Official Trade Thread Part XLV

[nate33]

I'd certainly rather have Morris & whatever else I could get for Kuzma, i.e. not this deal, than VanVleet & Diallo.

Especially given how well the KP/Gaff starting lineup is working & the need to increase Deni's minutes & give Kispert some minutes both at 3 & at 2.....

I like Kuzma more than you do, but I think we are in agreement that VanVleet isn't a significant enough upgrade over Morris to be worth the cap hit. It would be better to keep Morris and trade Kuzma for value in some other transaction.

But given the choice between keeping Kuzma (at $20-25M) and Morris versus making this deal, I'd side with keeping Kuzma and Morris.

[DCZards]

Morris is not the ideal PG but he's steady, smart and a good fit next to players who can create their own shot, such as Beal, Kuzma, and, now, Deni.

[nate33]

Morris is not the ideal PG but he's steady, smart and a good fit next to players who can create their own shot, such as Beal, Kuzma, and, now, Deni.

Yeah, I actually really like how Morris has blended in offensively. We have enough shot creators that Morris can be more of a complementary guy, and Morris is doing so with efficiency.

Basically, the ideal version of a PG would be Morris but with elite defense. A guy like healthy Lonzo Ball or Derrick White would be ideal. Since we don't have one of them, I'm okay with Morris. I don't see any particular need for a guy with VanVleet's skillset, not at that price.

[Menace2Sobriety]

*snip*
Hear me out, this is what I proposed:

Sign and trade Kuzma to Detroit for Diallo, Noel, and Burks. Noel and Burks have club options, for the sake of this exercise, Noel/Burks agree to extend the deadline date. Currently it's set to 6/29, so let's say they will extend another week or so, whatever. Maybe Detroit throws in second round picks or something...

I don’t understand the incentive for Detroit to consider this and give up picks? Although my cap understanding admittedly is not great, they can sign Kuzma outright with cap space in FA.

They plan to waive/release/buyout Noel and likely will not resign Diallo. I believe they plan to keep Burks and will have $30M in cap remaining after signing the FRP.

[Dark Faze]

With the way things are going Porzingis might catch a max.

[dckingsfan]

Kispert is what he is, an average rotation piece. There is no upside. He’s about to be 24 years old in a couple weeks. He’s alright, if you can move him to crest opportunity for a better prospect+get good value in return, it’s a move I’m making.

Proposed trade for the off-season?

I would like to do a Garuba for Kispert trade. I think Garuba would fit well with Porzingis and Gafford.

Not sure why Houston would do the trade though.

[Frichuela]

Kispert is what he is, an average rotation piece. There is no upside. He’s about to be 24 years old in a couple weeks. He’s alright, if you can move him to crest opportunity for a better prospect+get good value in return, it’s a move I’m making.

Proposed trade for the off-season?

I would like to do a Garuba for Kispert trade. I think Garuba would fit well with Porzingis and Gafford.

Not sure why Houston would do the trade though.

Agreed. Garuba is a monster defensively. And I’d argue under utilized by Houston.

[payitforward]

I'd certainly rather have Morris & whatever else I could get for Kuzma, i.e. not this deal, than VanVleet & Diallo.

Especially given how well the KP/Gaff starting lineup is working & the need to increase Deni's minutes & give Kispert some minutes both at 3 & at 2.....

I like Kuzma more than you do, but I think we are in agreement that VanVleet isn't a significant enough upgrade over Morris to be worth the cap hit. It would be better to keep Morris and trade Kuzma for value in some other transaction.

But given the choice between keeping Kuzma (at $20-25M) and Morris versus making this deal, I'd side with keeping Kuzma and Morris.

Above all, we have to be realistic about where we are as a team. For a zillion reasons, we simply aren't in a position to get better by adding high-priced players.

OTOH, I can't imagine a scenario in which it would make sense to me to keep Kuz at the $$ being discussed for him.

At the same time....

[FAH1223]

Read on Twitter

[Kanyewest]

Read on Twitter

I could be wrong but it seems like this guy is just spouting stuff to fit in his narrative that the Wizards are terrible.

- Money may have been the deciding factor for Beal to stay although I'm not sure that Beal will demand a trade as soon as next season. I feel if anything he wants to stay in Washington.
- Kuzma wanting out is probably the most believable thing especially about his tweets talking about the good Los Angeles weather. Even then, it seems like Kuzma's tune has changed, maybe he knows he's getting a favorable contract from the Wizards (although I'm guessing he will go to the highest bidder). Things also haven't been as dismal since that 10 game losing streak.
- The most confounding thing to me is Morris wanting out. He gets to play as a starter with Wes Unseld Jr. who he's had history since Denver and has a long leash. Also Kuzma seems to be his bff. Maybe he wants to play for a contender although would like to hear other sources than just believing this guy.
- It seems like KP is very happy- even Deni's mood has brightened with the recent stretch of games. I also have to imagine that Wright is happy- seems to be playing better - I think he's having a career season.

[gambitx777]

Read on Twitter

I could be wrong but it seems like this guy is just spouting stuff to fit in his narrative that the Wizards are terrible.

- Money may have been the deciding factor for Beal to stay although I'm not sure that Beal will demand a trade as soon as next season. I feel if anything he wants to stay in Washington.
- Kuzma wanting out is probably the most believable thing especially about his tweets talking about the good Los Angeles weather. Even then, it seems like Kuzma's tune has changed, maybe he knows he's getting a favorable contract from the Wizards (although I'm guessing he will go to the highest bidder). Things also haven't been as dismal since that 10 game losing streak.
- The most confounding thing to me is Morris wanting out. He gets to play as a starter with Wes Unseld Jr. who he's had history since Denver and has a long leash. Also Kuzma seems to be his bff. Maybe he wants to play for a contender although would like to hear other sources than just believing this guy.
- It seems like KP is very happy- even Deni's mood has brightened with the recent stretch of games. I also have to imagine that Wright is happy- seems to be playing better - I think he's having a career season.

