Wizards 2019 Offseason Thread

[NYG]

There are almost no teams who have enough young assets and/or picks to trade for Beal, while still remaining good enough after the trade to give Beal a really strong reason to stay on his next contract. Boston may have been in that position a few months ago, but as the value of their picks has plummeted, so has their ability to trade for Beal.

At this point, I think New York (assuming they land Durant) is one of the few suitors, and that would have to involve their #2 or #3 pick.

Oh, and Beal has made it pretty clear that he will not request a trade.

What would the Wizards plan be to build around Beal?

Just a guess, but I think Leonsis told Beal that EFG would be gone after this year. Maybe Brooks, too.

The team has so much money buried in sunk costs, it would be wise to just eat them and move on in a new direction.

Pray that Howard opts out. Buy him out if he tries to come back. Use the stretch provision to cut Mahinmi. Forget about re-signing Ariza and Green, unless they settle for vet-minimums. Try to keep Satoransky and Bryant. Most important of all, double-dog dare Wall to play himself back into shape ASAP so he can be moved to the Lakers after they strike out on trying to get any significant free agents to actually choose to play with GM LeBron and the Hollywood Hacks. Try to get Ingram, Hart, and future draft picks with whatever cap filler they want to throw at the Wiz.

I think a point forward type like Ingram would be great playing with Satoransky. Hart allows the team to consider moving Beal for more future picks.

Hire a competent GM and get out of the way.


#FireEFG

Great post, thanks!

[payitforward]

Just a guess, but I think Leonsis told Beal that EFG would be gone after this year. Maybe Brooks, too.

The team has so much money buried in sunk costs, it would be wise to just eat them and move on in a new direction.

Pray that Howard opts out. Buy him out if he tries to come back. Use the stretch provision to cut Mahinmi. Forget about re-signing Ariza and Green, unless they settle for vet-minimums. Try to keep Satoransky and Bryant. Most important of all, double-dog dare Wall to play himself back into shape ASAP so he can be moved to the Lakers after they strike out on trying to get any significant free agents to actually choose to play with GM LeBron and the Hollywood Hacks. Try to get Ingram, Hart, and future draft picks with whatever cap filler they want to throw at the Wiz.

I think a point forward type like Ingram would be great playing with Satoransky. Hart allows the team to consider moving Beal for more future picks.

Hire a competent GM and get out of the way.

This is so right on in so many ways. Above all that last sentence of course, which should be whispered in Ted's ear day & night by all who come near him.

Rob Pelinka seems to have a difficult working relationship with Magic. I wonder whether he'll be available soon -- might be a good candidate to replace Ernie?

[Dat2U]

Beal is staying because Ted is paying if Beal qualifies for that super max.

Beal wants heavy minutes. He's knows what's potentially at stake. A lot of damn money!

Maybe Ted also told Beal that Ernie will be out, maybe he didn't, but who ever the GM is going to have a helluva time navigating two super max deals for non-top 10 players - one with a devastating injury and trying to build a team around those two deals.

[nate33]

Beal is staying because Ted is paying if Beal qualifies for that super max.

Beal wants heavy minutes. He's knows what's potentially at stake. A lot of damn money!

Maybe Ted also told Beal that Ernie will be out, maybe he didn't, but who ever the GM is going to have a helluva time navigating two super max deals for non-top 10 players - one with a devastating injury and trying to build a team around those two deals.

One potentially mitigating factor is that, even if Beal signs a supermax extension tomorrow, he won't actually receive a pay raise until the 2021/22 season. That gives Ted two years to try and move Wall's max contract.

Wall's contract is immovable now, but in Summer 2021, when there's only 2 years left and Wall has presumably been reasonably healthy for 18 months and is at least playing like an above-average PG, then that contract could be moved. We might have to take back some Ian Mahinmi type of deadweight contract that costs $15M a year for 2 years, but at least the final two seasons of Wall making $43M and $46M would be off the books.

[Dark Faze]

Handling Portis/Jabari contracts will be an annoying task for whoever is GM.

