Trade Talk (Part 15): Trade Deadline Day (and onwards!)

[Danimals]

Riffing another idea from the Trade Board

MEM GETS: Randle + NAW
MIN GETS: Aldama, Smart, Clarke

MEM a needs to start consolidating some of its talent, and Randle could play a Zach Randolph role. I don’t like the extra money MIN a would be taking on next year (Smart $21.6, Clarke $12.5, Aldama ???) which might cost us Naz, but the on court fit would help fix our rotation issues.

Is there some shenanigans going on here?

Because as a straight up deal you of all people should know it's illegal. Can't aggregate salaries.

It’s also just a straight up bad deal. NAW is younger, better, and cheaper than Smart. It doesn’t increase our talent, upgrade PG, or give us another center. It would make our team worse on the court, fit us somehow even worse than now, and adds more long term salary. It makes no sense.

[cmoss84]

Miami might be interested??

MN out: Julius
MN in: Robinson, JJJ, Novic, Lakers SRP '26

[cmoss84]

Randle can be traded along with other players starting this week...maybe we all get an early Christmas present.

[Loaf_of_bread]

Randle can be traded along with other players starting this week...maybe we all get an early Christmas present.

Well we need the team to turn around and Randle look decent. He currently has zero value apart from his expiring contract.

[shrink]

Riffing another idea from the Trade Board

MEM GETS: Randle + NAW
MIN GETS: Aldama, Smart, Clarke

MEM a needs to start consolidating some of its talent, and Randle could play a Zach Randolph role. I don’t like the extra money MIN a would be taking on next year (Smart $21.6, Clarke $12.5, Aldama ???) which might cost us Naz, but the on court fit would help fix our rotation issues.

Is there some shenanigans going on here?

Because as a straight up deal you of all people should know it's illegal. Can't aggregate salaries.

Just because multiple players are in a deal does not mean salary is aggregated. Aggregation only means you need to add salaries together to make a deal work.

Randle for Smart + Clark works
NAW for Aldama works

[shrink]

Riffing another idea from the Trade Board

MEM GETS: Randle + NAW
MIN GETS: Aldama, Smart, Clarke

MEM a needs to start consolidating some of its talent, and Randle could play a Zach Randolph role. I don’t like the extra money MIN a would be taking on next year (Smart $21.6, Clarke $12.5, Aldama ???) which might cost us Naz, but the on court fit would help fix our rotation issues.

Is there some shenanigans going on here?

Because as a straight up deal you of all people should know it's illegal. Can't aggregate salaries.

It’s also just a straight up bad deal. NAW is younger, better, and cheaper than Smart. It doesn’t increase our talent, upgrade PG, or give us another center. It would make our team worse on the court, fit us somehow even worse than now, and adds more long term salary. It makes no sense.

Is NAW better FOR US than Aldama? Both need new contracts next year.

Is Randall better FOR US than Smart and Clarke?

I think positional fit is much better, with our biggest needs are for a back up center, and a reliable playmaking PG. While I view Aldama and Clarke as PF’s they both play some center for MEM, and would both be better at C than Naz, who can now get minutes at PF and SF.

Conley/Smart
Ant/DDV
McDaniels
Naz/Clarke
Gobert/Aldama

I do agree with you on the money next year though.

[winforlose]

Riffing another idea from the Trade Board

MEM GETS: Randle + NAW
MIN GETS: Aldama, Smart, Clarke

MEM a needs to start consolidating some of its talent, and Randle could play a Zach Randolph role. I don’t like the extra money MIN a would be taking on next year (Smart $21.6, Clarke $12.5, Aldama ???) which might cost us Naz, but the on court fit would help fix our rotation issues.

Is there some shenanigans going on here?

Because as a straight up deal you of all people should know it's illegal. Can't aggregate salaries.

Just because multiple players are in a deal does not mean salary is aggregated. Aggregation only means you need to add salaries together to make a deal work.

Randle for Smart + Clark works
NAW for Aldama works

This part still confuses me a bit. I mean you could in theory trade Randle and Naz into space (just using easy examples of bigger money deals,) and get back player X at 10 million. Thus consolidation is only off limits if player X is worth more than Naz and Randle together. But, when you want to trade let’s say NAW for someone making 10 million, cannot you just add filler in the form of a low money contract from the other team and a contract the size of Naz to make it kosher. In a way it would still be aggregation, just with more players. Or is it done as two separate deals?

[Danimals]

Is there some shenanigans going on here?

Because as a straight up deal you of all people should know it's illegal. Can't aggregate salaries.

It’s also just a straight up bad deal. NAW is younger, better, and cheaper than Smart. It doesn’t increase our talent, upgrade PG, or give us another center. It would make our team worse on the court, fit us somehow even worse than now, and adds more long term salary. It makes no sense.

Is NAW better FOR US than Aldama? Both need new contracts next year.

Is Randall better FOR US than Smart and Clarke?

