Wizards 2019 Offseason Thread

[NYG]

What is the overall feeling on trading Bradley Beal?

Most of us think Wall is 2 years away from being a useful player (if he ever is useful again). And with his cap hit destroying the ability to acquire any free agency talent, the best course is to take these 2 years to rebuild. Rebuilding would require trading Beal.

But understand that Beal is one of the very best trade assets in the league. He is currently the 13th leading scorer in the league and has actually been the 4th leading scorer since Wall went out. He is averaging 27.7 points, 6.4 assists and 5.4 rebounds without Wall on a TS% of .583. We're no longer talking about a pretty good second-fiddle. The guy is moving into legit, first-rate, carry-a-team territory. He's not in the same tier as Harden and Durant, but he's every bit as good as Oladipo, Kemba, Aldridge, etc. And he's only 25-years old and hasn't missed a game in 2 years.

The Wizards want A LOT in return for him. And the package should be heavy on picks, not players at the end of their rookie deals who may end up departing because of the Wizards' luxtax constraints. If Tobias Harris on an expiring deal was worth two 1sts (including Miami's likely lotto pick) and two 2nds, then Beal with 2 years left on his deal and a year younger is worth even more.

All that said, although us fans see the wisdom in trading Beal and rebuilding, I don't think management thinks the same way. I really don't think they're going to trade Beal. He's an All-NBA-caliber player with a GREAT attitude who is still young and improving. Those guys don't come along often, particularly to Washington. I think management will keep him regardless, and if it means they stay stuck in 40-win mediocrity for a few years because there is no way to build a team around him, so be it. Tanking and rebuilding is always easier on fans than it is on owners trying to sell season tickets.

Which teams besides the Celtics have the draft pick capital to land Beal?

[Dat2U]

What is the overall feeling on trading Bradley Beal?

Most of us think Wall is 2 years away from being a useful player (if he ever is useful again). And with his cap hit destroying the ability to acquire any free agency talent, the best course is to take these 2 years to rebuild. Rebuilding would require trading Beal.

But understand that Beal is one of the very best trade assets in the league. He is currently the 13th leading scorer in the league and has actually been the 4th leading scorer since Wall went out. He is averaging 27.7 points, 6.4 assists and 5.4 rebounds without Wall on a TS% of .583. We're no longer talking about a pretty good second-fiddle. The guy is moving into legit, first-rate, carry-a-team territory. He's not in the same tier as Harden and Durant, but he's every bit as good as Oladipo, Kemba, Aldridge, etc. And he's only 25-years old and hasn't missed a game in 2 years.

The Wizards want A LOT in return for him. And the package should be heavy on picks, not players at the end of their rookie deals who may end up departing because of the Wizards' luxtax constraints. If Tobias Harris on an expiring deal was worth two 1sts (including Miami's likely lotto pick) and two 2nds, then Beal with 2 years left on his deal and a year younger is worth even more.

All that said, although us fans see the wisdom in trading Beal and rebuilding, I don't think management thinks the same way. I really don't think they're going to trade Beal. He's an All-NBA-caliber player with a GREAT attitude who is still young and improving. Those guys don't come along often, particularly to Washington. I think management will keep him regardless, and if it means they stay stuck in 40-win mediocrity for a few years because there is no way to build a team around him, so be it. Tanking and rebuilding is always easier on fans than it is on owners trying to sell season tickets.

Which teams besides the Celtics have the draft pick capital to land Beal?

Well assuming Zion is out of play, a team that lands the 2nd or 3rd pick in this year's draft.

Memphis with Jaren Jackson Jr is another team.

[payitforward]

In the end, I cannot see them trading Brad this off-season -- unless he requests it, that is.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

My standing on Bryant & Portis is that the Wizards starting C of the future probably isn't on the roster yet, but that doesn't mean I'd be opposed to bringing one of the two back on a cheap deal.

I can't see bringing both back. Gotta get something else in the mix other than Bryant/Portis and Mahinmi. I assume Howard will be bought out if he opts in.

