Breaking: Kevin Durant has requested a trade; UPDATE: KD wants Sean Marks/Nash fired - Shams

[MrDollarBills]

I'm starting to think Phoenix only happens if we take Ayton. Flipping him to a 3rd team won't get us the value we want in a trade.

I don't think Miami happens. Miami would have to flip Bam to another team and I don't see them doing that. They might make a push for Kyrie if Jimmy really lobbies for it. Something like Lowry + filler for Kyrie straight up. Riley had some tough words for Kyle in the exit interviews and flipping Lowry doesn't really hurt their future. They take a swing with Kyrie this year and keep Herro + Bam + their draft picks.

These are the 3 most realistic trades I think:

PHOENIX:
KD for Ayton, Bridges, Cam + all their first round picks

The most obvious trade but our interest in Ayton is questionable + the hard cap becomes a problem.

TORONTO:
KD for Barnes + OG + Trent + 3 first round picks

I could see Toronto pushing to trade Birch+Young+an extra 1st instead of Trent. Either way Toronto goes into this season with a core of KD, FVV, Siakam. They keep Achiuwa, Young, Boucher as role players. They still have time in the offseason to shore up the rest. Toronto always figures out how to get productive role players. Barnes + Siakam isn't realistic but I think the Toronto noise would've died completely if Barnes was off the table. I don't believe it.

PELICANS:
KD for Ingram + Herb Jones + Nance + rights to Dyson Daniels + all the picks

New Orleans would have a core of KD, CJ, Zion, and JV. Lots of solid roleplayers still too. KD + Willie Green are tight. This is the only package that gets us a young all star. Herb Jones was great last year and Dyson is basically like getting a lottery pick.

Dark horses option

MEMPHIS:
KD for Bane + JJJ + Zaire Williams + 3 first round picks

Memphis gets a star duo in Morant and KD. They've been absolutely stacked with roleplayers so they'd be pretty deep. They also move JJJ who is awesome but is 2 major injures in at age 22. Nets get 2 potential future all stars - although JJJ's injury makes this trade a little more complicated.

The only scenario that meets the Nets criteria is the New Orleans scenario. BI, Nance, and Jones would be excellent additions to the roster as well as Dyson Daniels + picks.

If we aren't getting a deal like that, KD needs to sit his ass down.

[NyCeEvO]

PELICANS:
KD for Ingram + Herb Jones + Nance + rights to Dyson Daniels + all the picks

New Orleans would have a core of KD, CJ, Zion, and JV. Lots of solid roleplayers still too. KD + Willie Green are tight. This is the only package that gets us a young all star. Herb Jones was great last year and Dyson is basically like getting a lottery pick.

This is my favorite KD trade. IMO, you really can’t (realistically) do better than this.

[gigantes]

So... I get why Phoenix & Memphis would want KD, but why Toronto & N'awlins?

Like, the former two are trying to get over the hump in winning the West, but the latter two (especially NOP) are rebuilding and should have very little urgency to "win now." Seems like KD actually hurts the Pelicans, because the point there should be continued development of their young guys, and not having to share the ball with an aging superstar, right? Because they're sitting pretty with a bright future, and KD only screws with their ramp-up as I see it.

Also, why exactly do we not want Ayton? Is it character issues? Because obviously I missed that convo.


Bonus question that I still haven't seen answered anywhere:
Why the HAIL did the Wolves trade for Gobert, giving up so much in the process?!?

They really think a twin towers thing with KAT playing outside and Gobert playing inside (both sides of the ball I guess) is a good formula in today's NBA? Is it also sort of a fix for Towns' melting down sometimes under the pressure and playing soft? Also, it seemed like they were kind of disappointed in DLo's efficiency, trying to get rid of his contract, and yet this move somehow keeps him aboard.

Is a lot of this stuff just to appease KAT, or...?

[TheNetsFan]

I don't know about New Orleans. Ingram is on the come, but I think a Toronto package around Barnes or Siakam is decidedly better. NOLA's package is definitely respectable though. Would KD be happy with that deal? I don't think NOLA would have enough left behind to compete.

Now if NOLA wanted to take Kyrie back too, then maybe KD would be more open to it.

[Netaman]

Harden called kd and then kd forced management to make the trade. Gotta hope the other team has players calling the shots. It’s going to be interesting how this plays out.

Harden quit on Houston and played like crap and he still brought back a haul. He even brought back a decent haul for Brooklyn this year a few months from his opt out essentially demanding a trade to just 1 team.

That's why i've been saying the bidding starts way beyond the Simmons/Curry on the player part of the deal. Or else why bother? There's plenty of room for KD to bring back that kind of haul while playing worse than he has. And if he plays the way he has his first 2 regular seasons teams it's going to be a mind-boggling bidding war.

as long as booker and cp3 / phoenix are in contention and that's where KD wants to go, i'm pretty sure they are going to have a standing package on the table.

