use a first rounder on RW3. Vanderbilt, while not expensive, has a long contract, somewhat injury prone, so he's on the edge of being a bad-ish contract, and is becoming pretty unnecessary with Rui and Finney-Smith. That said, the Blazers did have interest in trading for Vanderbilt when he was with the Wolves at a recent deadline before he ended up with the Lakers.

So I can see why the Lakers have interest, but the Lakers have been much more protective of their FRPs in the late-stage LeBron era. With that in mind and that I don't see Cronin moving RW3 without a FRP in any scenario, Lakers seem like a longshot without some behind the scenes pressure from LeBron's camp to really push for RW3.

[BlazersBroncos]

LAL and DEN have so many picks owed to other teams that to me, if I was their FO, moving a FRP for RWIII would be basically insane.

HOU has a surplus of picks and talent - I could see that working. Adams + 2025 FRP for RWIII is an overpay by HOU (I still dont see a guy as injured as RWIII having FRP value) - but they may be willing to pay it with their coaches connection to RWIII, surplus of picks and current high level of play.

Adams is a bonus - I think RWIII is a really good locker room guy. Him going out but Adams coming in means we dont lose that.

I would still try to move Ayton and run w/ Adams and DC at C if I had my way.

[DusterBuster]

A Nuggets trade could look like something like...

Saric
Nnaji

for

RW3
Walker
2026 FRP (Lottery Protected)

Kind of like the Lakers with Vando, I'm not sure the Blazers interest in taking on Nnaji who, even at only 8mil, feels overpriced for how little he brings. He is on a declining contract however and his final 7mil year is a PO, which at that price could be a 50/50 to be picked up.

[DusterBuster]

LAL and DEN have so many picks owed to other teams that to me, if I was their FO, moving a FRP for RWIII would be basically insane.

They do, but some of the early 2030's picks are starting to become trade available, so they have some far future ones now to trade they haven't in recent seasons.

Big picture though, I agree. Lakers in particular feel like a team that wants to do big game hunting vs supermarket shopping. I have a hard time doing enough mental gymnastics to see them giving up a first for a guy who, while he'd actually be a big help and great fit, doesn't really move the needle thhhhhat much.

That said, I can see JJ Reddick being a big big fan of Rob Williams. So I wouldn't completely discount it, but yeah... just feels like the Lakers have their sights set higher.

HOU has a surplus of picks and talent - I could see that working. Adams + 2025 FRP for RWIII is an overpay by HOU (I still dont see a guy as injured as RWIII having FRP value) - but they may be willing to pay it with their coaches connection to RWIII, surplus of picks and current high level of play.

Adams is a bonus - I think RWIII is a really good locker room guy. Him going out but Adams coming in means we dont lose that.

I would still try to move Ayton and run w/ Adams and DC at C if I had my way.

Yep, this is the same conclusion I've come to. Rockets are the best team of the group mentions where they could talk themselves into a guy like RW3 being a true "other the top" piece to really get them into the WCF or more. They have previous connections with the player. They have the expendable assets where losing one FRP doesn't really impact future bigger trades in any significant way, and they have salaries that are a good one-to-one match to make a trade easy and not have it saddle the Blazers with a questionable contract to get that extra first.

[DeBlazerRiddem]

I'm low key hoping no one makes a good offer and he's back next year. I mean we gotta take it if someone offers something real but I love the guy.

[Norm2953]

One would have to think the Blazers would ask TL where he wants to go and I'd suspect he'd choose
Houston.

It appears Houston's pick will in the middle 20's unless they somehow can get the higher of the two
Rockets picks

[DusterBuster]

I'm low key hoping no one makes a good offer and he's back next year. I mean we gotta take it if someone offers something real but I love the guy.

To be honest, I wouldn't hate this option either. Rob is awesome and I wouldn't even be totally shocked that, if the Blazers do keep him, they offer him some sort of extension this summer around the same number and with some injury protection outs for the team. I think that option is nearly as likely as them trading him.

All indications from those close to the team is that Rob was never truly considered a flip-piece in the Celtics trade. Cronin and company specifically valued his inclusion in the deal and like him as a fit more than an asset.

I would still air on the side of moving him if I were in Cronin's shoes. I just don't trust the knees enough and I like him so much as a player and person that I really want to see him get a chance to play for something while he's got some health on his side. I also think, and this is true for every player, unless a guy is a core roster pillar, trade guys while their value is at the peak. I'm not convinced Rob's value is gonna get much higher than it is now.

[BlazersBroncos]

I'm low key hoping no one makes a good offer and he's back next year. I mean we gotta take it if someone offers something real but I love the guy.

