Center market who are the buyers?

[nykballa2k4]

So just going through this in my mind here...
IMO Nets are looking to move Claxton because he probably wants too much on his next contract and Nets don't agree with his self-appraisal. Knicks are talking about losing Hartenstein this summer because we only have his early-birds. Capela seems to be on the market and we know RWIII is available (though he is never really available). Having said all of that -- who is the market for a center who fancies themselves a starter? What teams are looking for a C who is going to cost 15+ million going forward?

Any ideas?

[Texas Chuck]

Dallas isn't looking for a long-term starter, but I think they should be in the market for a center, and he can make money because Lively is on a rookie deal for 3 more years. So they are out on the top of the market guy, Claxton, but imo should be players for some other guys.

[TheNetsFan]

OKC is probably in the defensive big market. NOLA has been long rumored to seek a more mobile C next to Zion. I have not seen it anywhere, but someone said that GSW, OKC and Toronto have interest in Claxton.

[JRoy]

OKC is probably in the defensive big market. NOLA has been long rumored to seek a more mobile C next to Zion. I have not seen it anywhere, but someone said that GSW, OKC and Toronto have interest in Claxton.

Can I interest PEL in a mobile, barely used Deandre Ayton?

[SkyHook]

I still think that OKC has the perfect opportunity to spend assets to acquire a solid big man in that salary range before they really feel the cap crunch in 2026. Will Presti do it this week?

[balsamic_ducks]

OKC is probably in the defensive big market. NOLA has been long rumored to seek a more mobile C next to Zion. I have not seen it anywhere, but someone said that GSW, OKC and Toronto have interest in Claxton.

Can I interest PEL in a mobile, barely used Deandre Ayton?

He wouldn't have to worry about ice in Nola. However the street flooding would keep him out of at least 20 games a year

[NW]

Golden State, though it’s a bit tricky since it’s likely Draymond at C down the stretch of close games so probably not the place for a C wanting big money and big minutes, but would love a legit sized C to have as an option against the behemoths out there

[TheNewEra]

clippers could use a defensive big C with some ability to play PF as a backup for when Zubac returns. Plumlee just doesn’t check the boxes for what we need in a physical series and Theis is solid but small.

Clipper targets could be Issac, WCJ, Bagley(banking on more balance), or team looks to had a rebounding force like Drummond.

[tcheco]

Golden State, though it’s a bit tricky since it’s likely Draymond at C down the stretch of close games so probably not the place for a C wanting big money and big minutes, but would love a legit sized C to have as an option against the behemoths out there

I know Looney is not gigantic, but he looked amazing outhustling the whole Kings team last year, should an upgrade at C be needed?

[BelgradeNugget]

Denver could use some of low salary Cs (up to 5 mil) for expirings and up to two 2nd round picks. As they say other people garbage... something like Dwight Powell, Mason Plumlee/Daniel Theis, Nick Richards, Day'Ron Sharpe...or just big like Dario Saric would be OK.

[Norm2953]

Doubtful Portland would take 3 SRP + EC for RW3 which is what Memphis did to get up under the
second tax apron.

[NW]

Golden State, though it’s a bit tricky since it’s likely Draymond at C down the stretch of close games so probably not the place for a C wanting big money and big minutes, but would love a legit sized C to have as an option against the behemoths out there

I know Looney is not gigantic, but he looked amazing outhustling the whole Kings team last year, should an upgrade at C be needed?

Unfortunately, Loon's body has pretty much betrayed him. He's too slow and teams don't even guard him anymore on offense. On defense he can still hold his own against some Cs like Sabonis but the negatives out weigh positives at this point imo

[gswhoops]

Golden State, though it’s a bit tricky since it’s likely Draymond at C down the stretch of close games so probably not the place for a C wanting big money and big minutes, but would love a legit sized C to have as an option against the behemoths out there

I know Looney is not gigantic, but he looked amazing outhustling the whole Kings team last year, should an upgrade at C be needed?

Unfortunately, Loon's body has pretty much betrayed him. He's too slow and teams don't even guard him anymore on offense. On defense he can still hold his own against some Cs like Sabonis but the negatives out weigh positives at this point imo

Yeah, unfortunately Loon isn't really a reliable option any more. At this point be basically starts for old time's sake and then Draymond and Saric take the bulk of the minutes at the 5.

I think we should be in the market for an upgrade. If it's someone like Capela who's willing to sit during crunch time great. If it's a more substantial upgrade like Claxton or Vucevic or whoever though, I think we should still pursue it if the price is right. It's not like this season is going so well that we shouldn't be willing to make changes to our system.

[Wolveswin]

To Magic: Claxton

To OKC: WCJ

To Nets: Bertans + OKC Picks

[TheNetsFan]

To Magic: Claxton

To OKC: WCJ

To Nets: Bertans + OKC Picks

If OKC is the only one giving picks, why wouldn't thy just make a move for Claxton themselves? I think the Magic should share some of the pick cost with OKC.

[Wolveswin]

To Magic: Claxton

To OKC: WCJ

To Nets: Bertans + OKC Picks

If OKC is the only one giving picks, why wouldn't thy just make a move for Claxton themselves? I think the Magic should share some of the pick cost with OKC.

I don’t think OKC wants a defensive center nor one demanding 20M per (big offseason plans) nor one that can be a flight risk.

Magic on other hand need a defensive center and worth risk for permanent fixture for them at Claxton age and cost.

[the_process]

OKC is probably in the defensive big market. NOLA has been long rumored to seek a more mobile C next to Zion. I have not seen it anywhere, but someone said that GSW, OKC and Toronto have interest in Claxton.

Can I interest PEL in a mobile, barely used Deandre Ayton?

I understand he's never had physical contact.

[Chris Porter's Hair]

I know Looney is not gigantic, but he looked amazing outhustling the whole Kings team last year, should an upgrade at C be needed?

Unfortunately, Loon's body has pretty much betrayed him. He's too slow and teams don't even guard him anymore on offense. On defense he can still hold his own against some Cs like Sabonis but the negatives out weigh positives at this point imo

Yeah, unfortunately Loon isn't really a reliable option any more. At this point be basically starts for old time's sake and then Draymond and Saric take the bulk of the minutes at the 5.

I think we should be in the market for an upgrade. If it's someone like Capela who's willing to sit during crunch time great. If it's a more substantial upgrade like Claxton or Vucevic or whoever though, I think we should still pursue it if the price is right. It's not like this season is going so well that we shouldn't be willing to make changes to our system.

For years I think this board has underestimated and undervalued Looney. However, this year has been so strange. It really is like he woke up one day as a different player. He still has the defensive IQ and all, but he just can't seem to execute this year. It has been bewildering and sad to see, but I agree: I think, as a result, we could use another center.