1 part of history people have kind of forgotten with the nets 2 years ago is that Marks initially resisted the Harden sweepstakes. Then Dinwiddie tore his knee the first game, the team around KD didn't gel instantly, and Kyrie went awol away from the team. That's when he engaged the Harden deal even though Harden's performance/playing condition was what it was.

in-season things are going to happen and 1 of these teams that's a little rose-colored looking at their roster right now is going to be sitting there with players not playing their best. If KD is doing what he's done the last 2 years they are going to be hoping he's not already decided to stick it out in brooklyn. what if phoenix is miscalculating letting Ayton walk, and they start the year below their expectations? the intensity is going to ratchet up for them to do something.

[MGrand15]

So... I get why Phoenix & Memphis would want KD, but why Toronto & N'awlins?

Like, the former two are trying to get over the hump in winning the West, but the latter two (especially NOP) are rebuilding and should have very little urgency to "win now." Seems like KD actually hurts the Pelicans, because the point there should be continued development of their young guys, and not having to share the ball with an aging superstar, right? Because they're sitting pretty with a bright future, and KD only screws with their ramp-up as I see it.

Also, why exactly do we not want Ayton? Is it character issues? Because obviously I missed that convo.

Neither are really in the normal rebuilding stage.

New Orleans traded draft picks + younger players for CJ McCollum mid-season who's 31. He averaged 25 PPG. They also start Jonas who's 30 and averaged 17 and 11. Zion's last healthy season he was a legit all star averaging 27 PPG.

Toronto was kind of expecting to rebuild a bit but they were the 5th seed last year and their 2 best players are 27.

Both would be fine pushing forward with their young guys and seeing how they develop but I think both teams believe they're a piece away from being real contenders.

[Hello Brooklyn]

Here are my top 3 offers for KD.

1. Celtics- Jaylen Brown, Smart, and two First Rounders plus pick swaps.

2. New Orleans- Ingram, Nance and five first rounders plus pick swaps

3. Toronto- Scottie Barnes, Siakim and four first rounders plus pick swaps

Outside of those offers I'm not interest in anything.

Boston, New Orleans and Toronto can worry about convincing KD to be happy there. Not my problem.

Might be personal bias but I wouldn't want to send KD to the Celtics. I'd much prefer him sent to the West, unless a godfather comes in. We avoid the possibility getting humiliated by a conference rival, and we also help KD by sending him to the weaker conference.

New Orleans deal I like, Suns deal I also like if they include both Bridges and Cam Johnson, but I'd also be open to sending him to the Clippers for PG13, a few young guys and picks. PG13 will keep us respectable and I think KD would love to have that cross town rivalry with Lebron with an actual squad behind him.

I want Jaylen Brown. So don't really care about the Celtics thing.

I think he can be a top 10 player and make us a legit contender. Look at the way he played in the Finals.

Tatum and the Snake won't win **** anyway.

George isn't a bad deal either. But not sure Kawhi wants that. Who knows.

[Netaman]

I don't know about New Orleans. Ingram is on the come, but I think a Toronto package around Barnes or Siakam is decidedly better. NOLA's package is definitely respectable though. Would KD be happy with that deal? I don't think NOLA would have enough left behind to compete.

I look at all these deals outside of the picks for now and think about the top 2 players involved first. if I were marks I'd actually say forget the full package offer, call me with the 1 or 2 best young players you can give me and then we will go from there. That's where a Raptors discussion starting with with OG/GTJ would get laughed off the phone. If Barnes, Siakam, or FVV isn't in there then they aren't getting past an initial call.

For me the package that's still possibly the most compelling is the suns deal with Ayton. He is a switchable defensive anchor who is highly efficient on offense - and this team without KD/Kyrie has no high usage offensive players. Ayton would be a 20/12/2/1/1 player here on a 62+ TS%. He's entering his A24 season, he's a decent FT shooter, and it wouldn't shock me at all if he can extend his range a little bit to the 3 point line. He is a very workable piece to get for his A24-27 seasons. And you get Bridges A26-29 with him. And probably Cam Johnson's A26-30 unless you decide to trade him. Thats a lot of under 30 seasons from good, efficient, two way players.

Barnes is exciting and you get a 3 more years since he's only entering his A21, so maybe he's good enough to trump the Phoenix offer. But there's also a little more risk than Ayton. Could he be a bit of a one hit wonder jack of all trades master of none like MCW was? It's a risk to build around any single player who isn't naturally a plus shooter (especially with Simmons already here).

