Potential Offseason Moves

[Whole Truth]

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[SD2042]

Keith Smith
✔
@KeithSmithNBA

Told that D'Angelo Russell's team would not have set a meeting with the Minnesota Timberwolves without assurances Wolves could clear the necessary cap space to sign Russell. Minnesota has made it clear they believe they can get to the $27.25M max space necessary to sign Russell.

545
2:19 PM - Jun 29, 2019

Wiggins has removed references from his Instagram account.

When there is smoke, the fire follows. I'm thinking these assurances will take a couple of days to get this mystery deal struck. All the NBA World can do is wait and see.

I read a suns article recently that mentioned something I had not given thought too. It mentioned the team that Lands Russel between Suns & Minnesota could attract the 3rd friend of the group, whether that's Kat to the Suns or Booker to Minnesota when both become UFA's in 2024. So the race for Russell could be more important than I originally thought. The trio would be 27 at that point & in their primes.

-7 in cap space with a need for Russell, dumping salary is very important to Minnesota because they could stand to lose more than Russell in FA.

Kyrie to Brooklyn
Kemba to Boston
Conley to Utah
Rubio to Pacers

The fact that LA traded away Russell is working against them?.
Kat, friend 1, leverage to Minnesota?
Booker, friend 2, leverage to Suns?
Team that lands Russell, leverage on 3rd friend in FA.

Which remaining teams with cap & a need for a PG would take Teague into space?. (Orlando, Suns, Charlotte, LA?)

If Memphis play their cards right there's alot of leverage there in taking on Minnesota's bad contracts .. for pure cap space.

Both Cavs & Memphis pushed back 2 non guaranteed contracts that could save roughly 10m in Smith & Bradley paying them an extra mil for it.

I think it's possible Cavs drafted Garland despite having Sexton, with the idea one of the 2 (Minnesota/Suns) will lose out on Russell.

I still have the Knicks taking on Teague as they do have cap space.

The Cavs forced themselves to take Garland as they could not strike a good deal as The Pelicans leapfrog them for the 4th overall pick.

As for the LA's mistake for trading Russell is working against them now. Their sins have come home to roost sort of speak.

I will say the Lakers biggest problem is their arrogance. Although they have the right to be proud of the fact they have 16 championship in their history. The average Lakers team has been build most through FAs and trades. Unless this happened in the earlier years, I can't recall the last time the Lakers build their team from the ground up and became successful.

This Lakers squad that was rebuilding recently could've been on it's way if it wasn't for the pride, lack of humble, and lack of believing in their young guys hadn't gotten in the way. Now they are staring a two year window of Hollywood James and company in their faces. Hopefully for their sake, they know what they are doing.

[Whole Truth]

I still have the Knicks taking on Teague as they do have cap space.

The Cavs forced themselves to take Garland as they could not strike a good deal as The Pelicans leapfrog them for the 4th overall pick.

As for the LA's mistake for trading Russell is working against them now. Their sins have come home to roost sort of speak.

I will say the Lakers biggest problem is their arrogance. Although they have the right to be proud of the fact they have 16 championship in their history. The average Lakers team has been build most through FAs and trades. Unless this happened in the earlier years, I can't recall the last time the Lakers build their team from the ground up and became successful.

This Lakers squad that was rebuilding recently could've been on it's way if it wasn't for the pride, lack of humble, and lack of believing in their young guys hadn't gotten in the way. Now they are staring a two year window of Hollywood James and company in their faces. Hopefully for their sake, they know what they are doing.

What's in it for the Knicks? they have 3 pg's currently on roster vying for playing time.

After Russel met with Minnesota, Suns bowed out for Rubio ..

[SD2042]

I still have the Knicks taking on Teague as they do have cap space.

The Cavs forced themselves to take Garland as they could not strike a good deal as The Pelicans leapfrog them for the 4th overall pick.

As for the LA's mistake for trading Russell is working against them now. Their sins have come home to roost sort of speak.

I will say the Lakers biggest problem is their arrogance. Although they have the right to be proud of the fact they have 16 championship in their history. The average Lakers team has been build most through FAs and trades. Unless this happened in the earlier years, I can't recall the last time the Lakers build their team from the ground up and became successful.

This Lakers squad that was rebuilding recently could've been on it's way if it wasn't for the pride, lack of humble, and lack of believing in their young guys hadn't gotten in the way. Now they are staring a two year window of Hollywood James and company in their faces. Hopefully for their sake, they know what they are doing.