To be honest, I wouldn't hate this option either. Rob is awesome and I wouldn't even be totally shocked that, if the Blazers do keep him, they offer him some sort of extension this summer around the same number and with some injury protection outs for the team. I think that option is nearly as likely as them trading him.

All indications from those close to the team is that Rob was never truly considered a flip-piece in the Celtics trade. Cronin and company specifically valued his inclusion in the deal and like him as a fit more than an asset.

I would still air on the side of moving him if I were in Cronin's shoes. I just don't trust the knees enough and I like him so much as a player and person that I really want to see him get a chance to play for something while he's got some health on his side. I also think, and this is true for every player, unless a guy is a core roster pillar, trade guys while their value is at the peak. I'm not convinced Rob's value is gonna get much higher than it is now.

I am here as well.

I would rather keep Rob around and move Ayton for a player with the same length deal than trade Rob and get a 25-30 FRP.

Rob is the type of vet you WANT to keep around. Ironically, he is also the only vet we are likely to trade lol.

[DusterBuster]

I'm low key hoping no one makes a good offer and he's back next year. I mean we gotta take it if someone offers something real but I love the guy.

To be honest, I wouldn't hate this option either. Rob is awesome and I wouldn't even be totally shocked that, if the Blazers do keep him, they offer him some sort of extension this summer around the same number and with some injury protection outs for the team. I think that option is nearly as likely as them trading him.

All indications from those close to the team is that Rob was never truly considered a flip-piece in the Celtics trade. Cronin and company specifically valued his inclusion in the deal and like him as a fit more than an asset.

I would still air on the side of moving him if I were in Cronin's shoes. I just don't trust the knees enough and I like him so much as a player and person that I really want to see him get a chance to play for something while he's got some health on his side. I also think, and this is true for every player, unless a guy is a core roster pillar, trade guys while their value is at the peak. I'm not convinced Rob's value is gonna get much higher than it is now.

I am here as well.

I would rather keep Rob around and move Ayton for a player with the same length deal than trade Rob and get a 25-30 FRP.

Rob is the type of vet you WANT to keep around. Ironically, he is also the only vet we are likely to trade lol.

The problem with that is that a deal for Ayton just isn’t there.

[DeBlazerRiddem]

I'm low key hoping no one makes a good offer and he's back next year. I mean we gotta take it if someone offers something real but I love the guy.

To be honest, I wouldn't hate this option either. Rob is awesome and I wouldn't even be totally shocked that, if the Blazers do keep him, they offer him some sort of extension this summer around the same number and with some injury protection outs for the team. I think that option is nearly as likely as them trading him.

All indications from those close to the team is that Rob was never truly considered a flip-piece in the Celtics trade. Cronin and company specifically valued his inclusion in the deal and like him as a fit more than an asset.

I would still air on the side of moving him if I were in Cronin's shoes. I just don't trust the knees enough and I like him so much as a player and person that I really want to see him get a chance to play for something while he's got some health on his side. I also think, and this is true for every player, unless a guy is a core roster pillar, trade guys while their value is at the peak. I'm not convinced Rob's value is gonna get much higher than it is now.

It's for sure the smart thing to do, and as you point out if we take RW's interests into consideration the right thing to do by him as well. Honestly that is maybe a more compelling argument to me than getting whatever second round draft capital we can.

I'm just pretty jaded about getting more 2nd round picks when we just sold our last year. I know they can be useful but they also are just not hard to acquire if we do have a 2nd round target or need them and we have enough to grease the wheels so adding more is diminishing returns, just feels like we will probably waste them if that is all we get back.

Anyways, I know my position is somewhat irrational based on him just being a player type I really like. Love high IQ defensive minded bigs. I especially love that he is mentoring Clingan, who absolutely adores him, and think that the most beneficial thing he could do for us is to instill those habits and knowledge in our young center. Definitely dont want Clingan taking any inspiration from Ayton...

[DusterBuster]

I'm low key hoping no one makes a good offer and he's back next year. I mean we gotta take it if someone offers something real but I love the guy.

To be honest, I wouldn't hate this option either. Rob is awesome and I wouldn't even be totally shocked that, if the Blazers do keep him, they offer him some sort of extension this summer around the same number and with some injury protection outs for the team. I think that option is nearly as likely as them trading him.

All indications from those close to the team is that Rob was never truly considered a flip-piece in the Celtics trade. Cronin and company specifically valued his inclusion in the deal and like him as a fit more than an asset.

I would still air on the side of moving him if I were in Cronin's shoes. I just don't trust the knees enough and I like him so much as a player and person that I really want to see him get a chance to play for something while he's got some health on his side. I also think, and this is true for every player, unless a guy is a core roster pillar, trade guys while their value is at the peak. I'm not convinced Rob's value is gonna get much higher than it is now.

