Woj: Lakers no longer a slam dunk for Lebron, Sixers are the team to watch **Update currently meeting with sixers**

[jswede]

Embiid shudda probably kept his mouth shut rather than rip on LeBron (LA is Kobe/Magic's town) yesterday. Things change quick.

I think LeBron is just using the Sixers to try and force the Lakers to go all-in on Kawhi and massively overpay. LeBron doesn't care about young players and draft picks.

If LAL goes all in for Kawhi, LeBron will not want to be there bc the team will suck.

[BigTrade92]

Lol if Brown is part of a package from Boston then that easily destroys philly’s offer. Fultz’s value isn’t high imo dude can’t even play summer league games. If Boston offers Brown only La throwing the kitchen sink can beat Boston’s offer. Still don’t see Boston offering Brown however but they could beat out any Philly offer if they wanted to.

Fultz isnt playing summer ball because he is in LA working with shooting guru Drew Hanlen. Reports have been off the charts to the point that Fultz has untouchable status in any trade talks.

So Pop is going to gamble on trading Leonard for a guy who maybe got his shooting stroke back?

Sounds like something Pop and RC would do...

[Chinook]

Lol if Brown is part of a package from Boston then that easily destroys philly’s offer. Fultz’s value isn’t high imo dude can’t even play summer league games. If Boston offers Brown only La throwing the kitchen sink can beat Boston’s offer. Still don’t see Boston offering Brown however but they could beat out any Philly offer if they wanted to.

Fultz isnt playing summer ball because he is in LA working with shooting guru Drew Hanlen. Reports have been off the charts to the point that Fultz has untouchable status in any trade talks.

So Pop is going to gamble on trading Leonard for a guy who maybe got his shooting stroke back?

Sounds like something Pop and RC would do...

He gambled on Murray as a starter and at Walker over a more win-now player at 18 (or trading the pick). Pop is a GM at heart. He knows the long game.

[NBA Moses]

I think LeBron is just using the Sixers to try and force the Lakers to go all-in on Kawhi and massively overpay. LeBron doesn't care about young players and draft picks.

Per Philadelphia Inquirer now
Sources have said that this is not an obligatory meeting with James’ representatives. The free agent is really interested in playing for the Sixers, according to the source. The forward would welcome playing alongside all-star center Joel Embiid and point guard Ben Simmons, the rookie of the year. He’s also impressed with coach Brett Brown and the Sixers’ state-of-the-art facility. And by coming to Philly, James believes he would have a great chance to play in his ninth consecutive NBA Finals.

[TeamTragic]

Read on Twitter

LeBron not even meeting with Magic? I guess he doesn't respect him as much as everyone thought

[TeamTragic]

I think LeBron is just using the Sixers to try and force the Lakers to go all-in on Kawhi and massively overpay. LeBron doesn't care about young players and draft picks.

Per Philadelphia Inquirer now
Sources have said that this is not an obligatory meeting with James’ representatives. The free agent is really interested in playing for the Sixers, according to the source. The forward would welcome playing alongside all-star center Joel Embiid and point guard Ben Simmons, the rookie of the year. He’s also impressed with coach Brett Brown and the Sixers’ state-of-the-art facility. And by coming to Philly, James believes he would have a great chance to play in his ninth consecutive NBA Finals.

DAMN

[spikeslovechild]

If Fultz had his stroke he'd have been untouchable in trade talks so it's a gamble on both sides to include him. Personally I'd rather include Saric not only because Fultz upside is better but we need guards. Fultz is literally the only guy on the roster at SG right now other then JA and our two picks.

I'd rather search for a stretch 4 then a guard. Plus unless the LAL include ingram or the Celtics include Tatum why include him anyways? We are bidding against ourselves.

[BigTrade92]

Fultz isnt playing summer ball because he is in LA working with shooting guru Drew Hanlen. Reports have been off the charts to the point that Fultz has untouchable status in any trade talks.

So Pop is going to gamble on trading Leonard for a guy who maybe got his shooting stroke back?

Sounds like something Pop and RC would do...