What's in it for the Knicks? they have 3 pg's currently on roster vying for playing time.

After Russel met with Minnesota, Suns bowed out for Rubio ..

Nikiltina is likely on the out with the Knicks. Mudiay maybe sitting in the same seat. As for Smith Jr. I think he will be the starter regardless. As for Teague, at least he would give the Knicks a vet at the PG position and would be able to show Smith Jr. the ropes being the backup if certain situations were to play out for the Knicks.

As for Rubio to the Suns, I had a suspicion that would happen once they traded Warren's contract out of the Suns on draft night.

[Whole Truth]

I still have the Knicks taking on Teague as they do have cap space.

The Cavs forced themselves to take Garland as they could not strike a good deal as The Pelicans leapfrog them for the 4th overall pick.

As for the LA's mistake for trading Russell is working against them now. Their sins have come home to roost sort of speak.

I will say the Lakers biggest problem is their arrogance. Although they have the right to be proud of the fact they have 16 championship in their history. The average Lakers team has been build most through FAs and trades. Unless this happened in the earlier years, I can't recall the last time the Lakers build their team from the ground up and became successful.

This Lakers squad that was rebuilding recently could've been on it's way if it wasn't for the pride, lack of humble, and lack of believing in their young guys hadn't gotten in the way. Now they are staring a two year window of Hollywood James and company in their faces. Hopefully for their sake, they know what they are doing.

What's in it for the Knicks? they have 3 pg's currently on roster vying for playing time.

After Russel met with Minnesota, Suns bowed out for Rubio ..

Nikiltina is likely on the out with the Knicks. Mudiay maybe sitting in the same seat. As for Smith Jr. I think he will be the starter regardless. As for Teague, at least he would give the Knicks a vet at the PG position and would be able to show Smith Jr. the ropes being the backup if certain situations were to play out for the Knicks.

As for Rubio to the Suns, I had a suspicion that would happen once they traded Warren's contract out of the Suns on draft night.

Suns were invested in Russel.

Kat was in the Wolves meeting with Russel & not too long after Suns signed Rubio. Kat is currently sending cryptic messages of Dloading on his Instagram saying they can't say anything until the 6th.

[SD2042]

What's in it for the Knicks? they have 3 pg's currently on roster vying for playing time.

After Russel met with Minnesota, Suns bowed out for Rubio ..

Nikiltina is likely on the out with the Knicks. Mudiay maybe sitting in the same seat. As for Smith Jr. I think he will be the starter regardless. As for Teague, at least he would give the Knicks a vet at the PG position and would be able to show Smith Jr. the ropes being the backup if certain situations were to play out for the Knicks.

As for Rubio to the Suns, I had a suspicion that would happen once they traded Warren's contract out of the Suns on draft night.

Suns were invested in Russel.

Kat was in the Wolves meeting with Russel & not too long after Suns signed Rubio. Kat is currently sending cryptic messages of Dloading on his Instagram saying they can't say anything until the 6th.

From this, this all but confirms the Wolves are getting their ducks in a row by relieving themselves of contracts or cap space. Once they get it done, DLo looks to be the next Wolves player for the immediate future.

[Whole Truth]

Nikiltina is likely on the out with the Knicks. Mudiay maybe sitting in the same seat. As for Smith Jr. I think he will be the starter regardless. As for Teague, at least he would give the Knicks a vet at the PG position and would be able to show Smith Jr. the ropes being the backup if certain situations were to play out for the Knicks.

As for Rubio to the Suns, I had a suspicion that would happen once they traded Warren's contract out of the Suns on draft night.

Suns were invested in Russel.

Kat was in the Wolves meeting with Russel & not too long after Suns signed Rubio. Kat is currently sending cryptic messages of Dloading on his Instagram saying they can't say anything until the 6th.

From this, this all but confirms the Wolves are getting their ducks in a row by relieving themselves of contracts or cap space. Once they get it done, DLo looks to be the next Wolves player for the immediate future.

The question remains what's their avenue to shedding cap?. Most options & avenues have dried up.

I still think Memphis dealing Conley pre draft mainly for 30m cap space (25m TPE + Korver) & not waiting for the PG market to shake out had a lot to do with Minnesota trading up for Culver & passing on White. Their target is to pair Russel with Kat to appease him, keep him when FA hits & it makes the world of sense to move out Wiggins contract to do that for future flexibility..

