Windhorst: Raptors making noise around the league looking for a “big fish” // Giannis & Toronto "Mutual Interest"/KD too

[Nebuchadnezzar]

i haven't watched much bball in 1.5 years. is giannis as good as he used to be? is he getting more skilled? or does he still rely on physicality?

Top 3 in the league, athleticism and physicality might become a concern in 2-3 years unless he's lebron genetically. That's why the Raptors have a short window with him to win it all.

Anytime you can get a Top 3 player in the league, you do it, specially if he has a connection to Toronto, via Masai

I think given his agility and speed at his size, he might be more genetically gifted than LeBron.

[earthtone]

Scottie counts for his full extension against Milwaukee's cap (not 10 million) even before July 1st, this is not an issue.

He counts as $39 million in incoming salary for Milwuakee, but only counts as $10 million incoming outgoing salary for Toronto. That $29 million dollar difference is a huge issue and makes a pre-July 1st deal involving Scottie pretty much impossible .

Pretty good primer on the Poison Pill here:
https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2018/10/hoops-rumors-glossary-poison-pill-provision.html

[Raps in 4]

i haven't watched much bball in 1.5 years. is giannis as good as he used to be? is he getting more skilled? or does he still rely on physicality?

Top 3 in the league, athleticism and physicality might become a concern in 2-3 years unless he's lebron genetically. That's why the Raptors have a short window with him to win it all.

Anytime you can get a Top 3 player in the league, you do it, specially if he has a connection to Toronto, via Masai

I think given his agility and speed at his size, he might be more genetically gifted than LeBron.

LeBron is much more skilled than Giannis. Giannis is just modern-day Shaq. LeBron is both one of the most physically gifted players is all time and one of the most skilled. He can muscle his way to the rim. He can create his own shot. He can catch and shoot. He can quarterback an offence.

If LeBron only relied on his strength and athleticism to generate offence, the way Giannis does, he'd have retired by now.

[dkb964]

Is it impossible to do a draft day deal for Giannis if Barnes is included in the deal?

[OakleyDokely]

Is it impossible to do a draft day deal for Giannis if Barnes is included in the deal?

It's technically possible, but it would be very different.

If Giannis is traded to TOR (officially), it will likely be after July 1st.

They could agree to the structure of a deal, the Raps draft for the Bucks and then it's officially announced next month.

[dkb964]

Is it impossible to do a draft day deal for Giannis if Barnes is included in the deal?

It's technically possible, but it would be very different.

If Giannis is traded to TOR (officially), it will likely be after July 1st.

They could agree to the structure of a deal, the Raps draft for the Bucks and then it's officially announced next month.

If I am the Bucks I want both Barnes and the 9th pick.

[OakleyDokely]

Is it impossible to do a draft day deal for Giannis if Barnes is included in the deal?

It's technically possible, but it would be very different.

If Giannis is traded to TOR (officially), it will likely be after July 1st.

They could agree to the structure of a deal, the Raps draft for the Bucks and then it's officially announced next month.

If I am the Bucks I want both Barnes and the 9th pick.

They will likely get that plus other stuff

[dkb964]

It's technically possible, but it would be very different.

If Giannis is traded to TOR (officially), it will likely be after July 1st.

They could agree to the structure of a deal, the Raps draft for the Bucks and then it's officially announced next month.

If I am the Bucks I want both Barnes and the 9th pick.

They will likely get that plus other stuff

I would think additional picks for sure. Does Barnes salary count as 10M or 40M in a potential deal? If 10M then they would need to add IQ or RJ as well I would imagine.

[TheRealDeal]

I mean, there’s two things masai has been able to do. Blockbuster trades for a star (kawhi/gasol/ingram) and draft. One strength counters the other unfortunately gotta trade picks to get the star. So I wouldn’t be surprised if we do land Giannis. I just don’t think it makes us contenders like the Kawhi trade unless we land someone else equivalent to Danny Green from Milwaukee. Yes, Green was pretty huge in the deal too.

He also orchestrated the Carmelo Anthony trade. Masai has plenty of experience making these kinds of blockbuster deals

[djsunyc]

there are countless times deals are made during the draft but not finalized until after july 1st. so dont get caught up on trade timing.

bucks and raptors can have a trade agreed to in principle on draft night and becoming official on july 15th when it becomes financially eligible.

