psman2 wrote:Residual-Heat wrote:QMemphis wrote:Love this suggested on another board. Grizz come in as 3rd team offer Luke Kennard and 25 1st lottery protected.
Edited:
With WCJ and Morant back the Grizzlies are likely a 50 win team next year, Kennard and a very late pick isnt enough value IMO. Also, Magic are not taking on Ayton's contract.
I think that is about all we would offer honestly. I know Magic fans have a high opinion of him but I think this is fair market trade value for a center that just posted 7pts/6rebs with a .511 TS in the playoffs. I think we are targeting a center in the draft and likely want a vet guy that can play 15-20 minutes for us as we bring along the rookie, Goga for a portion of our MLE is more likely than us paying a premium for WCJ.
The stats really dont give WCJ credit to what he did in the post-season. He was solid. For the most part he played well defensively and though he didnt grab a ton of rebounds, he boxed out well allowing his teammates to grab rebounds. Franz RPG jumped from 5.3 to 7 rpg partially because of this. WCJ missed some threes that he shouldve made. He was also dealing with some back issues towards the end of the regular season, and was playing off the bench the first 2 games. As a starter he performed much better in the play offs than when he came off the bench.
The Grizzlies can sign Goga for sure, and he will help, but I dont think he's a long term solution. The rookie may or may not be a long term solution. I have no idea where the pick lands, and who would be available in that range, but we all know draft picks are very risky. I think WCJ is a long term solution. You'd have two bigs that can stretch the floor for Morant, which is important considering Smart isnt a good shooter, and Morant isnt a consistent 3pt shooter. WCJ is also a MUCH better fit with JJr. defensively as well. WCJ is a lot more mobile than Goga. The Grizzlies can still draft their rookie center and have him back up WCJ until he's ready.
The Grizzlies are almost there IMO, i think they just need this one piece to complete the team, and sometimes its okay to "overpay" a little. WCJ is the perfect fit, and a proven starter on a winning team. Ofcourse if you dont think WCJ is a long term solution then this is a moot point, but i think he is and I dont see many starter-level centers available that can do what he does.
The Magic are in the same boat, but with a guard. I would gladly "overpay" a little (whether through trade or FA) to solve the PG issue that has been a problem for the Magic forever, just as long as i can keep my core pieces on the team. I dont think Murray is wroth 3 picks and a swap, but I would make that trade. I would offer even more if i didnt have questions about his character and how he fits with the team in that regard... (To be clear Im not saying the Grizzlies should give up 3 1st round picks at all, i am just giving an example)