Ingram is a really good player entering his age 25 season. He'd probably rise to the top of the individual assets to get if KD is on board with NO. Ingram, Jones, and picks is a very strong offer.

Simmons / Seth / Ingram / Jones / Claxton

is a pretty strong lineup and a great bench with O'Neale, Patty, Harris, Warren, Edwards. Would like to get a more offensively capable starting center so Claxton can come off the bench though (maybe Ayton in a separate S&T around Kyrie?).

[Hello Brooklyn]

I'm honestly over the Toronto deal.

Raptors fans are overrating Scottie Barnes like hes the next Kawhi Leonard. No thanks.

If youre not including him I don't even want to discuss with you. Hes not even the best rookie in his class.

As others have noted, New Orleans is probably the best option if Boston doesn't put Brown on the table.

They could end up offering Ingram, Nance and 7 or 8 picks. A historic haul which would actually be worth of trading KD for.

You give me Ingram, Simmons, Nance and a ton of picks now were talking about a playoff team. Who knows how good Ingram can get too.

Lakers could also bottom out if LeBron leaves giving us a great pick.

Now would New Orleans really be a contender in the West with KD, Zion, CJ? Absolutely not lol. That teams not beating the Warriors or Clippers.

But KD is too stupid to realize how good he has it. Good luck in Louisiana. Better than Canada for sure.

[Hello Brooklyn]

Simmons/Harris/Ingram/Nance/Claxton

Thats a very good team. Probably around 42-45 wins and gets us to the play in.

In 2-3 years when Ingram/Simmons hit their ceiling we could end up become a contender for sure. Need to hit on a few of those picks.

Plus with KD's injury history who knows.

[sashaturiaf]

Id do a package centered around Ingram in a heartbeat. The guy just has it, hes got that dog in him and he's constantly adding to his game. His scoring kind of levelled off this past season but he made improvements to his defense and passing.

I doubt KD or New Orleans would sign off on that though, I mean pairing KD with a Zion whos a massive health risk? That's a step backwards from KDs situation on the Nets.

I'm still optimistic on a Clippers trade. PG, 2 of their young wings and picks would be a nice return.

[GTR11]

:evil:

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I’ve been taking stock of BI over the last few years…he’s become sneakily, scary good. When I’ve been watching him, I’ve thought “This guy is a young KD, but handle is already better.”

I assume he doesn’t get more press because Zion has been out injured and New Orleans isn’t a major market.

A trade centering around BI is an excellent starting point. I’d definitely want Herb Jones as well. If you don’t know him, look him up!

Interestingly enough, the Pelicans haven’t signed their #8 overall pick, Dyson Daniels, yet. Maybe they’re holding out for the possibility of a trade?

Throw in several first round picks and pick swaps. (And u se one of those FRPs to trade for Myles Turner.)

Whaaaaat

https://youtu.be/zayqcbyebrQ

If this kid can develop respectable 3pt jumper, god damn he will be a proooobbbleeeem. I mean 33% for rookie not bad at all, just need to raise it to 38%.

[NyCeEvO]

Id do a package centered around Ingram in a heartbeat. The guy just has it, hes got that dog in him and he's constantly adding to his game. His scoring kind of levelled off this past season but he made improvements to his defense and passing.

I doubt KD or New Orleans would sign off on that though, I mean pairing KD with a Zion whos a massive health risk? That's a step backwards from KDs situation on the Nets.

I'm still optimistic on a Clippers trade. PG, 2 of their young wings and picks would be a nice return.

I thought the Pels were tanking until I saw them trade for CJ McCollum. To me it was a sign that they actually want to progress and not wallow until they draft several high lotto picks.

IIRC, KD is buddies with Willie Green, so that could help too.

[GTR11]

:evil:

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I've been a Pro Ingram fan for possible trade return package....

would be stellar to get him and Jaylen Brown in return for such a scenario.

Ingram raised his level of play and actually started to see entire floor. With good coaching i think he can and will improve. With all that said, NyCeEvo made me look up Herb Jones. Damn that kid going to be a problem for years to come. He has some serious upside imo.

I made my mind. I want that NOP trade to happen. I don't care if KD and Kyrie give us a better chance right now for couple years. I want to build dynasty team for years to come. Ben, Ingram, Herb etc will give us a chance. I'm on board for NOP trade.

[sashaturiaf]

:evil:

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I've been a Pro Ingram fan for possible trade return package....

would be stellar to get him and Jaylen Brown in return for such a scenario.

Ingram raised his level of play and actually started to see entire floor. With good coaching i think he can and will improve. With all that said, NyCeEvo made me look up Herb Jones. Damn that kid going to be a problem for years to come. He has some serious upside imo.