Also I can't see bringing both Parker & Portis back, it's one or the other. I don't think they are playable together defensively.

That is, if your serious about winning some games next season. If tanking is the goal then you can basically bring back the entire roster plus this year's lottery pick.

Bryant will be re-signed since he’s 21 and subject to the Arenas rule.

Portis is a RFA with a QO of like $6M? He could be on that for next year.

I'm in the minority, but I am really liking the players we've brought in. I like the energy and attitude of this team. I would be interested in trading Beal, but I don't think that option is on the table.

The top priority this off-season should be to get out of the John Wall contract. I know this seems like an impossibility, but this is one area Ernie is actually pretty adept, see Gilbert Arenas and Rashard Lewis. The target is a team with the cap space that can't attract big time free agents and is willing to wait a year for him to return to the court. I don't know who this would be, Sacramento, New York, New Orleans, Atlanta, Orlando, Phoenix, Cleveland... And I don't know what you can expect back if anything. Just get rid of that contract. If you can get back a 2nd round pick or a late 1st, all the better.

Next is to dump Mahinmi. Again if you can get any takers great, if you have to waive him fine. But again I would try to get back a 2nd from somebody. Dwight Howard gone, make it clear if he comes back he's not gonna see the court, he needs to opt out.

I want to keep the rest of this team intact. My roster next season would contain Bryant, Portis, Green, Parker, Ariza, Dekker, Johnson, Beal, McRae, Brown, Satoransky.

I like Green, Ariza, Johnson as a veteran backbone for this team, showing the young guys how to conduct themselves, carry themselves in a professional manner, and practice and play the right way, and most importantly I like them as far as their game and what they bring to the court, and would like to keep all 3.

That being said... I'd project a staring lineup Bryant, Parker, Ariza, Beal, Satoransky and bench Portis, Green, Dekker, Johnson, Brown.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

As far as free agency and the draft...

We need to try to upgrade Center and PG positions with competition for the starting spot (Bryant/Sato) and/or depth...

Free agency I'd like to target Jerian Grant, a guy who hasn't gotten much opportunity and is still young with possible upside. I like his size, his assist to TO ratio, and he defends, works hard and is coachable. Primarily for his defense.

Draft where we are projected i REALLY like Bruno Fernando. This guy rebounds like a beast and we need that so badly. Great attitude and enthusiasm for the game, very skilled and shooting ability out to 3 which he doesn't get to show in Maryland's system.

Grunfeld talked about buying a 2nd, or if we get any kind of pick back for Wall, there are several PGs I like later in the draft... Alexander-Walker, Carson Edwards, Ky Bowman, Jaylen Hands are some I'd be looking at.

http://www.nbadraftroom.com/2017/08/jaylen-hands.html

Watch on YouTube

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=ky+bowman+highlights&&view=detail&mid=EA889C9526B52B2D25D8EA889C9526B52B2D25D8&&FORM=VRDGAR

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=ky+bowman+highlights&qpvt=ky+bowman+highlights&view=detail&mid=A573EA1C8AED2157A8C8A573EA1C8AED2157A8C8&&FORM=VRDGAR

But my intention is to fill those roster with players who are competitive, versatile, athletic, skilled, coachable, enthusiastic, hungry, intelligent, multipositional, high motor, high work ethic.

[Shanghai Kid]

As far as free agency and the draft...

We need to try to upgrade Center and PG positions with competition for the starting spot (Bryant/Sato) and/or depth...

Free agency I'd like to target Jerian Grant, a guy who hasn't gotten much opportunity and is still young with possible upside. I like his size, his assist to TO ratio, and he defends, works hard and is coachable. Primarily for his defense.

Draft where we are projected i REALLY like Bruno Fernando. This guy rebounds like a beast and we need that so badly. Great attitude and enthusiasm for the game, very skilled and shooting ability out to 3 which he doesn't get to show in Maryland's system.