He gambled on Murray as a starter and at Walker over a more win-now player at 18 (or trading the pick). Pop is a GM at heart. He knows the long game.

I think we realize Pop knows the game.

The point here is that Pop is nearing the end of his coaching regime. This trade sets up his roster for the end of his career.

If you believe he’d prefer a package for his star based around Markelle Fultz, a player who forgot who to shoot a basketball, over a guy like Jaylen Brown, who was dropping 25+ a night in the playoffs against guys like Lebron, you’re dillusional.

[TheNewEra]

Yeah, I don't think that gets it done. It would be one thing if Ainge led with that and pushed away other teams, but unless RC has been calling Danny begging for Brown, suddenly adding him to the offer isn't going to get PATFO to break off talks with Philly.

What is Philly offering that is so great though? Fultz/Covington/Saric? Their own draft pick and a 2021 Miami pick? Thats not really an offer someone cant refuse there. The SAC pick has far greater value than any pick Philly can offer, the Memphis pick has better value than any Philly can offer.

Brown/Rozier/Williams/(whoever else needed to make cap work) + SAC/Mem/BOS picks. Beats whatever Philly can offer.

Brown can top anything Philly can realistically offer. Has a better chance to be a horse than ponies like RoCo. Good players but Brown has star potential and helped bring his team to the ECF. Him plus Rozier widens the gap even further.

Rozier and Smart have zero value because you have to overpay to keep them. WHY would the spurs want two players they have to pay big to keep when they have Murray/Mills/Green(opted in)/Marco(just signed)/ Lonnie Walker(high upside)? Makes no sense to get two players that need to get minutes in a contract year(s).

Robert Willams fell for a reason his motivation is shot. Memphis team is trying to win. Fan of Jaylen Brown but his all-star potential fades if he goes West.

[Arsenal]

Read on Twitter

LeBron not even meeting with Magic? I guess he doesn't respect him as much as everyone thought

Man I hope he does them the favor of at least giving them a meeting, unlike hometown kid Paul George who didn't bother. Otherwise that looks really bad for Magic, Jeannie, Robbie, and the non-stop Laker pimping fake news media.

[TeamTragic]

Read on Twitter

LeBron not even meeting with Magic? I guess he doesn't respect him as much as everyone thought

Man I hope he does them the favor of at least giving them a meeting, unlike hometown kid Paul George who didn't bother. Otherwise that looks really bad for Magic, Jeannie, Robbie, and the non-stop Laker pimping fake news media.

I think Magic should resign if he cannot even get a meeting with LeBron.

[NBA Moses]

Lol if Brown is part of a package from Boston then that easily destroys philly’s offer. Fultz’s value isn’t high imo dude can’t even play summer league games. If Boston offers Brown only La throwing the kitchen sink can beat Boston’s offer. Still don’t see Boston offering Brown however but they could beat out any Philly offer if they wanted to.

Fultz isnt playing summer ball because he is in LA working with shooting guru Drew Hanlen. Reports have been off the charts to the point that Fultz has untouchable status in any trade talks.

So Pop is going to gamble on trading Leonard for a guy who maybe got his shooting stroke back?

Sounds like something Pop and RC would do...

Fult may or may not be a piece to the trade. I was simply responding on why Fultz wasnt playing summer ball.

Fultz's potential is on par with Tatum and Brown based on pedigree , athleticism. Just because he had an off rookie year doesnt mean he may not become as good or better than Tatum/Brown 2-3 years down the line.

[Chinook]

So Pop is going to gamble on trading Leonard for a guy who maybe got his shooting stroke back?

Sounds like something Pop and RC would do...

He gambled on Murray as a starter and at Walker over a more win-now player at 18 (or trading the pick). Pop is a GM at heart. He knows the long game.

I think we realize Pop knows the game.

The point here is that Pop is nearing the end of his coaching regime. This trade sets up his roster for the end of his career.

If you believe he’d prefer a package for his star based around Markelle Fultz, a player who forgot who to shoot a basketball, over a guy like Jaylen Brown, who was dropping 25+ a night in the playoffs against guys like Lebron, you’re dillusional.