It's for sure the smart thing to do, and as you point out if we take RW's interests into consideration the right thing to do by him as well. Honestly that is maybe a more compelling argument to me than getting whatever second round draft capital we can.

I'm just pretty jaded about getting more 2nd round picks when we just sold our last year. I know they can be useful but they also are just not hard to acquire if we do have a 2nd round target or need them and we have enough to grease the wheels so adding more is diminishing returns, just feels like we will probably waste them if that is all we get back.

Anyways, I know my position is somewhat irrational based on him just being a player type I really like. Love high IQ defensive minded bigs. I especially love that he is mentoring Clingan, who absolutely adores him, and think that the most beneficial thing he could do for us is to instill those habits and knowledge in our young center. Definitely dont want Clingan taking any inspiration from Ayton...

Yeah, while second round draft picks have seen their value increase over the years, I still not see them as that valuable. I'd sooner keep Rob than shift him for a bunch of of seconds. They're the epitome of "throw in" assets.

As for Clingan, I'm totally not worried about him getting any of Ayton's habits. One of the reasons I'm so stoked on Clingan is the pedigree he comes from with Dan Hurley's college program. Ayton and Clingan couldn't be wired any more differently and Clingan has a good head on his shoulders to not be picking up bad habits from others, so that's not much of a worry for me. Agree those, love Rob as a backup for Clingan and as a good role model for really the whole team.

[tblazrdude]

LAL and DEN have so many picks owed to other teams that to me, if I was their FO, moving a FRP for RWIII would be basically insane.

They do, but some of the early 2030's picks are starting to become trade available,

If I'm them (and the Warriors, for that matter), I just don't think it's sound to trade picks beyond their aging star era.

'we don't have a pick this year because we traded it away to help AD who hasn't been on the team in 3-4 years' is something no ownership group wants.

[tester551]

Rockets feel like such a natural landing spot here. I think Ime would do more than other coaches to encourage the FO to do what they need to do to get him. Unlike other coaches out there, he's the only one who's coached Rob before, knows first hand what he brings and how to use him.

They have a contract that can work 1 for 1 with Steven Adams, they also have expendable multiple FRPs.

Steven Adams + 2025 Rockets FRP (lottery protected) for Adams seems like a deal I would do. Maybe Portland can squeeze out a 2nd rounder as well if there's a bidding war?

Rockets is good... but this is the trade:

RW3 + Banton
for
Whitmore + Landale (or Jeff Green)

[zzaj]

Rockets feel like such a natural landing spot here. I think Ime would do more than other coaches to encourage the FO to do what they need to do to get him. Unlike other coaches out there, he's the only one who's coached Rob before, knows first hand what he brings and how to use him.

They have a contract that can work 1 for 1 with Steven Adams, they also have expendable multiple FRPs.

Steven Adams + 2025 Rockets FRP (lottery protected) for Adams seems like a deal I would do. Maybe Portland can squeeze out a 2nd rounder as well if there's a bidding war?

Rockets is good... but this is the trade:

RW3 + Banton
for
Whitmore + Landale (or Jeff Green)

Personally, with Deni and Camara on the team plus a likely SF/SG coming in from this draft I don't really see a need for Cam Whitmore. I also have a hard time with his 3pt shooting...

[DusterBuster]

Rockets feel like such a natural landing spot here. I think Ime would do more than other coaches to encourage the FO to do what they need to do to get him. Unlike other coaches out there, he's the only one who's coached Rob before, knows first hand what he brings and how to use him.

They have a contract that can work 1 for 1 with Steven Adams, they also have expendable multiple FRPs.

Steven Adams + 2025 Rockets FRP (lottery protected) for Adams seems like a deal I would do. Maybe Portland can squeeze out a 2nd rounder as well if there's a bidding war?

Rockets is good... but this is the trade:

RW3 + Banton
for
Whitmore + Landale (or Jeff Green)

Personally, with Deni and Camara on the team plus a likely SF/SG coming in from this draft I don't really see a need for Cam Whitmore. I also have a hard time with his 3pt shooting...

Yeah, I’d rather a pick than Whitmore. Blazers have plenty of guys at or above his talent level with a high level role player ceiling like Cam… so yeah, gimme some draft capital.

[zzaj]

Rockets is good... but this is the trade:

RW3 + Banton
for
Whitmore + Landale (or Jeff Green)

Personally, with Deni and Camara on the team plus a likely SF/SG coming in from this draft I don't really see a need for Cam Whitmore. I also have a hard time with his 3pt shooting...

Yeah, I’d rather a pick than Whitmore. Blazers have plenty of guys at or above his talent level with a high level role player ceiling like Cam… so yeah, gimme some draft capital.