Grunfeld talked about buying a 2nd, or if we get any kind of pick back for Wall, there are several PGs I like later in the draft... Alexander-Walker, Carson Edwards, Ky Bowman, Jaylen Hands are some I'd be looking at.

http://www.nbadraftroom.com/2017/08/jaylen-hands.html

Watch on YouTube

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=ky+bowman+highlights&&view=detail&mid=EA889C9526B52B2D25D8EA889C9526B52B2D25D8&&FORM=VRDGAR

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=ky+bowman+highlights&qpvt=ky+bowman+highlights&view=detail&mid=A573EA1C8AED2157A8C8A573EA1C8AED2157A8C8&&FORM=VRDGAR

But my intention is to fill those roster with players who are competitive, versatile, athletic, skilled, coachable, enthusiastic, hungry, intelligent, multipositional, high motor, high work ethic.

Wall is currently the most untradeable contract in NBA history.

There is no scenario where any team in the league trades for John.

[nate33]

I'm in the minority, but I am really liking the players we've brought in. I like the energy and attitude of this team. I would be interested in trading Beal, but I don't think that option is on the table.

I think the energy and attitude of the current team is better than the team we saw in November, for sure, but they're still not very good. Basically, they're good enough to beat tanking teams and teams with injured superstars, but they're just not in the same class as the actual winning teams in this league. I'm not particularly motivated to try and keep everyone together.

Ultimately, we have little choice on the matter. We are over the cap and we have a lot of Bird Exceptions to use on existing players but only one Mid-Level Exception to sign a new player. We're going to keep most of the existing team, but because of the luxtax, I think it's unlikely we will retain all three of Ariza, Portis and Parker. One will have to go.

The top priority this off-season should be to get out of the John Wall contract. I know this seems like an impossibility, but this is one area Ernie is actually pretty adept, see Gilbert Arenas and Rashard Lewis. The target is a team with the cap space that can't attract big time free agents and is willing to wait a year for him to return to the court. I don't know who this would be, Sacramento, New York, New Orleans, Atlanta, Orlando, Phoenix, Cleveland... And I don't know what you can expect back if anything. Just get rid of that contract. If you can get back a 2nd round pick or a late 1st, all the better.

I was totally in favor of this strategy before the Achilles injury. But now, it's simply impossible. Wall cannot be moved this summer, or rather, if we move him this summer, there will be a heavy price in future picks. Nobody is going to want a guy who is owed $160M, hasn't played a full season in 2 years, will be out next year until February, and is coming off one of the most difficult injuries to recover from. Wall has to get back and show that he is healthy before there is any chance of moving him without attaching picks. If Wall is going to be moved, it'll have to happen in Summer 2020 at the earliest.

Next is to dump Mahinmi. Again if you can get any takers great, if you have to waive him fine. But again I would try to get back a 2nd from somebody.

Waiving him does nothing to help our cap. His salary charge will remain on the books and factor against our cap. And we're certainly not getting a second round pick by trading him. At best, we can do something like the Gortat for Rivers trade where we trade his $15M salary for an even more useless guy making $13M, and then waive that useless $13M guy (and eat his cap charge). Looking at the league salaries, I see very few useless $13M guys on 2020 expiring contracts. Maybe Courtney Lee or Solomon Hill?

Josh Howard gone, make it clear if he comes back he's not gonna see the court, he needs to opt out.

I assume you mean Dwight. And yes, I'd do whatever I can to convince him to opt out. But ultimately, it depends on Howard's motivation. Does he want to try and rehab, get healthy and still show the league he can play? Or does he want to just cash checks and steal $6M from Wizards' ownership while not playing anymore in his career?

I want to keep the rest of this team intact. My roster next season would contain Bryant, Portis, Green, Parker, Ariza, Dekker, Johnson, Beal, McRae, Brown, Satoransky.

Sato would be my biggest priority, followed by Bryant (who will hopefully be cheap) I think luxtax realities will mean that two among Parker, Portis, Johnson and Ariza will have to be let go. I'd lean toward retaining one of Portis/Parker and one of Ariza/Johnson. I'd also consider just retaining Parker and then using the MLE to find an Ariza replacement like Terrence Ross, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, or even Kelly Oubre. After all, Ariza turns 34 this June and we're not exactly in win-now mode.

