Trade Talk (Part 14): 2023-24 Edition

[twolves31]

I’ve never been a fan, but I suppose with the TOR trade, it’s time to talk Dennis Schröeder.

Schröeder’s deal is $12.4/$13.0, so it could be workable in a trade with Anderson + Shake, and maybe Anderson + Brown Jr. His second year insures that we aren’t left without ANY PG on the roster next year and no way to get one if we can’t bring back Conley, but that salary could put us over the second apron.

Schröeder gives me chemistry concerns. He’d definitely come off the bench behind Conley this year which he’d hate, and if he couldn’t feed Anthony Davis, I think he’d struggle to feed Gobert. He’s 30, but like many tiny PG’s we could trade for, I think that in the playoffs he would be relentlessly hunted on switches - something we don’t worry about with SloMo. He’s averaging 14.6 PPG with 36% 3P, so he could help our bench scoring.

I actually think we solved our back-up PG role. SlowMo is, without a doubt, the best defensive PG we could possibly acquire. He is a net+ defensively as a ball-handler.

I'd like to see Miller get some minutes in the rotation at 10-15 MPG. Maybe he can show or mesh well enough to be a Christian Braun type.

I don't think we're going to see Miller getting anything other than garbage minutes this season. Wolves want to win a championship, and i would be shocked if Finch watches the video on his effort this past game and say's that is what this team is missing.

[shrink]

Here’s a great reminder from babyjax of the possible issues with Schröeder ..

Here’s MIN’s situation, simplified:

Kyle Anderson $9.2
Shake Milton. $5/$5 (team option)
Troy Brown Jr. $4/$4 (team option)

If MIN does a 2-for-1, they need to add a salary to meet roster minimums. MIN is $2.1 mil under the lux, but Mike Conley has a $1.5 mil unlikely bonus if the team reaches the NBA Finals.

Schroeder $12.4/$13.0

————-

So in this case, Anderson + Milton probably works financially, Anderson + Brown Jr “probably” works, adding a pro-rated vet min deal. It works better the longer they wait. The $13 mil next year is both a blessing (to have a PG under contract) and a curse ($13 mil might be reasonable, but it also might push MIN over the second apron). I’m personally not a fan of Schroeder, and I am a little concerned about chemistry with a reduced role, but it’s a reasonable swap, with SloMo going to a contender for a little value.

Schroder is such a terrible fit with Gobert, I think MIN is better keeping their guys. Remember all of this?

https://ftw.usatoday.com/2023/03/lakers-grizzlies-anthony-davis-dennis-schroder-video

[minimus]

Here’s a great reminder from babyjax of the possible issues with Schröeder ..

Here’s MIN’s situation, simplified:

Kyle Anderson $9.2
Shake Milton. $5/$5 (team option)
Troy Brown Jr. $4/$4 (team option)

If MIN does a 2-for-1, they need to add a salary to meet roster minimums. MIN is $2.1 mil under the lux, but Mike Conley has a $1.5 mil unlikely bonus if the team reaches the NBA Finals.

Schroeder $12.4/$13.0

————-

So in this case, Anderson + Milton probably works financially, Anderson + Brown Jr “probably” works, adding a pro-rated vet min deal. It works better the longer they wait. The $13 mil next year is both a blessing (to have a PG under contract) and a curse ($13 mil might be reasonable, but it also might push MIN over the second apron). I’m personally not a fan of Schroeder, and I am a little concerned about chemistry with a reduced role, but it’s a reasonable swap, with SloMo going to a contender for a little value.

Schroder is such a terrible fit with Gobert, I think MIN is better keeping their guys. Remember all of this?

https://ftw.usatoday.com/2023/03/lakers-grizzlies-anthony-davis-dennis-schroder-video

He was exposed as starting PG, but he would be a great backup PG. Also it looks like he has been growing as a leader.

[winforlose]

Here’s a great reminder from babyjax of the possible issues with Schröeder ..

Schroder is such a terrible fit with Gobert, I think MIN is better keeping their guys. Remember all of this?

https://ftw.usatoday.com/2023/03/lakers-grizzlies-anthony-davis-dennis-schroder-video

He was exposed as starting PG, but he would be a great backup PG. Also it looks like he has been growing as a leader.

