NotMyKawhi wrote:PhilBlackson wrote:There’s only 3 franchises I’d be focused on getting a deal done with for OG…
1. NOP (something centered around Murphy and/or Daniels + pick(s))
2. POR (something centered around Sharpe + pick)
3. OKC (JDub + Dieng + picks)
Not remotely interested in any of MEM or NYK’s mediocre players and even more mediocre draft picks. I like PHX’s picks BUT I just like ensuring we get a better young player in either NOP, POR or OKC trade more who will also be closer in age to Scottie which basically ensures they develop together. But the bottomline for me is to aim to get a young player with high potential first then see what picks you can negotiate. The only way around that would be someone with a couple of lottery picks but obviously I don’t see a bottom feeding team in that situation feeling it necessary to get OG this soon.
tbh I don't think the Pelicans are in a rush, Daniels and murphy fit their timeline.
Portland is real, I'm not sure OKC is in a rush either. Those teams won't overpay
Look I think it's fair enough especially in OKC's case to say they're not in a rush or that NOP may not be but in each case I can see a solid rationale of why each of them would act...
In the Pelicans' case, you say they don't have to be in a rush & based purely on age that MAY be true but timeline wise, I actually think you're wrong and it's why they're at the top of my list.
The West is WIDE OPEN for the taking, GSW does not look like the juggernaut of yesteryear, the Suns' chemistry (Ayton) & age (CP3), LAC are living on a prayer for the past 3-4 years that Kawhi & PG can remain healthy (can they handle the physical push through?), DEN miiiiight be there but I genuinely believe it's between them or MEM & NOP (assuming the elder beasts aren't physically clicking) for the battle of the next 2-4 years, OG can be a tipping point for either MEM & NOP for which team that is....and in NOP's case I believe they have a 2 year window BECAUSE the very best version that their team can be is directly correlated to Zion's HEALTH which is already rough at best, I personally do not see ZIon making it to his next contract (I'm 1000% NOT wishing that on him, I just don't see him holding up). Then add that whatever version you're seeing of CJ McCollum is NOW is the best version you're going to see of him & only declining.
So if the Pels REALLY wanna take a shot at making a Finals and/or winning it, getting OG makes a TON of sense. Sure they have "similar" players in Murphy or Jones and maybe eventually one of them will get there (my guess is obv TM) BUT again I personally think the Pels have a 2-3 year window (with this year being one of them) before both Zion & CJ physically decline. Trading Dyson and/OR Murphy + top 2 protected to prevent trading away the only clear superstar prospects to give the Pels a chance to win now is worth it. Competing for chips is all about timing if you don't have a clear sustainable dynastic core. OG can be BI & Zion's "Marcus Smart" & wear out the team's best opposing player while they dominate on the other end, they're arguably just as talented combo as Tatum & Brown. That's a LEGIT chance NOW...what happens if CJ starts getting banged up?! Zion is struggling like Kawhi to stay on the court, as he gets older he only gets BIGGER & increases his health risk by the year. So you trade one of your young guys + a pick, they still have PLENTY left over both in terms of prospects & picks but they gave themselves a real opportunity while they had Zion.
As to OKC, I already agreed it's more than fair enough to say they're not in a rush, I don't think a move for OG is a rush move for them though. I just think it's an intelligent one for a team that wants to build itself the RIGHT way. They have more picks than they know to do with, those picks can NOT all be used, there's literally not enough space on the roster to accomodate what they're owed. So those picks must become players that form their team. Jalen Williams essentially plays the same position as SGA...and Giddey, so it's already congested there. They're also going to need some stronger players next to Chet to help handle some of the physicality. Dort is just too short to do that with post players, although great for perimeter, so it may even be a deal that includes Dort, Williams + picks (hopefully Dieng). But for them Giddey/SGA/OG/Chet + whatever good draft pick(s) they have that come out of their thousand remaining picks lol has the kind of core + types of players that can fit & really start competing at a high level within a couple years, they also have ample money to keep OG. Buying on OG now is just good asset management imo because you're actually taking the steps to incrementally build them into a winner. If you actually check the standings they're not hunting for the top pick anymore & if they do pull the plug, it will be team wide so wouldn't matter but they put in place a VERY good young core and STILL have PLENTY left to more than continue to build out the roster bringing in talent in more ways than one, you don't just draft into infinity lol