Wiggins can't fit into the TPE but Teague or Dieng can. Then Memphis could combine players with their non guaranteed contract/s to match Wiggins salary. for the difference on taking 19m into the TPE (Teague 19, Korver 3m/G, Culver 5m cap hold) = 28.6m

Memphis trade - (TPE 19m) for (Teague 19m expiring)
Memphis trade - (Crowder 7.8m, Korver 7.6m/3m guarantee, K. Anderson 9m) for (Wiggins, Culver, FRP)

Minnesota shed 30m, take on only 9m in committed salary, sign Russel without the risk of luxury tax.
Memphis absorb the contract in a development period for Jaren & Ja for asset accumulation. Hope Wiggins can put it together as gravy.

[Whole Truth]

I was way off. Like it though, Iggy now & a lightly protected pick when Curry might be done.


Adrian Wojnarowski
✔
@wojespn

Golden State is trading Andre Iguodala to the Memphis Grizzlies, league source tells ESPN. Warriors are sending a 2024 protected first-round pick in the 2024 (protected 1-4), 2025 (protected 1) and 2026 unprotected.

21.5K
11:41 PM - Jun 30, 2019

[Whole Truth]

Memphis SF/PF position needs to be consolidated.

PF - 3J / Parsons / Crowder / Clarke
SF - Iggy / Anderson / Miles / Bruno

Wonder If Warrior are going to try & flip Russel to Minnesota for Depth?. or is that impossible?.

Minneosta trade - (Wiggins 27m, Culver) to Memphis for (Crowder 7.6m, Anderson 9m, Miles 8m, Allen 2.4m)

Warriors receive - (Memphis SF/PF depth) for (Russel)

Minnesota receive - (Russel) for (Wiggins, Culver)

Jonas / Noah
3J / Clarke
Wiggins / Iggy
Culver / Brooks
Ja / Wright

+ 2022 pick 1-6 protected & 2024 pick, 1-4 protected

[VCfor3]

So at this point, we are looking at Crowder, Korver, and Iggy likely being on the trading block. JV (in December) and Anderson are likely available in the right deal but not being shopped. Wright is to be determined. We still have a portion of the TPE left for a smaller salary dump. We still have a portion of the MLE we can use to maybe sign a good vet for cheap and flip him later to a contender. We have two future 1sts that could be quite decent. Crazy how different things look now versus a couple months ago.

[SD2042]

Quick question to get some thoughts. Since scoring is an issue that needs address who do you think the Grizzlies could target as that scorer regardless of free agency or trade?

[Whole Truth]

Quick question to get some thoughts. Since scoring is an issue that needs address who do you think the Grizzlies could target as that scorer regardless of free agency or trade?

My only free agent target for Memphis was Ross who resigned with your Magic.

In trade - I don't believe for a sec if Kat is good with Russell as stated that his decision to go to the Warriors blindsided Minnesota, nere hours after a cryptic Dloading IG post from Kat after their meeting. I don't believe that Minnesota gave up Saric & the 11th to specifically target Culver, when they have Okogie to put their PG situation all on the line for Russell. They could have drafted White at 6 & had insurance on losing out on Russell. I believe they targeted Culver to help move near 30m in salary.

GS have 9 roster spots to fill being 18m under the hard cap, the only way to fill that depth with any kind of quality is to trade Russell who at 20+m with demand & interest (Minnesota) should bring back solid depth options.

I didn't understand the Wolves quote of not being able to say anything until the 6th. Until I found out that Russell can be flipped either before the 6th or Dec 15.

I believe this could be why Bradley's non guaranteed contract was pushed back ...

If I'm Memphis, I don't really want Wiggins but if he's attached to Culver & maybe a pick, he's my only trade target to standing pat.

Most of Memphis large commitments come off the books leaving Wiggins the lone bad contract for the 2-3 development period of Ja & Jaren. If the assets are worth It, I'd help Minnesota land Russell.

Crowder, Korver, Miles, Allen or brooks for (Wiggins, Culver) as Memphis got the 2024 lightly protected FRP for 17m TPE from GS. If Memphis can squeeze another pick out of Minnesota better yet. My original trade was for Culver & 2022 unprotected FRP. The 2024 FRP from GS is lightly protected & rolls over into unprotected in 2026. It's quite possible in that range Minnesota with Kat/Russell & maybe the 3rd amigo Booker as result of landing Russell, might be doing better than an ageing GS core group (Curry at 35/Klay 33) at that point.