Portis: Flashes of really good play, but still has that sixth man scorer vibe to him. Given our cap issues you want to be frugal. 3 years 42 million with final year being a player option would be fair?

Then Jabari--that conversation is gonna be awkward. "We want you to take a significant discount." But even at a discount I don't know that I want to lock into him for that long. One year 6 million? I'm sure he'd like some security at this point though.

[Ruzious]

Handling Portis/Jabari contracts will be an annoying task for whoever is GM.

Portis: Flashes of really good play, but still has that sixth man scorer vibe to him. Given our cap issues you want to be frugal. 3 years 42 million with final year being a player option would be fair?

Then Jabari--that conversation is gonna be awkward. "We want you to take a significant discount." But even at a discount I don't know that I want to lock into him for that long. One year 6 million? I'm sure he'd like some security at this point though.

Jabari's value has gone way down. He was a failure with Chicago and - despite a couple of good games has not played well with Washington. And he should probably drop 10 lbs - maybe more if he wants to show he can play the 3. And remember, he's had 2 ACL tears. I think he'll sign a make-do 1 year contract for about one quarter of what he signed with Chicago. It could be with Washington - maybe not. Frankly, I'd have to be convinced that he's going to lose the weight before I'd sign him.

I think they have to re-sign Portis. You can't end up with nothing from the Otto trade, and Portis is a respectable still young player who fits in today's NBA. He has value, and he won't break the bank. I'd guess he could be had for a 4/40 deal. And he's an RFA, so the Wiz will likely match anything that's not crazy.

[pcbothwel]

Handling Portis/Jabari contracts will be an annoying task for whoever is GM.

Portis: Flashes of really good play, but still has that sixth man scorer vibe to him. Given our cap issues you want to be frugal. 3 years 42 million with final year being a player option would be fair?

Then Jabari--that conversation is gonna be awkward. "We want you to take a significant discount." But even at a discount I don't know that I want to lock into him for that long. One year 6 million? I'm sure he'd like some security at this point though.

Jabari's value has gone way down. He was a failure with Chicago and - despite a couple of good games has not played well with Washington. And he should probably drop 10 lbs - maybe more if he wants to show he can play the 3. And remember, he's had 2 ACL tears. I think he'll sign a make-do 1 year contract for about one quarter of what he signed with Chicago. It could be with Washington - maybe not. Frankly, I'd have to be convinced that he's going to lose the weight before I'd sign him.

I think they have to re-sign Portis. You can't end up with nothing from the Otto trade, and Portis is a respectable still young player who fits in today's NBA. He has value, and he won't break the bank. I'd guess he could be had for a 4/40 deal. And he's an RFA, so the Wiz will likely match anything that's not crazy.

You both are going WAYYY overboard about Portis.
1) "You can't end up with nothing from the Otto trade" is a terrible motive. The trade is done. Sinking in money to a player doesnt somehow change the value.
2) Portis is Center, and an RFA... who has shown to be a somewhat effective, albeit limited player.

Look at the amount of fringe starting Centers in the market. Dedmon, KOQ, WCS, Justin Patton, Udoh, Pachulia, Chandler, Noel, Zubac, Thomas Bryant, Jordan Bell, Birch...
You then top that off with this amount of Bigs in this draft: Fernando, Bassey, Bol, Gafford, Hayes, Porter, and Goga.

Last year, Len got 2/8.5M, KOQ got 1/4.5M, and Noel / Greg Monroe both signed for the Minimum.

No way Portis gets more than a 2/10M deal... 2/15M at MOST.


.... And no, I dont want Parker for anything more than 5M per.

[payitforward]

Jabari's value has gone way down. He was a failure with Chicago and - despite a couple of good games has not played well with Washington. And he should probably drop 10 lbs - maybe more if he wants to show he can play the 3. And remember, he's had 2 ACL tears. I think he'll sign a make-do 1 year contract for about one quarter of what he signed with Chicago. It could be with Washington - maybe not. Frankly, I'd have to be convinced that he's going to lose the weight before I'd sign him.