[dckingsfan]

My thoughts and wishes (hahahaha):
1) Howard opts out
2) renounce Parker

That leaves us with three signed players (that can play) at $83.5M

PG:
SG: Beal
SF: Brown (make sure he starts next year)
PF:
C: Mahimni

First I would target our RFAs in the following order Satoransky, Bryant, Portis, Dekker.
1) Satoransky - there are a LOT of PG FAs including ~ 20 serviceable UFAs. I believe we can get lucky here and not have to overpay:
https://www.spotrac.com/nba/free-agents/ufa/point-guard/

2) Bryant - like Satoransky, there are a lot of C FAs including ~ 20 serviceable UFAs. I believe we can get lucky here and not have to overpay:
https://www.spotrac.com/nba/free-agents/ufa/center/

3) Portis - not a huge fan, I don't see him improving over time - he is what he is. We submit the qualifying offer but don't match anything to large.

4) Dekker - I think he is going to improve. IF he develops a reliable three point shot (and I "believe" he will), then he will be a steal. Again, we submit the qualifying offer but don't match anything to large.

Out if this - I am guessing we lose Portis and could be as low as $97.5M. I have no idea who we will draft or where, that will take some of the space as well.

PG: Satoransky
SG: Beal
SF: Brown (make sure he starts next year)
PF: Dekker
C: Bryant, Mahimni

That takes us into free agency where I think we should fill out the roster with UFAs (~30M). If we can sign Ariza and Green for reasonable MLE like deals - terrific. But be prepared to walk. We definitely should not cross the luxury line this year ($132M).

[nate33]

My thoughts and wishes (hahahaha):
1) Howard opts out
2) renounce Parker

That leaves us with three signed players (that can play) at $83.5M

PG:
SG: Beal
SF: Brown (make sure he starts next year)
PF:
C: Mahimni

First I would target our RFAs in the following order Satoransky, Bryant, Portis, Dekker.
1) Satoransky - there are a LOT of PG FAs including ~ 20 serviceable UFAs. I believe we can get lucky here and not have to overpay:
https://www.spotrac.com/nba/free-agents/ufa/point-guard/

2) Bryant - like Satoransky, there are a lot of C FAs including ~ 20 serviceable UFAs. I believe we can get lucky here and not have to overpay:
https://www.spotrac.com/nba/free-agents/ufa/center/

3) Portis - not a huge fan, I don't see him improving over time - he is what he is. We submit the qualifying offer but don't match anything to large.

4) Dekker - I think he is going to improve. IF he develops a reliable three point shot (and I "believe" he will), then he will be a steal. Again, we submit the qualifying offer but don't match anything to large.

Out if this - I am guessing we lose Portis and could be as low as $97.5M. I have no idea who we will draft or where, that will take some of the space as well.

PG: Satoransky
SG: Beal
SF: Brown (make sure he starts next year)
PF: Dekker
C: Bryant, Mahimni

That takes us into free agency where I think we should fill out the roster with UFAs (~30M). If we can sign Ariza and Green for reasonable MLE like deals - terrific. But be prepared to walk. We definitely should not cross the luxury line this year ($132M).

I'm on board with this, but I think it's premature to plug Brown in as a starter. He might stink, we don't really know. He should definitely get minutes, but I've got no problems with the team trying to find at least one veteran SF to push him for the starting role. It could be Ariza, Johnson, or some other free agent. We're definitely going to need some wings who can knock down jumpers.

So, assuming Sato, Bryant and Dekker are resigned at cheap deals like you said, our lineup looks like this:

PG Sato/???
SG Beal/???
SF ???/Brown
PF ???/Dekker
C Bryant/Mahinmi

Optimistically, that lineup costs $102M or so. Factor $4.1M for our draft pick. That leaves roughly $26M for everyone else. The bottom line is that the team won't be good next year.