Jonas / Noah / Rabb
3J / Clarke / Parsons
Wiggins / Iggy / Bruno
Culver / Bradley / Brooks
Ja / Wright / Carter

Depending on where the cap situation is, waiving Bradley nets back 10m.

[Whole Truth]

After taking on Iggy, Memphis have -20m in practical cap space. Cavs are still looking for a trade for JR. Smith's non guaranteed contract & were linked to wanting a veteran presence in Hayward.

If Memphis plan to waive (Iggy 17m), trade him to Cavs for (JR. Smith's 15m/4m guarantee). Sheds 12-13m roughly.

Memphis Waiving Smith, Bradley = 22-23m in cap recouped on 6m buyouts. For 2-3m practical cap space.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In a cost-cutting move to help GS re-sign center Kevon Looney, the Warriors traded point guard Shabazz Napier, shooting guard Treveon Graham and an undisclosed amount of cash to the Timberwolves on Monday. Now why would Minnesota facilitate leverage for GS to resign Looney, if they stole Russell right out from under them?. You would think they'd try to pressure GS into giving up Russell to fill their 9 roster spots, with only 18m before the hard cap. Not help them, unless part of a bigger deal, delayed for these alternative benefits, like resigning Looney

Russell was signed to 117m/4yrs roughly 29.2m, Minnesota took on 3.5m in Napier & Graham from GS separately to help them finance resigning Looney. Under cuts the fact that Russell can't be flipped in combination with other players
If Russell is traded to Minnesota theoretically with them taking onNapier, Graham = roughly 32.7m.

Wiggins 27.5m + Culver 5.8m = 32.3m

Minnesota trade - (Wiggins 27.5m, Culver 5.8m) for (Russell 29.2m)

Memphis absorb - (Wiggins 27.5m, Culver 5.8m incentive) 32.3m
send depth to GS for Russell - (Crowder 7.8m, K. Anderson 9m, Miles 8m, Korver 7.6m, Carter 1.4m) 32.8m

Korver bought out at 3m (Napier/Graham absorbed) = 28.2m in a 5-1 trade for Russell.

-GS net quality depth, 2 3&D wings one expiring, one young, backup PG, that leaves 5 roster spots to fill, 19m before the hard cap.
-Minnesota dump Wiggins, net Russell, for giving up Culver.
-Memphis consolidate their quality depth for a bad contract to net Culver.

[VCfor3]

Quick question to get some thoughts. Since scoring is an issue that needs address who do you think the Grizzlies could target as that scorer regardless of free agency or trade?

I think the team is focusing more on acquiring assets and young talent and will focus on balancing the roster/plugging holes later on (like maybe next offseason). JV can get buckets whenever we need him to. Ja and JJJ will have opportunities to score. Dillon Brooks can probably get a dozen points for us a game off the bench. Wright can do a little work for us on the offensive end. We don't have a true alpha scorer, but JV can be the guy we go to when things break down and we need a bucket. JJJ may also turn into that guy. I don't think we will be good enough for it to matter a ton so let the young guys develop and try to expand their game and see how it plays out. Next draft if we keep our pick we can target an alpha scoring wing player.

As for potential FA targets: Maybe we will take a flyer on Jabari Parker? He could help get buckets for us. Kelly Oubre is a possible S&T target but I wouldn't want to overpay him.

[BarbaGrizz]

Quick question to get some thoughts. Since scoring is an issue that needs address who do you think the Grizzlies could target as that scorer regardless of free agency or trade?

I'm not as concerned in adding a scorer. I think between Ja, JJJ and JV we will have 50-75 points every night. Add 15-20 from SG and SF and 15-30 from the bench and we'll be scoring anywhere around 80-120 per game. We'll win if 1) our offense works with above average efficiency or 2) our defense holds the other team to a low score. As we're rebuilding, at least this next season I'm more concerned in developing Ja, JJJ, Clarke, Bruno and Brooks than winning, to be honest.

[Whole Truth]

Suns traded Warren & Jackson into cap space. Traded the 6th pick for Saric & the 11th pick to reach for Cameron but didn't want 2yrs of Conley for that price, to sign Rubio.

lol.

It worked out better for Memphis anyway trading with Utah.

Conley = Jackson, Allen, Crowder, Clarke, 2022 (1-6), 2024 (1-4) + 2, 2nd round picks.

Now it's to consolidate the forward position. Still think Minnesota, GS & Memphis work out a trade.