I think they have to re-sign Portis. You can't end up with nothing from the Otto trade, and Portis is a respectable still young player who fits in today's NBA. He has value, and he won't break the bank. I'd guess he could be had for a 4/40 deal. And he's an RFA, so the Wiz will likely match anything that's not crazy.

Agree about Jabari -- despite a terrific outing tonight against Minny. I'd love to see him succeed, but most likely it'll have to be somewhere else.

I'm less sure than you that we'll keep Portis. You are certainly right that he'd be good value at 4/40, but he seems to have turned down more than that from the Bulls; if that's true, his agent is gonna work very hard to make sure he gets at least that much.

For sure, if Ernie is still our GM (horrible thought), he'll feel like he needs to keep Portis -- & maybe like he looks good if he keeps Parker on that make-good deal you referenced. But, it we have a new GM I doubt he feels the same pressure. We'll see.

Like Parker, Portis had a good outing tonight. But, also like Parker, he hasn't played well for us so far overall.

[payitforward]

...1) "You can't end up with nothing from the Otto trade" is a terrible motive. The trade is done. Sinking in money to a player doesnt somehow change the value....

You're right. But, if heaven forbid Ernie is still here -- it's a classic CYA move for him...

...No way Portis gets more than a 2/10M deal... 2/15M at MOST.

.... And no, I dont want Parker for anything more than 5M per.

Well, you can be absolutely sure that Ernie would keep them both for that kind of money!! Mega-CYA. A new guy... we'll have to see.

[pcbothwel]

Jabari's value has gone way down. He was a failure with Chicago and - despite a couple of good games has not played well with Washington. And he should probably drop 10 lbs - maybe more if he wants to show he can play the 3. And remember, he's had 2 ACL tears. I think he'll sign a make-do 1 year contract for about one quarter of what he signed with Chicago. It could be with Washington - maybe not. Frankly, I'd have to be convinced that he's going to lose the weight before I'd sign him.

I think they have to re-sign Portis. You can't end up with nothing from the Otto trade, and Portis is a respectable still young player who fits in today's NBA. He has value, and he won't break the bank. I'd guess he could be had for a 4/40 deal. And he's an RFA, so the Wiz will likely match anything that's not crazy.

Agree about Jabari -- despite a terrific outing tonight against Minny. I'd love to see him succeed, but most likely it'll have to be somewhere else.

I'm less sure than you that we'll keep Portis. You are certainly right that he'd be good value at 4/40, but he seems to have turned down more than that from the Bulls; if that's true, his agent is gonna work very hard to make sure he gets at least that much.

For sure, if Ernie is still our GM (horrible thought), he'll feel like he needs to keep Portis -- & maybe like he looks good if he keeps Parker on that make-good deal you referenced. But, it we have a new GM I doubt he feels the same pressure. We'll see.

Like Parker, Portis had a good outing tonight. But, also like Parker, he hasn't played well for us so far overall.

Ummmm...WHAT?!?
Portis is a poor defensive center with middling efficiency and poor vision. He doesnt draw fouls, pass the ball, or defend.

A hobbled Dwight is probably better than him.

[Ruzious]

Handling Portis/Jabari contracts will be an annoying task for whoever is GM.

Portis: Flashes of really good play, but still has that sixth man scorer vibe to him. Given our cap issues you want to be frugal. 3 years 42 million with final year being a player option would be fair?

Then Jabari--that conversation is gonna be awkward. "We want you to take a significant discount." But even at a discount I don't know that I want to lock into him for that long. One year 6 million? I'm sure he'd like some security at this point though.

Jabari's value has gone way down. He was a failure with Chicago and - despite a couple of good games has not played well with Washington. And he should probably drop 10 lbs - maybe more if he wants to show he can play the 3. And remember, he's had 2 ACL tears. I think he'll sign a make-do 1 year contract for about one quarter of what he signed with Chicago. It could be with Washington - maybe not. Frankly, I'd have to be convinced that he's going to lose the weight before I'd sign him.