Yeah, I think Pop could easily value Fultz and strong players at positions of need over Brown. I understand the argument that Brown is more desirable than Fultz. I might even agree with it. But Pop isn't going to believe Fultz has higher upside but not get him because he's about to retire.

[BigTrade92]

What is Philly offering that is so great though? Fultz/Covington/Saric? Their own draft pick and a 2021 Miami pick? Thats not really an offer someone cant refuse there. The SAC pick has far greater value than any pick Philly can offer, the Memphis pick has better value than any Philly can offer.

Brown/Rozier/Williams/(whoever else needed to make cap work) + SAC/Mem/BOS picks. Beats whatever Philly can offer.

Brown can top anything Philly can realistically offer. Has a better chance to be a horse than ponies like RoCo. Good players but Brown has star potential and helped bring his team to the ECF. Him plus Rozier widens the gap even further.

Rozier and Smart have zero value because you have to overpay to keep them. WHY would the spurs want two players they have to pay big to keep when they have Murray/Mills/Green(opted in)/Marco(just signed)/ Lonnie Walker(high upside)? Makes no sense to get two players that need to get minutes in a contract year(s).

Robert Willams fell for a reason his motivation is shot. Memphis team is trying to win. Fan of Jaylen Brown but his all-star potential fades if he goes West.

And your point about overpaying is what?

You do realize that Leonard is a free agent to be and if by some miracle they rekindled their relationship, the Spurs would be paying Leonard alone 3x what they’d be paying both Smart and Rozier together.

You have to pay players for them to play for your team. That’s pretty much the point of the business and once Leonard leaves there are going to be zero big name free agents knocking on San Antonio’s door to play for them. That money is going to have to go somewhere.

[Chinook]

Brown can top anything Philly can realistically offer. Has a better chance to be a horse than ponies like RoCo. Good players but Brown has star potential and helped bring his team to the ECF. Him plus Rozier widens the gap even further.

Rozier and Smart have zero value because you have to overpay to keep them. WHY would the spurs want two players they have to pay big to keep when they have Murray/Mills/Green(opted in)/Marco(just signed)/ Lonnie Walker(high upside)? Makes no sense to get two players that need to get minutes in a contract year(s).

Robert Willams fell for a reason his motivation is shot. Memphis team is trying to win. Fan of Jaylen Brown but his all-star potential fades if he goes West.

And your point about overpaying is what?

You do realize that Leonard is a free agent to be and if by some miracle they rekindled their relationship, the Spurs would be paying Leonard alone 3x what they’d be paying both Smart and Rozier together.

You have to pay players for them to play for your team. That’s pretty much the point of the business and once Leonard leaves there are going to be zero big name free agents knocking on San Antonio’s door to play for them. That money is going to have to go somewhere.

They'd probably be paying less than twice as much, and Kawhi is worth well more than that compared to Smart and Rozier. It's just not defensible to argue that they make sense for SA. I can't think of a single team that would place high value on a package of Rozier and Smart on an S&T. Not one, including Boston.

[spikeslovechild]

I think LeBron is just using the Sixers to try and force the Lakers to go all-in on Kawhi and massively overpay. LeBron doesn't care about young players and draft picks.

Per Philadelphia Inquirer now
Sources have said that this is not an obligatory meeting with James’ representatives. The free agent is really interested in playing for the Sixers, according to the source. The forward would welcome playing alongside all-star center Joel Embiid and point guard Ben Simmons, the rookie of the year. He’s also impressed with coach Brett Brown and the Sixers’ state-of-the-art facility. And by coming to Philly, James believes he would have a great chance to play in his ninth consecutive NBA Finals.

Magic FA right now...

[BigTrade92]

He gambled on Murray as a starter and at Walker over a more win-now player at 18 (or trading the pick). Pop is a GM at heart. He knows the long game.

I think we realize Pop knows the game.

The point here is that Pop is nearing the end of his coaching regime. This trade sets up his roster for the end of his career.