Whoever we bring in is the heir apparent to our starting PG. Maybe Mike has one more fully Mike year in him, but 2 more is unlikely. Even if we draft someone this year there is no guarantee they will be more than a backup by 25-26. Is DS that guy?

[wolves_89]

Here’s MIN’s situation, simplified:

Kyle Anderson $9.2
Shake Milton. $5/$5 (team option)
Troy Brown Jr. $4/$4 (team option)

If MIN does a 2-for-1, they need to add a salary to meet roster minimums. MIN is $2.1 mil under the lux, but Mike Conley has a $1.5 mil unlikely bonus if the team reaches the NBA Finals.

I don't see Conley's unlikely bonus of $1.5M being a factor in trade considerations. I think the Wolves will be willing to go right up to the luxury tax line with a trade or signing, and if Conley's bonus pushes them over the tax line they will pay it happily (since it would mean the Wolves made the finals).

[winforlose]

Here’s MIN’s situation, simplified:

Kyle Anderson $9.2
Shake Milton. $5/$5 (team option)
Troy Brown Jr. $4/$4 (team option)

If MIN does a 2-for-1, they need to add a salary to meet roster minimums. MIN is $2.1 mil under the lux, but Mike Conley has a $1.5 mil unlikely bonus if the team reaches the NBA Finals.

I don't see Conley's unlikely bonus of $1.5M being a factor in trade considerations. I think the Wolves will be willing to go right up to the luxury tax line with a trade or signing, and if Conley's bonus pushes them over the tax line they will pay it happily (since it would mean the Wolves made the finals).

The issue is not this year, this issue is 3 years from now. 25-26 would be a repeater tax year and the money gets astronomical. That said I was wondering how much a championship is actually worth in dollars? I mean more national games, higher price merch sales, 4 playoff series worth of tickets, concessions, kick backs from hotels and restaurants who partner with the Wolves, ect… Ownership will be required to pay 50% of that revenue into the profit sharing pot, but gets to keep the other half. Also, ownership would lose out this year on millions in luxury tax distribution from the tax paying teams. End of the day, I wonder if it might be revenue neutral or even profitable to pay the repeater tax in 25-26 if it gets a championship in 23-24 and puts us in position for another in 24-25.

[twolves31]

Here’s MIN’s situation, simplified:

Kyle Anderson $9.2
Shake Milton. $5/$5 (team option)
Troy Brown Jr. $4/$4 (team option)

If MIN does a 2-for-1, they need to add a salary to meet roster minimums. MIN is $2.1 mil under the lux, but Mike Conley has a $1.5 mil unlikely bonus if the team reaches the NBA Finals.

I don't see Conley's unlikely bonus of $1.5M being a factor in trade considerations. I think the Wolves will be willing to go right up to the luxury tax line with a trade or signing, and if Conley's bonus pushes them over the tax line they will pay it happily (since it would mean the Wolves made the finals).

The issue is not this year, this issue is 3 years from now. 25-26 would be a repeater tax year and the money gets astronomical. That said I was wondering how much a championship is actually worth in dollars? I mean more national games, higher price merch sales, 4 playoff series worth of tickets, concessions, kick backs from hotels and restaurants who partner with the Wolves, ect… Ownership will be required to pay 50% of that revenue into the profit sharing pot, but gets to keep the other half. Also, ownership would lose out this year on millions in luxury tax distribution from the tax paying teams. End of the day, I wonder if it might be revenue neutral or even profitable to pay the repeater tax in 25-26 if it gets a championship in 23-24 and puts us in position for another in 24-25.

Two expansion teams being added into the mix could infuse 200 million dollars to each team as well.

[winforlose]

I don't see Conley's unlikely bonus of $1.5M being a factor in trade considerations. I think the Wolves will be willing to go right up to the luxury tax line with a trade or signing, and if Conley's bonus pushes them over the tax line they will pay it happily (since it would mean the Wolves made the finals).

