Hard to get fully behind this one, I know, but in my mind, I keep coming back to Wendell Carter Jr. as a center with some experience that I'd like to see the Knicks acquire.
I know he's injury prone big-time and I know hammering out a fair deal with a big division rival like the Magic would prove to be difficult, but I just always felt this dude was a very underrated big in so many areas. I think he's underrated size-wise (I think he plays bigger than 6'10", which is already adequate size for the 5 anyway -- dude's very long), underrated defender (even though he hasn't put up huge shot-blocking numbers, I feel he's a very underrated positional defender with excellent strength and anticipation down low, plus he'll close out and challenge shots on the perimeter with very good length), he's a quality rebounder, a good enough passer where the offense could be run through him out high, and he's a very underrated three-level offensive player (post, mid-range and he can shoot 3s).
Carter's a guy I look at like if the NBA were ever to expand again and he got picked up by some brand new team, and was featured in the offense, he could easily go for 20/10/1.5 every night.. No question in my mind, as long as he remained health.
To me, injuries aside for a sec, this guy is a fairly complete, slept-on NBA big man. Dude is still only 25 and he's been on a descending team-friendly contract for a few seasons now with 2 years remaining (almost $12M this coming season and only $10.85M the following season).
Interested to know what you guys think would be a fair deal to get him (taking into account that he's injury prone but also that you gotta give to get something you're lacking and could use). What do we have that Orlando could want? Looks like they're not interested in bringing Fultz back, so I would think they could use/would want Deuce McBride, who's become a very serviceable young two-way NBA guard. Then you throw in Precious Achiuwa who just turned 25 2 days ago and still has some ceiling left and the salary works. Only thing is, we'd have to wait until January 15th I believe for Achiuwa to become trade eligible. I think we still might have to sweeten the pot a little...
Would this work --
McBride, Achiuwa and both protected 1st round picks (Washington's and Detroit's) for Wendell Carter Jr?
Again, I know there's risk here because of Carter's injury history plus I know it would be tough to deal Deuce to a division rival like this, but anyone make that deal come January if Carter's fully healthy at that time and playing well? Is the above offer even enough to get him or do you feel like Orlando would want more?
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