[Gavin_TDThree]

If I am the Bucks I want both Barnes and the 9th pick.

They will likely get that plus other stuff

I would think additional picks for sure. Does Barnes salary count as 10M or 40M in a potential deal? If 10M then they would need to add IQ or RJ as well I would imagine.

going out for us it's $10M but coming in for MIL it's $40M (poison pill). So the only feasible option is to wait until July 1st otherwise the trade gets real complicated

[Brinbe]

Not hard to see what the shape of a trade would be. Scottie+filler whether it's Gradey+Ochai (or RJ instead of those 2)+9th overall and then a few more future firsts and then 2 or 3 pick swaps.

You're getting a top 5 player for the next 5-6 years so it's easily worth it.

You make the bet that Giannis elevates guys like IQ and BI can be a Middleton-like number 2. Still have decent bench depth there with Shead/Walter/Battle/Mogbo. There would def be more follow-up moves like Yak going out for a more compatible C to partner with Giannis.

It can all easily happen but it all depends on what Giannis wants to do.

Honestly wouldn't be surprised if he just opts to stick with things in Milwaukee, but we'll see how things develop in the next few weeks.

[dkb964]

Not hard to see what the shape of a trade would be. Scottie+filler whether it's Gradey+Ochai (or RJ instead of those 2)+9th overall and then a few more future firsts and then 2 or 3 pick swaps.

You're getting a top 5 player for the next 5-6 years so it's easily worth it.

You make the bet that Giannis elevates guys like IQ and BI can be a Middleton-like number 2. Still have decent bench depth there with Shead/Walter/Battle/Mogbo. There would def be more follow-up moves like Yak going out for a more compatible C to partner with Giannis.

It can all easily happen but it all depends on what Giannis wants to do.

Honestly wouldn't be surprised if he just opts to stick with things in Milwaukee, but we'll see how things develop in the next few weeks.

If he wants a chance to win another championship he needs to leave Milwaukee. I have no idea why they gave their GM an extention. The roster is old and lacks talent. They also do not have any draft picks for half a decade.

[Brinbe]

Not hard to see what the shape of a trade would be. Scottie+filler whether it's Gradey+Ochai (or RJ instead of those 2)+9th overall and then a few more future firsts and then 2 or 3 pick swaps.

You're getting a top 5 player for the next 5-6 years so it's easily worth it.

You make the bet that Giannis elevates guys like IQ and BI can be a Middleton-like number 2. Still have decent bench depth there with Shead/Walter/Battle/Mogbo. There would def be more follow-up moves like Yak going out for a more compatible C to partner with Giannis.

It can all easily happen but it all depends on what Giannis wants to do.

Honestly wouldn't be surprised if he just opts to stick with things in Milwaukee, but we'll see how things develop in the next few weeks.

If he wants a chance to win another championship he needs to leave Milwaukee. I have no idea why they gave their GM an extention. The roster is old and lacks talent. They also do not have any draft picks for half a decade.

You'd think so, yeah. And winning is obviously important to him. But I think my main point is that humans are unpredictable and I don't think he's even really sure of what direction he wants to go in right now, so everything is just guesswork.

But if he is persuadable, Masai gotta earn that salary and do an all-timer recruiting pitch to get this over-the-line.

[WuTang_CMB]

All i know is toronto is dying for a superstar here

Go look at the comments on giannis’ recent ig post lol

This city would absolutely explode

Lets go masai

[MessiahUjiri]

Top 3 in the league, athleticism and physicality might become a concern in 2-3 years unless he's lebron genetically. That's why the Raptors have a short window with him to win it all.

Anytime you can get a Top 3 player in the league, you do it, specially if he has a connection to Toronto, via Masai

I think given his agility and speed at his size, he might be more genetically gifted than LeBron.

LeBron is much more skilled than Giannis. Giannis is just modern-day Shaq. LeBron is both one of the most physically gifted players is all time and one of the most skilled. He can muscle his way to the rim. He can create his own shot. He can catch and shoot. He can quarterback an offence.

If LeBron only relied on his strength and athleticism to generate offence, the way Giannis does, he'd have retired by now.