The issue is not this year, this issue is 3 years from now. 25-26 would be a repeater tax year and the money gets astronomical. That said I was wondering how much a championship is actually worth in dollars? I mean more national games, higher price merch sales, 4 playoff series worth of tickets, concessions, kick backs from hotels and restaurants who partner with the Wolves, ect… Ownership will be required to pay 50% of that revenue into the profit sharing pot, but gets to keep the other half. Also, ownership would lose out this year on millions in luxury tax distribution from the tax paying teams. End of the day, I wonder if it might be revenue neutral or even profitable to pay the repeater tax in 25-26 if it gets a championship in 23-24 and puts us in position for another in 24-25.

Two expansion teams being added into the mix could infuse 200 million dollars to each team as well.

Might be more than two. In addition to Seattle and Vegas, I read that Mexico City is somewhere the NBA badly wants a team.

[KGdaBom]

The issue is not this year, this issue is 3 years from now. 25-26 would be a repeater tax year and the money gets astronomical. That said I was wondering how much a championship is actually worth in dollars? I mean more national games, higher price merch sales, 4 playoff series worth of tickets, concessions, kick backs from hotels and restaurants who partner with the Wolves, ect… Ownership will be required to pay 50% of that revenue into the profit sharing pot, but gets to keep the other half. Also, ownership would lose out this year on millions in luxury tax distribution from the tax paying teams. End of the day, I wonder if it might be revenue neutral or even profitable to pay the repeater tax in 25-26 if it gets a championship in 23-24 and puts us in position for another in 24-25.

Two expansion teams being added into the mix could infuse 200 million dollars to each team as well.

Might be more than two. In addition to Seattle and Vegas, I read that Mexico City is somewhere the NBA badly wants a team.

32 is such a perfect number of teams. I hate it being more.

[Neeva]

I am done with Anderson, whatever it takes Connelly needs to bolster the bench and backup pg. he **** up with shake signing and drafting of Wendell time to make up for it.

[Guest84]

I’ve been in the camp off don’t trade at the deadline simply due to chemistry concerns. However, thinking long term I’ve softened that stance a bit.

Honestly, Kyle, Shake, some of the younger end of bench guys, and possibly even Jaden (not popular opinion).

I mention Jaden due to the constant fouls mostly. It also seems like he hasn’t been as good on defense consistently this year either. Similar to Towns, what good is he if he’s always on the bench due to fouls??

I also ask, is he better/worse/in the same tier as OG? When it comes to his offense, that’s probably due to mostly coaching not involving him consistently enough to gain a rhythm to sustain throughout the game.

I do think Jaden needs to bulk up a bit if he can as it should help his game in my opinion.

While we’re having early success this season, idk if it’ll culminate in a championship. Still making too many unnecessary mistakes.

[KGdaBom]

I’ve been in the camp off don’t trade at the deadline simply due to chemistry concerns. However, thinking long term I’ve softened that stance a bit.

Honestly, Kyle, Shake, some of the younger end of bench guys, and possibly even Jaden (not popular opinion).

I mention Jaden due to the constant fouls mostly. It also seems like he hasn’t been as good on defense consistently this year either. Similar to Towns, what good is he if he’s always on the bench due to fouls??

I also ask, is he better/worse/in the same tier as OG? When it comes to his offense, that’s probably due to mostly coaching not involving him consistently enough to gain a rhythm to sustain throughout the game.

I do think Jaden needs to bulk up a bit if he can as it should help his game in my opinion.

While we’re having early success this season, idk if it’ll culminate in a championship. Still making too many unnecessary mistakes.

Odds are it won't culminate in a championship. Only 1 in 30 teams gets that each year.

[FrenchMinnyFan]

We still not a contender. Regular season is one thing, PO is another. Too much immaturity from the same guys over and over. Won't translate well in PO. For me we got semi final conference level , WFC is planet are aligned. But there is many teams better than us right now, at least 4 or 5 ( Denver, Clippers, Bucks Boston...)

[minimus]

McLaughlin minutes in game against NYK was another reminder how our bench would look like with a decent ballhandler. We would miss KA Defensive versatility, but in offense TC doesn't need to invent a wheel: "just" get a proven ballhandler

[winforlose]

McLaughlin minutes in game against NYK was another reminder how our bench would look like with a decent ballhandler. We would miss KA Defensive versatility, but in offense TC doesn't need to invent a wheel: "just" get a proven ballhandler

True, but they need to floor space or it is Kyle 2.0.