If EG/Ted remain as short sighted as they have always been, that $26M is going to spent on Ariza and Green first, leaving maybe enough leftover for one of Portis or Parker. Our team will look like they team of this past January, only with Parker/Portis replacing Otto.

[dckingsfan]

↑↑↑↑↑

Yep, and given the number of FAs + we just aren't going to be good next year - agreed that Green/Aziza should be the last signings not the first.

We disagree on Brown. Given that we aren't going to be that good - we need to push him to be a starter (and get starters minutes) along with our draft pick (depending).

[DCZards]

My thoughts and wishes (hahahaha):
1) Howard opts out
2) renounce Parker

That leaves us with three signed players (that can play) at $83.5M

PG:
SG: Beal
SF: Brown (make sure he starts next year)
PF:
C: Mahimni

First I would target our RFAs in the following order Satoransky, Bryant, Portis, Dekker.
1) Satoransky - there are a LOT of PG FAs including ~ 20 serviceable UFAs. I believe we can get lucky here and not have to overpay:
https://www.spotrac.com/nba/free-agents/ufa/point-guard/

2) Bryant - like Satoransky, there are a lot of C FAs including ~ 20 serviceable UFAs. I believe we can get lucky here and not have to overpay:
https://www.spotrac.com/nba/free-agents/ufa/center/

3) Portis - not a huge fan, I don't see him improving over time - he is what he is. We submit the qualifying offer but don't match anything to large.

4) Dekker - I think he is going to improve. IF he develops a reliable three point shot (and I "believe" he will), then he will be a steal. Again, we submit the qualifying offer but don't match anything to large.

Out if this - I am guessing we lose Portis and could be as low as $97.5M. I have no idea who we will draft or where, that will take some of the space as well.

PG: Satoransky
SG: Beal
SF: Brown (make sure he starts next year)
PF: Dekker
C: Bryant, Mahimni

That takes us into free agency where I think we should fill out the roster with UFAs (~30M). If we can sign Ariza and Green for reasonable MLE like deals - terrific. But be prepared to walk. We definitely should not cross the luxury line this year ($132M).

I co-sign most of this.

I differ on Portis. While I don't expect him to improve much, I think Bobby would be a solid piece off the bench...at least offensively. Hopefully, they can sign Portis at a reasonable cost. But he's likely to draw interest from other teams which will drive up his price.

Unlike Nate, I don't believe the Zards will prioritize Ariza and Green over Portis and Parker. I agree that either Green or Ariza (preferably Green since he will probably cost less) should be kept on as a veteran option at PF and SF.

I'd also bring Wes Johnson back if we can get him on the cheap. I really like Johnson's skill and versatility on D.

I hope the Zards use some of their cap space to sign a better backup PG. Randle is alright but PG is a position where the Zards really need to get better given the absence of Wall. Sato is fine as a starter but, like most players, he has his limitations. And, without better PG play, I foresee Beal continuing to be frequently used as a primary playmaker, which is not a good thing for either the team or BB.

[Eli Babak]

I guess you forgot our 1st round pick. Let's say they get 7th pick ($4,417,000) so add that to your calculations. Cap is at 109M. Good luck filling out the roster. (edit: oh well, was I slow or what!)

Trading Beal and tanking the next 2-3 years would be the best way. We've seen that this team can win nothing and they're in hell with Wall's contract. Ernie and Ted have **** up big time but we know nothing's gonna change. Beal's getting a big deal and they'll keep fighting for 41 wins and 8th seed.

Edit: it's easy for me to yell these things since I don't live in USA and don't go to games. I understand most fans want to see a competitive team and ownership wants $$$. Being stuck in mediocrity is just not intriguing for me but on the other hand I'm too loyal for whatever reason to change teams.