Yeah you can make some complaints about tommy not doing much at the deadline other than Rui, but Nunn's playing well and the guys seem legit happy. Like no one seems like they don't wanna be here.

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[Ruzious]

What about an offseason sign and trade of Kuzma for Cam Johnson? I know it wouldn't make us a contender, but I think we'd end up regretting signing Kuzma long-term. Apologies if this has already been proposed.

[payitforward]

What about an offseason sign and trade of Kuzma for Cam Johnson? I know it wouldn't make us a contender, but I think we'd end up regretting signing Kuzma long-term. Apologies if this has already been proposed.

Given that Brooklyn just acquired him in the Durant trade, they might have the good sense to hold on to him.

Plus, to my knowledge he hasn't been extended yet, so he's going to be a FA, which might give him a pretty wide choice of destinations.

All that said, it's an excellent idea!
But I fear that our FO seems totally locked in on Kuzma. Foolishly.

[nate33]

What about an offseason sign and trade of Kuzma for Cam Johnson? I know it wouldn't make us a contender, but I think we'd end up regretting signing Kuzma long-term. Apologies if this has already been proposed.

Given that Brooklyn just acquired him in the Durant trade, they might have the good sense to hold on to him.

Plus, to my knowledge he hasn't been extended yet, so he's going to be a FA, which might give him a pretty wide choice of destinations.

All that said, it's an excellent idea!
But I fear that our FO seems totally locked in on Kuzma. Foolishly.

I could see an argument for Brooklyn doing it. They have a bunch of catch-and-shoot finisher types like DFS, Bridges, Harris and O'Neal. They might prefer a playmaker like Kuzma instead of another finisher like Cam Johnson.

[doclinkin]

What about an offseason sign and trade of Kuzma for Cam Johnson? I know it wouldn't make us a contender, but I think we'd end up regretting signing Kuzma long-term. Apologies if this has already been proposed.

Given that Brooklyn just acquired him in the Durant trade, they might have the good sense to hold on to him.

Plus, to my knowledge he hasn't been extended yet, so he's going to be a FA, which might give him a pretty wide choice of destinations.

All that said, it's an excellent idea!
But I fear that our FO seems totally locked in on Kuzma. Foolishly.

I could see an argument for Brooklyn doing it. They have a bunch of catch-and-shoot finisher types like DFS, Bridges, Harris and O'Neal. They might prefer a playmaker like Kuzma instead of another finisher like Cam Johnson.

And Kuz would love to be in that market. That's what I have been saying about Kuz. I expect his team approaches Tommy with the concept that they can lose him for nothing, get in a bidding war for his services that pushes them into the lux tax, or S&T him to a team of his choice and get something back at a discount.

Looking at this free agent class Kuz is poised to get paid. Ok few teams have much cap, but on the flipside there is nobody out there worth chasing with large dollars. Restricted free agents and past prime veterans. Teams have to pay for somebody. Kuz and his mom looked good on Good Morning America and his highlight reel is choice. Any team that wants to look like they are making a big move may ante up or offer something, a S&T looks like the most likely deal for Kuz. I still am expecting a Collins and Kuz swap, but I think Kuz would pretty much only want to be in NYC, BK, Miami, or with either LA squad. Ok maybe Atlanta. I think he has more options than it looks like if you're just thinking about what teams have cap. I fully expect Kuz is discussed in a S&T in a multi-team deal. Nobody will even make calls though until the lotto shakes out to see who has what spot. Then there will be motion from the teams that lost the tankstakes.

[payitforward]

What about an offseason sign and trade of Kuzma for Cam Johnson?....

Given that Brooklyn just acquired him in the Durant trade, they might have the good sense to hold on to him.... that said, it's an excellent idea!
But I fear that our FO seems totally locked in on Kuzma. Foolishly.

I could see an argument for Brooklyn doing it. They have a bunch of catch-and-shoot finisher types like DFS, Bridges, Harris and O'Neal. They might prefer a playmaker like Kuzma instead of another finisher like Cam Johnson.

I suppose so, yes!
Still, seems like it'd be a mistake -- not as an idea but b/c Kuz is too inefficient to be truly effective in that role....

[payitforward]

Looking at this free agent class Kuz is poised to get paid. Ok few teams have much cap, but on the flipside there is nobody out there worth chasing with large dollars. Restricted free agents and past prime veterans. Teams have to pay for somebody. Kuz and his mom looked good on Good Morning America and his highlight reel is choice. Any team that wants to look like they are making a big move may ante up or offer something, a S&T looks like the most likely deal for Kuz. I still am expecting a Collin and Kuz swap, but I think Kuz would pretty much only want to be in NYC, BK, Miami, or with either LA squad. Ok maybe Atlanta. I think he has more options than it looks like if you're just thinking about what teams have cap. I fully expect Kuz is discussed in a S&T in a multi-team deal. Nobody will even make calls though until the lotto shakes out to see who has what spot. Then there will be motion from the teams that lost the tankstakes.

This makes complete sense, doc. Kuz will have lots of suitors!

[deneem4]

How y’all feel about the brown and Wagner trade in hindsight?

[gambitx777]

Unless kuz wants to leave I look for us to just pay him 25 plus. I hope it's stops there because I'd be really scared to pay him 30 a year

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[Frichuela]

Unless kuz wants to leave I look for us to just pay him 25 plus. I hope it's stops there because I'd be really scared to pay him 30 a year

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I am afraid Tommy is gonna pay +$30mn/year, something like $160mm/5 years with a PO at the end…