Agree with the Shaq like comparison.

Giannis will actually play more C as he ages into his 30s.

He’s 7 feet with a massive wingspan. Once he gets that old man strength, he should be a big C.

[duppyy]

Lebron is still quick for an old man.

[bobbyp3588]

Not hard to see what the shape of a trade would be. Scottie+filler whether it's Gradey+Ochai (or RJ instead of those 2)+9th overall and then a few more future firsts and then 2 or 3 pick swaps.

You're getting a top 5 player for the next 5-6 years so it's easily worth it.

You make the bet that Giannis elevates guys like IQ and BI can be a Middleton-like number 2. Still have decent bench depth there with Shead/Walter/Battle/Mogbo. There would def be more follow-up moves like Yak going out for a more compatible C to partner with Giannis.

It can all easily happen but it all depends on what Giannis wants to do.

Honestly wouldn't be surprised if he just opts to stick with things in Milwaukee, but we'll see how things develop in the next few weeks.

If he wants a chance to win another championship he needs to leave Milwaukee. I have no idea why they gave their GM an extention. The roster is old and lacks talent. They also do not have any draft picks for half a decade.

I doubt Giannis asks out. They may decide to change direction so it might not be up to him. I’d be surprised if he’s not a Buck still for a number of years to come, though.

He’s a good seemingly decent man, and I can’t see him bailing on his only team. Especially after no doubt pushing for that tragic (in hindsight) Dame trade which really was doomed from the get go, Jrue being the better player/fit for the Bucks all along.

I’d happily take him if the opportunity presented itself, but let’s not kid ourselves - it won’t. Even if he does leave, there’ll be better packages out there for Milwaukee to consider.

[OakleyDokely]

Not hard to see what the shape of a trade would be. Scottie+filler whether it's Gradey+Ochai (or RJ instead of those 2)+9th overall and then a few more future firsts and then 2 or 3 pick swaps.

You're getting a top 5 player for the next 5-6 years so it's easily worth it.

You make the bet that Giannis elevates guys like IQ and BI can be a Middleton-like number 2. Still have decent bench depth there with Shead/Walter/Battle/Mogbo. There would def be more follow-up moves like Yak going out for a more compatible C to partner with Giannis.

It can all easily happen but it all depends on what Giannis wants to do.

Honestly wouldn't be surprised if he just opts to stick with things in Milwaukee, but we'll see how things develop in the next few weeks.

If he wants a chance to win another championship he needs to leave Milwaukee. I have no idea why they gave their GM an extention. The roster is old and lacks talent. They also do not have any draft picks for half a decade.

I doubt Giannis asks out. They may decide to change direction so it might not be up to him. I’d be surprised if he’s not a Buck still for a number of years to come, though.

He’s a good seemingly decent man, and I can’t see him bailing on his only team. Especially after no doubt pushing for that tragic (in hindsight) Dame trade which really was doomed from the get go, Jrue being the better player/fit for the Bucks all along.

I’d happily take him if the opportunity presented itself, but let’s not kid ourselves - it won’t. Even if he does leave, there’ll be better packages out there for Milwaukee to consider.

I was sorta leaning towards him staying a few weeks ago, but Giannis' silence speaks volumes. He could've come and said that he's sticking it out with Bucks, but all the reports out there are saying he's not opposed to a move. And if does decide to leave, the Raps can compete with most offers, especially the ones out of the east.

[Clutch0z24]

People really worrying about a top 3 player in his early 30s.....If you believe Barnes will be better than Giannis in his early 30s...Do not do the deal....But chances are if you get Giannis even in his Early to mid 30s thats prolly a top 2 Raptor of all time ever playing here....Between him and Kawhi talent wise....Ill take that over hoping Barnes can reach that level one day....

Also them picks we are giving up on top of Barnes are likely to be in the 20s as long as Giannis is here....Its a risk but the reward could be a title or two...And you will be in the mix every year once you get him on the team...If we stand pat with Barnes/Dick and continue to try and win with that....Theres a good chance we are never even in the mix at all for a title and we just are a 1st/2nd round loser every year...

Giannis will be the best player to be available in a trade in a very long time....Players on his level do not go on the market often...If at all....