I think positional fit is much better, with our biggest needs are for a back up center, and a reliable playmaking PG. While I view Aldama and Clarke as PF’s they both play some center for MEM, and would both be better at C than Naz, who can now get minutes at PF and SF.

Conley/Smart
Ant/DDV
McDaniels
Naz/Clarke
Gobert/Aldama

I do agree with you on the money next year though.

NAW is absolutely better for us than Aldama. Smart is not a playmaking PG. Randle is not better for us, but needs to return the right pieces or cap space.

We are not competing for a championship this year. We need to see what we have with some of the younger guys and fill some needs. So trade Randle for a center to develop behind Rudy, quality 4/5 who can play with both Naz and Rudy, or a legit PG to push Mike to the bench. We also need more vet leadership, but not more high usage vets.

Conley Dillingham/vet
Edwards DDV/Walker
McDaniels Walker/DDV
Reid McDaniels/?
Gobert ?

[younggunsmn]

Riffing another idea from the Trade Board

MEM GETS: Randle + NAW
MIN GETS: Aldama, Smart, Clarke

MEM a needs to start consolidating some of its talent, and Randle could play a Zach Randolph role. I don’t like the extra money MIN a would be taking on next year (Smart $21.6, Clarke $12.5, Aldama ???) which might cost us Naz, but the on court fit would help fix our rotation issues.

Is there some shenanigans going on here?

Because as a straight up deal you of all people should know it's illegal. Can't aggregate salaries.

Just because multiple players are in a deal does not mean salary is aggregated. Aggregation only means you need to add salaries together to make a deal work.

Randle for Smart + Clark works
NAW for Aldama works

There is only one GM in the league stupid enough to take on Julius Randle, let alone give up a former DPOY in Marcus Smart.
And unfortunately that guy is running the TImberwolves.

[minimus]

Riffing another idea from the Trade Board

MEM GETS: Randle + NAW
MIN GETS: Aldama, Smart, Clarke

MEM a needs to start consolidating some of its talent, and Randle could play a Zach Randolph role. I don’t like the extra money MIN a would be taking on next year (Smart $21.6, Clarke $12.5, Aldama ???) which might cost us Naz, but the on court fit would help fix our rotation issues.

Is there some shenanigans going on here?

Because as a straight up deal you of all people should know it's illegal. Can't aggregate salaries.

Just because multiple players are in a deal does not mean salary is aggregated. Aggregation only means you need to add salaries together to make a deal work.

Randle for Smart + Clark works
NAW for Aldama works

I would it in a heartbeat if there a chance to re-sign Aldama!

[ILC]

Any deal for Randle needs to include an actual mobile 5 coming back so Naz never has to play the 5 when on floor.

[Norseman79]

Miami might be interested??

MN out: Julius
MN in: Robinson, JJJ, Novic, Lakers SRP '26

Slam dunk if we could get this

[minimus]

The cap landscape for next summer is a harsh one. Only the Brooklyn Nets project to have signficiant cap space, which will undoubtedly limit the number of Ingram suitors at the dollar figure he is seeking.

https://intheno.substack.com/p/brandon-ingram-leaves-excel-sports

I wonder how it will affect contract situation with Randle

[shrink]

The cap landscape for next summer is a harsh one. Only the Brooklyn Nets project to have signficiant cap space, which will undoubtedly limit the number of Ingram suitors at the dollar figure he is seeking.

https://intheno.substack.com/p/brandon-ingram-leaves-excel-sports

I wonder how it will affect contract situation with Randle

I think the most likely result is that we would sign-and-trade Randle to a destination he wants, but some of the trade return will be enough cap space to make it legal by getting us under the second apron after the trade.

But yes, if MIN refuses to work with Randle, he’d be limited to only a couple teams that will pay him over $40, which he probably expects with his counting stats, his awards, and the rising cap. He has leverage as well. Depending on how good or bad the situation is between MIN and Randle, he could take his $30.9 player option, and try to get a better situation over the next year.

[shangrila]

Riffing another idea from the Trade Board

MEM GETS: Randle + NAW
MIN GETS: Aldama, Smart, Clarke

MEM a needs to start consolidating some of its talent, and Randle could play a Zach Randolph role. I don’t like the extra money MIN a would be taking on next year (Smart $21.6, Clarke $12.5, Aldama ???) which might cost us Naz, but the on court fit would help fix our rotation issues.

Is there some shenanigans going on here?

Because as a straight up deal you of all people should know it's illegal. Can't aggregate salaries.

Just because multiple players are in a deal does not mean salary is aggregated. Aggregation only means you need to add salaries together to make a deal work.

Randle for Smart + Clark works
NAW for Aldama works

Cool. Maybe word it that way next time?