[minimus]

McLaughlin minutes in game against NYK was another reminder how our bench would look like with a decent ballhandler. We would miss KA Defensive versatility, but in offense TC doesn't need to invent a wheel: "just" get a proven ballhandler

True, but they need to floor space or it is Kyle 2.0.

Yea, I think that getting a floor spacer would simplify our rotations a lot. For instance, look at this THT highlights. Nothing special, but he moves the ball, shoots when open, drive when he sees gap in defense.

Watch on YouTube

Will KA, Moore + SRP be enough for THT?

Gobert/Towns + Garza
Towns/Reid/McDaniels + Miller
McDaniels/THT/TBJ + Minott
Edwards/NAW/TBJ
Conley/JMac/Milton + Nix


Another idea: KA, Milton, Moore for Doug McDermott, Branham

We lose KA defense, but we get 5-10 minutes when McDermott or Branham can get hot.

[KGdaBom]

We still not a contender. Regular season is one thing, PO is another. Too much immaturity from the same guys over and over. Won't translate well in PO. For me we got semi final conference level , WFC is planet are aligned. But there is many teams better than us right now, at least 4 or 5 ( Denver, Clippers, Bucks Boston...)

I definitely see us as a contender. We will see how far we go come April, May and hopefully June.

[winforlose]

McLaughlin minutes in game against NYK was another reminder how our bench would look like with a decent ballhandler. We would miss KA Defensive versatility, but in offense TC doesn't need to invent a wheel: "just" get a proven ballhandler

True, but they need to floor space or it is Kyle 2.0.

Yea, I think that getting a floor spacer would simplify our rotations a lot. For instance, look at this THT highlights. Nothing special, but he moves the ball, shoots when open, drive when he sees gap in defense.

Watch on YouTube

Will KA, Moore + SRP be enough for THT?

Gobert/Towns + Garza
Towns/Reid/McDaniels + Miller
McDaniels/THT/TBJ + Minott
Edwards/NAW/TBJ
Conley/JMac/Milton + Nix


Another idea: KA, Milton, Moore for Doug McDermott, Branham

We lose KA defense, but we get 5-10 minutes when McDermott or Branham can get hot.

THT doesn’t seem like the answer. The way I ask the question is pretend in game 81 Mike Conley is injured in a way that means he is out for the entire playoffs. Whatever player we acquire for Kyle and Shake needs to be the guy who from game 82 through game 7 of the finals can replace enough of Mike to keep us competitive. I see that as Tyus. There are of course other floor generals, but I don’t think THT is that guy. Do you?

[Klomp]

THT doesn’t seem like the answer. The way I ask the question is pretend in game 81 Mike Conley is injured in a way that means he is out for the entire playoffs. Whatever player we acquire for Kyle and Shake needs to be the guy who from game 82 through game 7 of the finals can replace enough of Mike to keep us competitive. I see that as Tyus. There are of course other floor generals, but I don’t think THT is that guy. Do you?

Ultimately, there probably isn't a single realistic option who will be that guy, if you're only talking about trading Anderson and Milton. Jones has potential to be that guy for short spurts, as does Horton-Tucker.

[winforlose]

THT doesn’t seem like the answer. The way I ask the question is pretend in game 81 Mike Conley is injured in a way that means he is out for the entire playoffs. Whatever player we acquire for Kyle and Shake needs to be the guy who from game 82 through game 7 of the finals can replace enough of Mike to keep us competitive. I see that as Tyus. There are of course other floor generals, but I don’t think THT is that guy. Do you?

Ultimately, there probably isn't a single realistic option who will be that guy, if you're only talking about trading Anderson and Milton. Jones has potential to be that guy for short spurts, as does Horton-Tucker.

Tyus and Mike are putting up similar numbers. Tyus can play on or off ball, and play fast or slow. I don’t get what makes you think he couldn’t replace Mike, especially with 2-3 months to build chemistry with the team.