I think they have to re-sign Portis. You can't end up with nothing from the Otto trade, and Portis is a respectable still young player who fits in today's NBA. He has value, and he won't break the bank. I'd guess he could be had for a 4/40 deal. And he's an RFA, so the Wiz will likely match anything that's not crazy.

You both are going WAYYY overboard about Portis.
1) "You can't end up with nothing from the Otto trade" is a terrible motive. The trade is done. Sinking in money to a player doesnt somehow change the value.
2) Portis is Center, and an RFA... who has shown to be a somewhat effective, albeit limited player.

Look at the amount of fringe starting Centers in the market. Dedmon, KOQ, WCS, Justin Patton, Udoh, Pachulia, Chandler, Noel, Zubac, Thomas Bryant, Jordan Bell, Birch...
You then top that off with this amount of Bigs in this draft: Fernando, Bassey, Bol, Gafford, Hayes, Porter, and Goga.

Last year, Len got 2/8.5M, KOQ got 1/4.5M, and Noel / Greg Monroe both signed for the Minimum.

No way Portis gets more than a 2/10M deal... 2/15M at MOST.


.... And no, I dont want Parker for anything more than 5M per.

Portis obviously isn't ideal, but all of the veteran centers you mentioned other than him and Bryant have one thing in common - they're not 3 point shooting threats - with the possible exception of Dedmon - who probably will get paid and is 5 or 6 years older than Portis. For the season, Portis is averaging 20 points and 11 reboundes per 36 minutes and making 39% of his 3's on 5 attempts per 36. Even at 54% TS%, that has value, and at his age - some improvement should be expected. And several of the players you mentioned are dinosaurs about ready for retirement.

[nate33]

Handling Portis/Jabari contracts will be an annoying task for whoever is GM.

Portis: Flashes of really good play, but still has that sixth man scorer vibe to him. Given our cap issues you want to be frugal. 3 years 42 million with final year being a player option would be fair?

Then Jabari--that conversation is gonna be awkward. "We want you to take a significant discount." But even at a discount I don't know that I want to lock into him for that long. One year 6 million? I'm sure he'd like some security at this point though.

Jabari's value has gone way down. He was a failure with Chicago and - despite a couple of good games has not played well with Washington. And he should probably drop 10 lbs - maybe more if he wants to show he can play the 3. And remember, he's had 2 ACL tears. I think he'll sign a make-do 1 year contract for about one quarter of what he signed with Chicago. It could be with Washington - maybe not. Frankly, I'd have to be convinced that he's going to lose the weight before I'd sign him.

I think they have to re-sign Portis. You can't end up with nothing from the Otto trade, and Portis is a respectable still young player who fits in today's NBA. He has value, and he won't break the bank. I'd guess he could be had for a 4/40 deal. And he's an RFA, so the Wiz will likely match anything that's not crazy.

You both are going WAYYY overboard about Portis.
1) "You can't end up with nothing from the Otto trade" is a terrible motive. The trade is done. Sinking in money to a player doesnt somehow change the value.
2) Portis is Center, and an RFA... who has shown to be a somewhat effective, albeit limited player.

Look at the amount of fringe starting Centers in the market. Dedmon, KOQ, WCS, Justin Patton, Udoh, Pachulia, Chandler, Noel, Zubac, Thomas Bryant, Jordan Bell, Birch...
You then top that off with this amount of Bigs in this draft: Fernando, Bassey, Bol, Gafford, Hayes, Porter, and Goga.

Last year, Len got 2/8.5M, KOQ got 1/4.5M, and Noel / Greg Monroe both signed for the Minimum.

No way Portis gets more than a 2/10M deal... 2/15M at MOST.


.... And no, I dont want Parker for anything more than 5M per.

I tend to agree with pcbothwel here. I'm not enamored with Bobby Portis. He puts up decent individual numbers, but our defense has been a complete train wreck since that Chicago trade.