Cam is only 20 (I think) so a few years younger than both Deni/Camara, and is a good defender...so I can see the appeal. I just don't know if he's the guy for Blazers right now given where their roster is at. If he was a good 3pt shooter then I could see a distant argument for a potential Sharpe replacement. But he's definitely not that...

Blazers could draft Rasheer Fleming and basically have a similar player without having to give anything up.

(Sorry I keep yelling in the wind about Fleming, lol)

[Walton1one]

One advantage for POR should be that they have a number of players that could be added to an RW3 deal that could help push the compensation coming back over the hump

Guys like, Thybulle ($11mil PO next year), Banton, Walker, Reath, (all making $2mil or under), even a guy like Murray ($2.9mil) or maybe even Rupert ($1.9mil)

I do think HOU makes the most sense, and I think they could acquire RW3 w\o messing with their core rotation or dealing a highly valuable 1st

HOUSTON
RW3\Thybulle\Walker
for
Landale\Tate\Green & Whitmore

RW3\Thybulle\Reath
for
Adams\Green\Landale 28' HOU 1st (lotto protected, if no convey, 1-8 in 29' (they have (2) 1st's in 29') if no convey, then (2) future 2nd's) & 25' 2nd (MEM has swap rights)

DENVER
They are $5.15mil under 2nd apron, hard capped @ 2nd apron (have to take less than they send out)

RW3
for
Nnaji\Saric & 31 1st (lotto protected)

RW3\Banton\Reath (or sub Walker for (1) of Reath\banton)
for
Nnaji, Saric & either Strawther or Watson

RW3\Simons\Reath
for
MPJ\Saric & Strawther (or Watson) + 31' lotto protected 1st

LAKERS
been through this a bunch, they don't want to spend a 1st unless it is for star & I don't think POR takes (2) mid\bad 25' 2nd's back for RW3, so it would have to be a young player

RW3\Thybulle\Banton (could be Walker or Reath)
for
Rui\JHS\Christie

RW3\Thybulle\Banton (or Walker\Reath)
for
Vincent\Vanderbilt\Knecht & lotto protected 29' (or 31') 1st

The latest reports are that to take on Vanderbilt's contract, the cost is a 1st, so Knecht + 1st, seems about right

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10152617-lakers-insider-teams-will-demand-1st-round-draft-pick-in-jarred-vanderbilt-trade

RW3 & (1) of Walker\Reath\Banton
for
Vincent\Knecht & (25' 2nd, most favorable)

[PDXKnight]

One advantage for POR should be that they have a number of players that could be added to an RW3 deal that could help push the compensation coming back over the hump

Guys like, Thybulle ($11mil PO next year), Banton, Walker, Reath, (all making $2mil or under), even a guy like Murray ($2.9mil) or maybe even Rupert ($1.9mil)

I do think HOU makes the most sense, and I think they could acquire RW3 w\o messing with their core rotation or dealing a highly valuable 1st

HOUSTON
RW3\Thybulle\Walker
for
Landale\Tate\Green & Whitmore

RW3\Thybulle\Reath
for
Adams\Green\Landale 28' HOU 1st (lotto protected, if no convey, 1-8 in 29' (they have (2) 1st's in 29') if no convey, then (2) future 2nd's) & 25' 2nd (MEM has swap rights)

DENVER
They are $5.15mil under 2nd apron, hard capped @ 2nd apron (have to take less than they send out)

RW3
for
Nnaji\Saric & 31 1st (lotto protected)

RW3\Banton\Reath (or sub Walker for (1) of Reath\banton)
for
Nnaji, Saric & either Strawther or Watson

RW3\Simons\Reath
for
MPJ\Saric & Strawther (or Watson) + 31' lotto protected 1st

LAKERS
been through this a bunch, they don't want to spend a 1st unless it is for star & I don't think POR takes (2) mid\bad 25' 2nd's back for RW3, so it would have to be a young player

RW3\Thybulle\Banton (could be Walker or Reath)
for
Rui\JHS\Christie

RW3\Thybulle\Banton (or Walker\Reath)
for
Vincent\Vanderbilt\Knecht & lotto protected 29' (or 31') 1st

The latest reports are that to take on Vanderbilt's contract, the cost is a 1st, so Knecht + 1st, seems about right

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10152617-lakers-insider-teams-will-demand-1st-round-draft-pick-in-jarred-vanderbilt-trade

RW3 & (1) of Walker\Reath\Banton
for
Vincent\Knecht & (25' 2nd, most favorable)

There's no way we pull a first AND knecht for rob. That's a pipe dream even with taking on vanderbilts contract