- Russell to Minnesota …

- Wiggins, Culver to Memphis …

- Memphis depth to GS … (Crowder, Anderson, Miles, Allen or Brooks) … 4 or 5 - 1 quality depth trade for GS.

[SD2042]

Suns traded Warren & Jackson into cap space. Traded the 6th pick for Saric & the 11th pick to reach for Cameron but didn't want 2yrs of Conley for that price, to sign Rubio.

lol.

It worked out better for Memphis anyway trading with Utah.

Conley = Jackson, Allen, Crowder, Clarke, 2022 (1-6), 2024 (1-4) + 2, 2nd round picks.

Now it's to consolidate the forward position. Still think Minnesota, GS & Memphis work out a trade.

- Russell to Minnesota …

- Wiggins, Culver to Memphis …

- Memphis depth to GS … (Crowder, Anderson, Miles, Allen or Brooks) … 4 or 5 - 1 quality depth trade for GS.

It's bad enough to have traded for Jackson. Then again, if he gets banned for his off the court issues, maybe a blessing in disguise?

Wiggins on the other hand.....

[Whole Truth]

Suns traded Warren & Jackson into cap space. Traded the 6th pick for Saric & the 11th pick to reach for Cameron but didn't want 2yrs of Conley for that price, to sign Rubio.

lol.

It worked out better for Memphis anyway trading with Utah.

Conley = Jackson, Allen, Crowder, Clarke, 2022 (1-6), 2024 (1-4) + 2, 2nd round picks.

Now it's to consolidate the forward position. Still think Minnesota, GS & Memphis work out a trade.

- Russell to Minnesota …

- Wiggins, Culver to Memphis …

- Memphis depth to GS … (Crowder, Anderson, Miles, Allen or Brooks) … 4 or 5 - 1 quality depth trade for GS.

It's bad enough to have traded for Jackson. Then again, if he gets banned for his off the court issues, maybe a blessing in disguise?

Wiggins on the other hand.....

Memphis are taking Wiggins to get Culver. He would be a good reclamation project. He's a fast twitch athlete that might thrive at a different pace with Ja. It should be noted he played better under Rubio a past first PG, than he did Teague.

The salary would be inconseuential as it would be burried in a 2-3yr development period. Memphis would have Jaren, Clarke, Culver, Ja & 2 slightly protected 1st in 2022/4. It's perfect alignment to infuse cheap talent into the young core or attach to Wiggins 30m expiring trade filler for a max player from a rebuilding team ...

Don't watch trading for Wiggins at face value.

[SD2042]

Suns traded Warren & Jackson into cap space. Traded the 6th pick for Saric & the 11th pick to reach for Cameron but didn't want 2yrs of Conley for that price, to sign Rubio.

lol.

It worked out better for Memphis anyway trading with Utah.

Conley = Jackson, Allen, Crowder, Clarke, 2022 (1-6), 2024 (1-4) + 2, 2nd round picks.

Now it's to consolidate the forward position. Still think Minnesota, GS & Memphis work out a trade.

- Russell to Minnesota …

- Wiggins, Culver to Memphis …

- Memphis depth to GS … (Crowder, Anderson, Miles, Allen or Brooks) … 4 or 5 - 1 quality depth trade for GS.

It's bad enough to have traded for Jackson. Then again, if he gets banned for his off the court issues, maybe a blessing in disguise?

Wiggins on the other hand.....

Memphis are taking Wiggins to get Culver. He would be a good reclamation project. He's a fast twitch athlete that might thrive at a different pace with Ja. It should be noted he played better under Rubio a past first PG, than he did Teague.

The salary would be inconseuential as it would be burried in a 2-3yr development period. Memphis would have Jaren, Clarke, Culver, Ja & 2 slightly protected 1st in 2022/4. It's perfect alignment to infuse cheap talent into the young core or attach to Wiggins 30m expiring trade filler for a max player from a rebuilding team ...

Don't watch trading for Wiggins at face value.

I understand the reclamation project part. The guy hasn't inspire my confidence to get behind him to get better as a player. He didn't earned that enormous contract. He has played alongside a potential top ten center in KAT and hasn't taken advantage of his opportunities. Maybe it's possible that a change of teams could be the catalyst that wakes him up and forces him to dedicate himself to the game and to himself.

[jman3134]

Maybe it won't make him a better player per se. Perhaps he will just appear better because he is playing alongside an elite point guard that gifts him easy baskets. Ja's vision will raise the value of all of these guys. Then you can repackage him later.