If you believe he’d prefer a package for his star based around Markelle Fultz, a player who forgot who to shoot a basketball, over a guy like Jaylen Brown, who was dropping 25+ a night in the playoffs against guys like Lebron, you’re dillusional.

Yeah, I think Pop could easily value Fultz and strong players at positions of need over Brown. I understand the argument that Brown is more desirable than Fultz. I might even agree with it. But Pop isn't going to believe Fultz has higher upside but not get him because he's about to retire.

LOL literally what are you talking about?

He’s going to value Fultz because he plays a “position of need”? Uh what?

You do realize they have a guy named Murray that plays Point Guard right?

You do realize the guy they’re trading, Kawhi Leonard, is a Small Forward, the same position that Jaylen Brown is.

So...you’re literally just reinforcing my point....

[NBA Moses]

Don't discount Brett Browns relationship with Pop and the Spurs. Any close trade between LA/Bos/Phils and the Spurs are going to choose Philly based on relationship. Sort of like how McHale handed Aing and the Celts Kevin Garnett/Ray Allen and an NBA title.

Karma may resurface here. Not a doubt in my mind Pop is going to give Philly the last shot at obtaining Kawhi.

[TheNewEra]

Brown can top anything Philly can realistically offer. Has a better chance to be a horse than ponies like RoCo. Good players but Brown has star potential and helped bring his team to the ECF. Him plus Rozier widens the gap even further.

Rozier and Smart have zero value because you have to overpay to keep them. WHY would the spurs want two players they have to pay big to keep when they have Murray/Mills/Green(opted in)/Marco(just signed)/ Lonnie Walker(high upside)? Makes no sense to get two players that need to get minutes in a contract year(s).

Robert Willams fell for a reason his motivation is shot. Memphis team is trying to win. Fan of Jaylen Brown but his all-star potential fades if he goes West.

And your point about overpaying is what?

You do realize that Leonard is a free agent to be and if by some miracle they rekindled their relationship, the Spurs would be paying Leonard alone 3x what they’d be paying both Smart and Rozier together.

You have to pay players for them to play for your team. That’s pretty much the point of the business and once Leonard leaves there are going to be zero big name free agents knocking on San Antonio’s door to play for them. That money is going to have to go somewhere.

You don’t have to overpay for players that aren’t in a position of need and even more so if they don’t have high upside. Only reason Fultz would be a option is upside is still high.

Don’t think Boston or the 76ers should go crazy overpay. I don’t see the appeal of sending the Spurs a bunch of guards that need to be paid when they just drafted and signed a bunch of guards.

[Chinook]

I think we realize Pop knows the game.

The point here is that Pop is nearing the end of his coaching regime. This trade sets up his roster for the end of his career.

If you believe he’d prefer a package for his star based around Markelle Fultz, a player who forgot who to shoot a basketball, over a guy like Jaylen Brown, who was dropping 25+ a night in the playoffs against guys like Lebron, you’re dillusional.

Yeah, I think Pop could easily value Fultz and strong players at positions of need over Brown. I understand the argument that Brown is more desirable than Fultz. I might even agree with it. But Pop isn't going to believe Fultz has higher upside but not get him because he's about to retire.

LOL literally what are you talking about?

He’s going to value Fultz because he plays a “position of need”? Uh what?

You do realize they have a guy named Murray that plays Point Guard right?

You do realize the guy they’re trading, Kawhi Leonard, is a Small Forward, the same position that Jaylen Brown is.

So...you’re literally just reinforcing my point....

No. Try to keep up with the whole discussion and not just make this Fultz v Brown. Saric and Covington both play positions where the team desperately needs good players. Adding those guys to Fultzs and the Miami pick gives them a good combination of win-now and future value. Brown may or may not be able to play the three in the modern NBA (where most of the great players are bigger than him), but after that, there aren't comparable win-now guys in the package from the Celtics. There are a whole bunch of over-valued picks on the table, but that doesn't help them settle the roster this season, and the MEM pick may not even convey this next year.

Even if Boston wins on value, they don't win on fit.