Ultimately, I think Portis is "just a guy" and I have no desire to pay $10M+ a year for him. Bryant is already the better player and he is likely to be cheaper as well. Behind Bryant, I'd much rather have a cheap vet, particularly if Howard is also sticking around. Get me Kyle O'Quinn, or Aron Baynes, or Kenneth Faried

If we want to spend a little money on a young PF/C with upside, I'd rather try and get Vonleh or Noel, who are likely to be cheaper than Portis, and better.

[nate33]

Now that I mention it, Nerlens Noel might be a very attractive target.

He has had a great year coming off the bench for OKC and is sure to opt out of his vet-minimum deal. I wonder what it would take to land him? It's tough to judge the market for a guy like him.

Noel would surely help our defense. And, although not ideal, he could probably share the court with Bryant for stretches because Bryant has 3-point range while Noel can guard 4's. You could play them both 25-28 minutes a night and they would only overlap for 2-8 minutes.

[Dark Faze]

Are we sure Portis isn't a PF?

[nate33]

Another scenario. Assuming Howard departs and Mahinmi is stretched.

Wall - $37.8M
Beal - $27.1M
Brown - $3.2M
#7 Draft pick - $3.7M
Thomas Bryant cap hold - $1.8M
Satoransky cap hold - $5.9M
6 minimum salary roster spots - $4.6M
Mahinmi (stretched) - $5.1M

SUBTOTAL: $90.0M
CAP SPACE: $19.0M

Sign Nerlens Noel to a 4-year MLE deal starting a $9.2M. Draft Brandon Clarke and lock him and Troy Brown in a gym all summer and make them shoot 5000 3's a day. Sign Ariza to a 1-year deal at $8M. Resign Dekker and Green to the longest deals we can get them to sign at a cost of less than $3M per. (That may turn out to be be 1-year deals at the vet minimum, but I'd try to lock up Dekker for longer if possible.) Get a new coach who can teach defense. Luke Walton?

Our new lineup:

PG Wall/Sato
SG Beal/Brown
SF Ariza/Dekker
PF Clarke/Green
C Bryant/Noel

That's a team that could play some great defense. Clarke and Noel would be a nightmare in the passing lanes, as is Ariza. And Sato and Dekker always give good effort. The only real weak links defensively are Bryant (who has gotten better defensively) and Green (who isn't bad as a defender, but he's a terrible rebounder). Offensively, the team could only go as far as Beal can carry them, but the goal here is to establish a defensive identity like OKC, and then build from there.

Starting Clarke on Day 1 might be optimistic, but with his experience, it's at least plausible. The intent is for him to be a defensive complement to the starting unit, with Jeff Green providing some needed offensive help and floor-stretching to the second unit.

If drafting Clarke was done within the context of a trade-down, we might also be able to add some more talent.

[pcbothwel]

Another scenario. Assuming Howard departs and Mahinmi is stretched.

Wall - $37.8M
Beal - $27.1M
Brown - $3.2M
#7 Draft pick - $3.7M
Thomas Bryant cap hold - $1.8M
Satoransky cap hold - $5.9M
6 minimum salary roster spots - $4.6M
Mahinmi (stretched) - $5.1M

SUBTOTAL: $90.0M
CAP SPACE: $19.0M

Sign Nerlens Noel to a 4-year MLE deal starting a $9.2M. Draft Brandon Clarke and lock him and Troy Brown in a gym all summer and make them shoot 5000 3's a day. Sign Ariza to a 1-year deal at $8M. Resign Dekker and Green to the longest deals we can get them to sign at a cost of less than $3M per. (That may turn out to be be 1-year deals at the vet minimum, but I'd try to lock up Dekker for longer if possible.) Get a new coach who can teach defense. Luke Walton?

Our new lineup:

PG Wall/Sato
SG Beal/Brown
SF Ariza/Dekker
PF Clarke/Green
C Bryant/Noel

That's a team that could play some great defense. Clarke and Noel would be a nightmare in the passing lanes, as is Ariza. And Sato and Dekker always give good effort. The only real weak links defensively are Bryant (who has gotten better defensively) and Green (who isn't bad as a defender, but he's a terrible rebounder). Offensively, the team could only go as far as Beal can carry them, but the goal here is to establish a defensive identity like OKC, and then build from there.