[Loaf_of_bread]

The cap landscape for next summer is a harsh one. Only the Brooklyn Nets project to have signficiant cap space, which will undoubtedly limit the number of Ingram suitors at the dollar figure he is seeking.

https://intheno.substack.com/p/brandon-ingram-leaves-excel-sports

I wonder how it will affect contract situation with Randle

I think the most likely result is that we would sign-and-trade Randle to a destination he wants, but some of the trade return will be enough cap space to make it legal by getting us under the second apron after the trade.

But yes, if MIN refuses to work with Randle, he’d be limited to only a couple teams that will pay him over $40, which he probably expects with his counting stats, his awards, and the rising cap. He has leverage as well. Depending on how good or bad the situation is between MIN and Randle, he could take his $30.9 player option, and try to get a better situation over the next year.

Would be funny if he took the player option.. not quite sure I would consider that leverage from his end

[shrink]

https://intheno.substack.com/p/brandon-ingram-leaves-excel-sports

I wonder how it will affect contract situation with Randle

I think the most likely result is that we would sign-and-trade Randle to a destination he wants, but some of the trade return will be enough cap space to make it legal by getting us under the second apron after the trade.

But yes, if MIN refuses to work with Randle, he’d be limited to only a couple teams that will pay him over $40, which he probably expects with his counting stats, his awards, and the rising cap. He has leverage as well. Depending on how good or bad the situation is between MIN and Randle, he could take his $30.9 player option, and try to get a better situation over the next year.

Would be funny if he took the player option.. not quite sure I would consider that leverage from his end

His leverage is that if we choose not to play ball, he can choose not to play ball. His player option gives him the power to do whatever is worse for us. Personally I think $30.9 is a reasonable contract, but it might not be reasonable for us, if he continues to not get with the program, and we need that money for Naz.

[Loaf_of_bread]

I think the most likely result is that we would sign-and-trade Randle to a destination he wants, but some of the trade return will be enough cap space to make it legal by getting us under the second apron after the trade.

But yes, if MIN refuses to work with Randle, he’d be limited to only a couple teams that will pay him over $40, which he probably expects with his counting stats, his awards, and the rising cap. He has leverage as well. Depending on how good or bad the situation is between MIN and Randle, he could take his $30.9 player option, and try to get a better situation over the next year.

Would be funny if he took the player option.. not quite sure I would consider that leverage from his end

His leverage is that if we choose not to play ball, he can choose not to play ball. His player option gives him the power to do whatever is worse for us. Personally I think $30.9 is a reasonable contract, but it might not be reasonable for us, if he continues to not get with the program, and we need that money for Naz.

I guess your right.. another thought is it gives him this year off, and next year is his true contract year. Could be a potential explanation for the lack of effort.

[winforlose]

I think the most likely result is that we would sign-and-trade Randle to a destination he wants, but some of the trade return will be enough cap space to make it legal by getting us under the second apron after the trade.

But yes, if MIN refuses to work with Randle, he’d be limited to only a couple teams that will pay him over $40, which he probably expects with his counting stats, his awards, and the rising cap. He has leverage as well. Depending on how good or bad the situation is between MIN and Randle, he could take his $30.9 player option, and try to get a better situation over the next year.

Would be funny if he took the player option.. not quite sure I would consider that leverage from his end

His leverage is that if we choose not to play ball, he can choose not to play ball. His player option gives him the power to do whatever is worse for us. Personally I think $30.9 is a reasonable contract, but it might not be reasonable for us, if he continues to not get with the program, and we need that money for Naz.

I couldn’t disagree more. If we sent him home for his refusal to play defense and terrible locker room presence then his career is in very serious danger. We leave him there the rest of this season he either opts out next season and signs a prove it deal (his value will be greatly diminished by being sent home and not being active for a year,) or he cashes the option and sits at home another year losing even more time while his game rusts. We have all the leverage and we aren’t using it. Frankly I would have him away from the team for the last 2 weeks if I was Finch. I would warn Ant that while I won’t send him away, his minutes and ability to start and end games will depend on his effort and ability to play within the scheme. Making Ant the backup SG for a weak sends a hell of message.

[shrink]

Would be funny if he took the player option.. not quite sure I would consider that leverage from his end

His leverage is that if we choose not to play ball, he can choose not to play ball. His player option gives him the power to do whatever is worse for us. Personally I think $30.9 is a reasonable contract, but it might not be reasonable for us, if he continues to not get with the program, and we need that money for Naz.

I couldn’t disagree more. If we sent him home for his refusal to play defense and terrible locker room presence then his career is in very serious danger. We leave him there the rest of this season he either opts out next season and signs a prove it deal (his value will be greatly diminished by being sent home and not being active for a year,) or he cashes the option and sits at home another year losing even more time while his game rusts. We have all the leverage and we aren’t using it. Frankly I would have him away from the team for the last 2 weeks if I was Finch. I would warn Ant that while I won’t send him away, his minutes and ability to start and end games will depend on his effort and ability to play within the scheme. Making Ant the backup SG for a weak sends a hell of message.

This would never happens in today’s NBA.