shangrila wrote:gswhoops wrote:babyjax13 wrote:I honestly can't see Phoenix being interested without McDaniels, Randle isn't really a long-term player for anyone. In terms of cap maneuvering, though, I am not sure?
Agreed - I don't see why PHX would consider this without McDaniels involved. It'd be a short term downgrade with no long term upside.
Fair. I'm not saying it's realistic, I just don't want to give up McDaniels. He's come on strong after a slow start and he's someone who rises to the occasion, which can be hard to find.
And I wouldn't even be that interested in Durant if it weren't for the Olympics. But the way he and Ant were vibing then is something I'd like to see continue for both of them.
I'll be honest, I see the appeal in McDaniels but I haven't seen a player since Batum who gets so much hype on this forum for rather pedestrian stats that have some nice hot streaks embedded in them. He is an elite defender and a tertiary offensive player - and maybe he grows into a larger role - but that's all speculative. Like if you told me (if the Jazz weren't tanking) that we could have Durant for Kessler, Collins, and Sexton - which feels not horribly far off McDaniels/Randle to me - I would instantly do that.
RE: trading him for Durant though, yah, Durant is super old, so that might be a bad proposition. It could allow Minnesota to generate some cap space to surround Edwards and Gobert, though, when all but them, DDV, and the rookies have expired. Spottrac estimates a $196 million dollar salary cap in 26-27, so if Naz resigns for something like 20 million per year Minnesota would have $66 million - minimum roster charges in cap space when Durant expires. I think that pivot is worth it? Of course, with Jaden and no Naz that number is still $60 million in cap space and w/Naz on $20 million/year that would be 40 million.
