ATLTimekeeper wrote:MoneyBall wrote:ATLTimekeeper wrote:
Masai said no for Durant after Scottie won ROY. It makes sense that he would be offered now because Scottie struggled at times last year. Player values fluctuate, and increased data can help make better bets. OG heading into UFA isn't going to be attractive to Portland. He would be attractive to competitive teams to pick up a couple of late FRPs, which would be attractive to Portland. But, if the Raptors are trading for Lillard why would they trade OG?
I don't believe Masai's player valuations fluctuate like that, though. That's more of a reflection of realgm than Masai imo.
I can't speak for Portland, but I'd much rather have OG and his bird rights than Tyler Herro. No hesitation. Besides, if OG was willing to play in Indy for a bigger role why wouldn't he consider staying in Portland for the same reason?
They would trade OG because you have to give something of value to aquire Lillard. I'd add Gradey in there with expirings and picks.
That's the nature of the NBA. Masai was ready to trade Lowry for Iman Shumpert and a first at one point. I'm sure that price went up over the years.
OG can still walk, though. What if he doesn't want to play in Portland? If he walks, they traded Lillard for... Gradey Dick? That's a huge risk for them. Portland doesn't want Tyler Herro, they want the picks Tyler Herro might bring back. Miami's current offer is 3-4 FRPs with swaps/2nds/prospects.
The Raptors could trade OG for 2 FRPs and Dick to approximate 3, and then kick in another and add some swaps. That would keep Scottie here, but a team with Dame is stronger with OG on the wing than with Scottie.
This is Masai we're talking about, he's notorious for having high valuations, barely budging on asking price (unless it's going up). He will let someone walk in FA before selling low. For better or worse, this is his management style.
Of course OG could leave, but it's a calculated risk. They could incorporate him this season and see how it goes. It's higher risk, but also higher reward. If things don't seem to pan out by deadline, then they can get their picks for him.
Also, Gradey is a lottery pick (projected to go top 10). None of the picks from Miami will likely come close to that. If POR also wants Achiuwa, or Boucher, and/or Flynn we can add them too.
Honestly, I don't think the Raptors would be a legitimate Championship contender even with a Scottie for Lillard swap. The window is short and the depth is still weak.