[dckingsfan]

My thoughts and wishes (hahahaha):
1) Howard opts out
2) renounce Parker

That leaves us with three signed players (that can play) at $83.5M

PG:
SG: Beal
SF: Brown (make sure he starts next year)
PF:
C: Mahimni

First I would target our RFAs in the following order Satoransky, Bryant, Portis, Dekker.
1) Satoransky - there are a LOT of PG FAs including ~ 20 serviceable UFAs. I believe we can get lucky here and not have to overpay:
https://www.spotrac.com/nba/free-agents/ufa/point-guard/

2) Bryant - like Satoransky, there are a lot of C FAs including ~ 20 serviceable UFAs. I believe we can get lucky here and not have to overpay:
https://www.spotrac.com/nba/free-agents/ufa/center/

3) Portis - not a huge fan, I don't see him improving over time - he is what he is. We submit the qualifying offer but don't match anything to large.

4) Dekker - I think he is going to improve. IF he develops a reliable three point shot (and I "believe" he will), then he will be a steal. Again, we submit the qualifying offer but don't match anything to large.

Out if this - I am guessing we lose Portis and could be as low as $97.5M. I have no idea who we will draft or where, that will take some of the space as well.

PG: Satoransky
SG: Beal
SF: Brown (make sure he starts next year)
PF: Dekker
C: Bryant, Mahimni

That takes us into free agency where I think we should fill out the roster with UFAs (~30M). If we can sign Ariza and Green for reasonable MLE like deals - terrific. But be prepared to walk. We definitely should not cross the luxury line this year ($132M).

I co-sign most of this.

I differ on Portis. While I don't expect him to improve much, I think Bobby would be a solid piece off the bench...at least offensively. Hopefully, they can sign Portis at a reasonable cost. But he's likely to draw interest from other teams which will drive up his price.

Unlike Nate, I don't believe the Zards will prioritize Ariza and Green over Portis and Parker. I agree that either Green or Ariza (preferably Green since he will probably cost less) should be kept on as a veteran option on PF and SF.

I'd also look at bringing Wes Johnson back if we can get him on the cheap. I really like Johnson's skill and versatility on D.

I hope the Zards use some of their cap space to sign a better backup PG. Randle is alright but PG is a position that the Zards really need to be better given the absence of Wall. Sato is fine as a starter but, like most players, he has his limitations. And, without better PG play, I foresee Beal continuing to be frequently used as the primary playmaker, which is not a good thing for either the team or BB.

Can't disagree on this - but they shouldn't overpay (<5M).

The point on the FAs this year - there are a lot - Ariza, Green and Parker among them. We shouldn't be looked into specific FAs, rather bargain FAs.

My two cents.

[payitforward]

My thoughts and wishes (hahahaha):
1) Howard opts out
2) renounce Parker

That leaves us with three signed players (that can play) at $83.5M

PG:
SG: Beal
SF: Brown (make sure he starts next year)
PF:
C: Mahimni

First I would target our RFAs in the following order Satoransky, Bryant, Portis, Dekker.
1) Satoransky - there are a LOT of PG FAs including ~ 20 serviceable UFAs. I believe we can get lucky here and not have to overpay:
https://www.spotrac.com/nba/free-agents/ufa/point-guard/

2) Bryant - like Satoransky, there are a lot of C FAs including ~ 20 serviceable UFAs. I believe we can get lucky here and not have to overpay:
https://www.spotrac.com/nba/free-agents/ufa/center/

3) Portis - not a huge fan, I don't see him improving over time - he is what he is. We submit the qualifying offer but don't match anything to large.

4) Dekker - I think he is going to improve. IF he develops a reliable three point shot (and I "believe" he will), then he will be a steal. Again, we submit the qualifying offer but don't match anything to large.

Out if this - I am guessing we lose Portis and could be as low as $97.5M. I have no idea who we will draft or where, that will take some of the space as well.

PG: Satoransky
SG: Beal
SF: Brown (make sure he starts next year)
PF: Dekker
C: Bryant, Mahimni

That takes us into free agency where I think we should fill out the roster with UFAs (~30M). If we can sign Ariza and Green for reasonable MLE like deals - terrific. But be prepared to walk. We definitely should not cross the luxury line this year ($132M).