Starting Clarke on Day 1 might be optimistic, but with his experience, it's at least plausible. The intent is for him to be a defensive complement to the starting unit, with Jeff Green providing some needed offensive help and floor-stretching to the second unit.

If drafting Clarke was done within the context of a trade-down, we might also be able to add some more talent.

Nate... You're doing too much.
You go through hurdles with renouncing rights and stretching Mahinmi...For What?
You resign Ariza and bring in Noel for the MLE... there is no need to do any gymnastics for that.

1)... We need to trade back from 4-7 to the late lotto. One of Culver, Hunter, or Clarke will definitely be available.
2)... we should shop Mahinmi for a better fit, but worse contract. Tyler Johnson, Tony Snell, etc. are a couple examples.
3)... I dont care about Howard. I personally think he'll opt out, but outside ANOTHER injury, he's movable at the deadline.

Outside of that...your plan works with me

[Dat2U]

Jabari's value has gone way down. He was a failure with Chicago and - despite a couple of good games has not played well with Washington. And he should probably drop 10 lbs - maybe more if he wants to show he can play the 3. And remember, he's had 2 ACL tears. I think he'll sign a make-do 1 year contract for about one quarter of what he signed with Chicago. It could be with Washington - maybe not. Frankly, I'd have to be convinced that he's going to lose the weight before I'd sign him.

I think they have to re-sign Portis. You can't end up with nothing from the Otto trade, and Portis is a respectable still young player who fits in today's NBA. He has value, and he won't break the bank. I'd guess he could be had for a 4/40 deal. And he's an RFA, so the Wiz will likely match anything that's not crazy.

Agree about Jabari -- despite a terrific outing tonight against Minny. I'd love to see him succeed, but most likely it'll have to be somewhere else.

I'm less sure than you that we'll keep Portis. You are certainly right that he'd be good value at 4/40, but he seems to have turned down more than that from the Bulls; if that's true, his agent is gonna work very hard to make sure he gets at least that much.

For sure, if Ernie is still our GM (horrible thought), he'll feel like he needs to keep Portis -- & maybe like he looks good if he keeps Parker on that make-good deal you referenced. But, it we have a new GM I doubt he feels the same pressure. We'll see.

Like Parker, Portis had a good outing tonight. But, also like Parker, he hasn't played well for us so far overall.

Yeah the whole "we can't end up with nothing" is very Ernie like thinking. We shouldn't have rushed to dump Otto in the first place but in reality that's what it was. A salary dump. Keeping Portis or Parker is a mistake. Neither player does anything to help you win games. The value of a non-defender at the C position is ZERO!!! $40 million for Portis? I wouldn't give him 1/4th of that. He can walk!

I keep repeating this like a broken record. It's a flooded market for Cs. It makes zero sense to pay top dollar for a C when so many are readily available and cheap. Especially a backup! Especially one that can't defend!

[Dat2U]

Another scenario. Assuming Howard departs and Mahinmi is stretched.

Wall - $37.8M
Beal - $27.1M
Brown - $3.2M
#7 Draft pick - $3.7M
Thomas Bryant cap hold - $1.8M
Satoransky cap hold - $5.9M
6 minimum salary roster spots - $4.6M
Mahinmi (stretched) - $5.1M

SUBTOTAL: $90.0M
CAP SPACE: $19.0M

Sign Nerlens Noel to a 4-year MLE deal starting a $9.2M. Draft Brandon Clarke and lock him and Troy Brown in a gym all summer and make them shoot 5000 3's a day. Sign Ariza to a 1-year deal at $8M. Resign Dekker and Green to the longest deals we can get them to sign at a cost of less than $3M per. (That may turn out to be be 1-year deals at the vet minimum, but I'd try to lock up Dekker for longer if possible.) Get a new coach who can teach defense. Luke Walton?