I made my mind. I want that NOP trade to happen. I don't care if KD and Kyrie give us a better chance right now for couple years. I want to build dynasty team for years to come. Ben, Ingram, Herb etc will give us a chance. I'm on board for NOP trade.

Although it makes no sense for NO, Ingram and Herb Jones plus picks would be a great haul. I'd take that over Toronto's overrated package. I just really like both Ingram and Herb

[GTR11]

Id do a package centered around Ingram in a heartbeat. The guy just has it, hes got that dog in him and he's constantly adding to his game. His scoring kind of levelled off this past season but he made improvements to his defense and passing.

I doubt KD or New Orleans would sign off on that though, I mean pairing KD with a Zion whos a massive health risk? That's a step backwards from KDs situation on the Nets.

I'm still optimistic on a Clippers trade. PG, 2 of their young wings and picks would be a nice return.

I thought the Pels were tanking until I saw them trade for CJ McCollum. To me it was a sign that they actually want to progress and not wallow until they draft several high lotto picks.

IIRC, KD is buddies with Willie Green, so that could help too.

In his new position with the Nets, Langdon was touted for his ability to scout lesser-known players and ultimately helped set up the Nets for the position they are in today. That foundation led to the Nets signing Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.

Something good reminder how much talent we lost beside D'antoni and Ime.

While scouting is clearly his strong-suit, Langdon can also recruit players due to the number of connections he has around the league. He is well connected globally. Langdon played for Coach Krzyzewski at Duke before going pro overseas.

Maybe I'm reaching here, but i will try to send Kyrie there along.

https://pelicandebrief.com/2019/07/31/new-orleans-pelicans-trajan-langdon-gm/amp/

So we got some tight connections here if we add Green and select other members. I guess Brain Windhurst report might have some real legs to it. I'm holding my excitement here, but i will definitely support NOP trade even if KD and Kyrie want to stay. I think this trade is by far best option we got. Maybe Saltics can challenge it building package around Brown, but I'm kind of meh on it now. This kid Herb Jones moving NOP trade up front.

No, i don't want Craptors trade anymore and i never liked PHX trade.

[Claud]

Ingram is a beast.

We need scoring if Ky/KD leave and BI fits the bill.

I'd take Jaylen Brown or Brandon Ingram in a heartbeat over MIA/PHX/Raps offer.

[GTR11]

I've been a Pro Ingram fan for possible trade return package....

would be stellar to get him and Jaylen Brown in return for such a scenario.

Ingram raised his level of play and actually started to see entire floor. With good coaching i think he can and will improve. With all that said, NyCeEvo made me look up Herb Jones. Damn that kid going to be a problem for years to come. He has some serious upside imo.

I made my mind. I want that NOP trade to happen. I don't care if KD and Kyrie give us a better chance right now for couple years. I want to build dynasty team for years to come. Ben, Ingram, Herb etc will give us a chance. I'm on board for NOP trade.

Although it makes no sense for NO, Ingram and Herb Jones plus picks would be a great haul. I'd take that over Toronto's overrated package. I just really like both Ingram and Herb

It's always about winning chip. CJ, KD, Zion and maybe Kyrie if we can send him there, will make NOP most attractive team for media. For their small market team, it's a huge boost of market attention worldwide. That owner might do it just for sake of attention alone.

We in NYC, we will be getting big time players for years to come. We don't need to sell much. Just culture and stability. Ain't that how we got these two clowns?

[NyCeEvO]

:evil:

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I've been a Pro Ingram fan for possible trade return package....

would be stellar to get him and Jaylen Brown in return for such a scenario.

Ingram raised his level of play and actually started to see entire floor. With good coaching i think he can and will improve. With all that said, NyCeEvo made me look up Herb Jones. Damn that kid going to be a problem for years to come. He has some serious upside imo.

I made my mind. I want that NOP trade to happen. I don't care if KD and Kyrie give us a better chance right now for couple years. I want to build dynasty team for years to come. Ben, Ingram, Herb etc will give us a chance. I'm on board for NOP trade.

Imagine a defensive trio of Simmons, Jones, and (hopefully) Myles Turner.

And I think Jones has a massive ceiling on offense as well. He reminds me of Kawhi, whose initial claim to fame was as an “LeBron stopper”. The sky is the limit for Jones imo. You just have to hope he’s developed right.

[Netaman]

Imagine a defensive trio of Simmons, Jones, and (hopefully) Myles Turner.

And I think Jones has a massive ceiling on offense as well. He reminds me of Kawhi, whose initial claim to fame was as an “LeBron stopper”. The sky is the limit for Jones imo. You just have to hope he’s developed right.

Don't forget O'neale and Claxton off the bench. Doubt we'd see all 5 together in the same lineup but they'd have at least 2 strong defenders with an anchor center on the court at pretty much all times.