I believe Dekker can be signed for 3 years (w/ a team option in year 2, for example) beginning somewhere around his qualifying offer; if so, I'd much rather do that (for obvious reasons).

Sign Green to a "MLE like" deal???? Why? He's a veteran minimum player! Yes, he is shooting well (very well!) but every rebound you don't get is like a shot you took & missed. Jeff is getting 6.5 boards per 40 minutes as a PF -- that's 64% of what an average PF gets. Not to mention that he'll be 33 next season; not a guy to sign beyond 1 year.

Ditto Ariza (but he will take more than a veteran minimum deal), who turns 34 this June. Sign him if Ernie must, but for 1 year only & for way way less than the MLE.

[payitforward]

I don't follow most of these salary numbers. I have:

Dekker/Green/Ariza (per the above) -- @ $10m
Sato -- $9m
Bryant -- $5m
Wall/Beal/Mahinmi/Brown -- $84m
R1 pick -- @ $4.1
Randle -- $1.8m

...which amounts to $114m for 11 guys.

We'll need 3 more for a roster & we'll have @ $18m to pay them (assuming lux tax at $132m).

On this scenario, I see no reason not to extend a qualifying offer to Bobby Portis. Someone will offer more than that, of course, & if it's more than we can afford to pay, there is at least the possibility of a sign-&-trade.

We won't extend Jabari, but if he plays well the rest of the season we can sign him for 3 years w/ an affordable year 1 ($6-7m?), raises in years 2 & 3, & a team option in year 2.

Follow opportunity to add the 14th guy.

[payitforward]

Whatever else is true -- nate is certainly correct about this!

...The bottom line is that the team won't be good next year.

& this is the main reason not to pay any large amount for Ariza & not to pay beyond the vet. min. for Jeff Green. I.e. if you can't be good, then at least incorporate the maximum upside you can -- which doesn't come from guys going into their mid-30s.

Brown, Bryant, Dekker, R1 pick, Jabari, Bobby... all young players. Beal & Randle pretty young too.
Sato & Wall a little older
Mahinmi/Ariza/Green the oldsters but only signed for a year.

[nate33]

I don't follow most of these salary numbers. I have:

Dekker/Green/Ariza (per the above) -- @ $10m
Sato -- $9m
Bryant -- $5m
Wall/Beal/Mahinmi/Brown -- $84m
R1 pick -- @ $4.1
Randle -- $1.8m

...which amounts to $114m for 11 guys.

We'll need 3 more for a roster & we'll have @ $18m to pay them (assuming lux tax at $132m).

On this scenario, I see no reason not to extend a qualifying offer to Bobby Portis. Someone will offer more than that, of course, & if it's more than we can afford to pay, there is at least the possibility of a sign-&-trade.

We won't extend Jabari, but if he plays well the rest of the season we can sign him for 3 years w/ an affordable year 1 ($6-7m?), raises in years 2 & 3, & a team option in year 2.

Follow opportunity to add the 14th guy.

I think Green will cost more than the vet minimum, but not a lot more. I think the Biannual Exception ($3.9) gets him, or maybe just extend the maximum we can using our non-Bird rights ($2.88M). That would hopefully be enough to outbid the capped out teams offering the vet minimum ($2.4M). One disappointing thing is that if we pay him the vet minimum, he only counts $1.3M against our cap and luxtax; but if we pay him anything more, his cap hit and luxtax hit will be the full value of his contract.

Dekker can hopefully be had for the vet minimum, but if we want him for longer than 1 year, we might have to offer a bit more. I don't think I would extend the qualifying offer to him because I think he can be retained for less than his $3.9M QO.

I think Ariza will cost something like $10M on a 1-year deal, or maybe 2-years $16M. I would only resign him on a 1-year deal, and I'd wait to see what Portis and Parker cost before committing to Ariza. We are going to need somebody to hit threes though. Putting Troy Brown, Sam Dekker and Jabari Parker out there together is going to be a mess.