Our new lineup:

PG Wall/Sato
SG Beal/Brown
SF Ariza/Dekker
PF Clarke/Green
C Bryant/Noel

That's a team that could play some great defense. Clarke and Noel would be a nightmare in the passing lanes, as is Ariza. And Sato and Dekker always give good effort. The only real weak links defensively are Bryant (who has gotten better defensively) and Green (who isn't bad as a defender, but he's a terrible rebounder). Offensively, the team could only go as far as Beal can carry them, but the goal here is to establish a defensive identity like OKC, and then build from there.

Starting Clarke on Day 1 might be optimistic, but with his experience, it's at least plausible. The intent is for him to be a defensive complement to the starting unit, with Jeff Green providing some needed offensive help and floor-stretching to the second unit.

If drafting Clarke was done within the context of a trade-down, we might also be able to add some more talent.

I see little reason to stretch Mahinmi and lose another $5 mil + off our cap annually in the Wall era.

Especially to resign a declining Ariza.

I would also avoid adding two non-spacers in Noel / Clarke. They wouldn't be able to play together.

I think using the MLE is in play however. I would lean towards addressing the F position and finding an Ariza replacement.

[Dat2U]

Are we sure Portis isn't a PF?

Yes. Ask Chicago fans. You think he can't defend at C, watch him try to defend in space. Also he has more offensive functionality as a stretch 5 than oversized 4 who is limited skill wise.

[nate33]

Another scenario. Assuming Howard departs and Mahinmi is stretched.

Wall - $37.8M
Beal - $27.1M
Brown - $3.2M
#7 Draft pick - $3.7M
Thomas Bryant cap hold - $1.8M
Satoransky cap hold - $5.9M
6 minimum salary roster spots - $4.6M
Mahinmi (stretched) - $5.1M

SUBTOTAL: $90.0M
CAP SPACE: $19.0M

Sign Nerlens Noel to a 4-year MLE deal starting a $9.2M. Draft Brandon Clarke and lock him and Troy Brown in a gym all summer and make them shoot 5000 3's a day. Sign Ariza to a 1-year deal at $8M. Resign Dekker and Green to the longest deals we can get them to sign at a cost of less than $3M per. (That may turn out to be be 1-year deals at the vet minimum, but I'd try to lock up Dekker for longer if possible.) Get a new coach who can teach defense. Luke Walton?

Our new lineup:

PG Wall/Sato
SG Beal/Brown
SF Ariza/Dekker
PF Clarke/Green
C Bryant/Noel

That's a team that could play some great defense. Clarke and Noel would be a nightmare in the passing lanes, as is Ariza. And Sato and Dekker always give good effort. The only real weak links defensively are Bryant (who has gotten better defensively) and Green (who isn't bad as a defender, but he's a terrible rebounder). Offensively, the team could only go as far as Beal can carry them, but the goal here is to establish a defensive identity like OKC, and then build from there.

Starting Clarke on Day 1 might be optimistic, but with his experience, it's at least plausible. The intent is for him to be a defensive complement to the starting unit, with Jeff Green providing some needed offensive help and floor-stretching to the second unit.

If drafting Clarke was done within the context of a trade-down, we might also be able to add some more talent.

Nate... You're doing too much.
You go through hurdles with renouncing rights and stretching Mahinmi...For What?
You resign Ariza and bring in Noel for the MLE... there is no need to do any gymnastics for that.

1)... We need to trade back from 4-7 to the late lotto. One of Culver, Hunter, or Clarke will definitely be available.
2)... we should shop Mahinmi for a better fit, but worse contract. Tyler Johnson, Tony Snell, etc. are a couple examples.
3)... I dont care about Howard. I personally think he'll opt out, but outside ANOTHER injury, he's movable at the deadline.

Outside of that...your plan works with me

You're right. I started with the boilerplate I made a few days ago that incorporated stretching Mahinmi. Mahinmi does not need to be stretched to make this plan work. Just pay Ariza less, or replace him with someone else who costs less.