[Dat2U]

My ideal non-Zion off season. It's time to bottom out.

1. Trade Beal to either NY or CHI if either lands the 2nd or 3rd pick.

Lets say Beal for 3rd, Allonzo Trier & Frank Ntilikina

2. Draft well:
NY/Chi Pick - Draft Ja Morant
Our Pick - Draft De'Andre Hunter
Trade for a 2nd - Draft Shamorie Ponds
Sign as a UFA - Ethan Happ

3. Resign key guys and use the MLE to add to talent base. Add a few vets for mentoring purposes.
Re-sign:
Tomas Satoransky 3 yrs - $24 mil
Thomas Bryant 3 yrs - $15 mil
Jeff Green 1 yr - $3 mil

Sign:
Noah Vonleh 3 yr - $20 mil
Garrett Temple 2 yr - $5 mil
Boban Marjanovic 1 yr - vet minimum

Next year's roster:
J. Morant, T. Satoransky, S. Ponds, J. Wall
G. Temple, A. Trier, F. Ntilikina
D. Hunter, T. Brown Jr,
N. Vonleh, J. Green, D. Robinson
T. Bryant, B. Marjanovic, E. Happ, I. Mahinmi

Goal is to tank and this is the ideal roster to do it with. Win 25 tops but develop core pieces in Morant & Hunter and see if anyone else can step up. Sets us up for another high pick in '20.

I signed Vonleh to the MLE with the idea of stealing a young improving player that NY probably won't resign. Temple & Marjanovic are well liked vets and with Green, Sato and Bryant can set a positive atmosphere in the locker room despite the likely losses.

[dangermouse]

My ideal non-Zion off season. It's time to bottom out.

1. Trade Beal to either NY or CHI if either lands the 2nd or 3rd pick.

Lets say Beal for 3rd, Allonzo Trier & Frank Ntilikina

2. Draft well:
NY/Chi Pick - Draft Ja Morant
Our Pick - Draft De'Andre Hunter
Trade for a 2nd - Draft Shamorie Ponds
Sign as a UFA - Ethan Happ

3. Resign key guys and use the MLE to add to talent base. Add a few vets for mentoring purposes.
Re-sign:
Tomas Satoransky 3 yrs - $24 mil
Thomas Bryant 3 yrs - $15 mil
Jeff Green 1 yr - $3 mil

Sign:
Noah Vonleh 3 yr - $20 mil
Garrett Temple 2 yr - $5 mil
Boban Marjanovic 1 yr - vet minimum

Next year's roster:
J. Morant, T. Satoransky, S. Ponds, J. Wall
G. Temple, A. Trier, F. Ntilikina
D. Hunter, T. Brown Jr,
N. Vonleh, J. Green, D. Robinson
T. Bryant, B. Marjanovic, E. Happ, I. Mahinmi

Goal is to tank and this is the ideal roster to do it with. Win 25 tops but develop core pieces in Morant & Hunter and see if anyone else can step up. Sets us up for another high pick in '20.

I signed Vonleh to the MLE with the idea of stealing a young improving player that NY probably won't resign. Temple & Marjanovic are well liked vets and with Green, Sato and Bryant can set a positive atmosphere in the locker room despite the likely losses.

I'm definitely on board for a short rebuild, and something like this, I think, is realistic. I think even from a "bums in seats" business standpoint, trading Beal in the offseason can work if we are getting back a top ~3 pick. People obviously want to see Wall & Beal. One of those is impossible (injury), so its likely that attendance next year would be less than this year especially when it comes to season ticket holders. We've gone from possible 'contender' with Wall/Beal/Porter/Howard core - to scrambling for 8th seed (probably wont even get it). Why would anyone that bought season tickets this year expecting a deep playoffs run buy tickets next year just to see Beal?

[gambitx777]

I don't think anyone wants to see beal go. I think some people think tanking is the answer and unless we take some kind of drastic measures, we can't get rid of wall. (drastic as in, getting the number one pick and using Zion to move wall)