Shams: BI extension (3 Years $120M) **Presser at 5:15pm** Link Pg. 24

[Appostis]

Reported Pels offered $160MM/4 years. BI took less money to be here

Took less years moreso then less money.

He'll be in his prime in 2-3 years and possibly able to get another contract for 3-5 more years.

If he works out he'll be able to negotiate for a near max contract at age 29 or 30 vs being stuck at 40/year.

With the way the cap is going up he'll probably be able to get 50-60 million/year.

[Scase]

Kind of shocked how anyone is mad. A 22, 6 and 6 guy pushes for a trade to our team. Who can't sign any free agents. And we give up Joey Graham.

Huge win imo

He didn't push for a trade to our team, he pushed for a trade to the only team who would give him an extension.

Atlanta had been the other team deep in trade talks with the Pelicans about acquiring Ingram in a deal that would have sent Clint Capela to New Orleans, per Fischer. The Hawks, however, were reluctant to sign Ingram to an extension.

He wasn't even our first choice, we wanted Hunter, but CLE wanted him more. Sorry to ruin this boards fantasy.

where is it stated they our priority was hunter over ingram?

Well, we didn't get Hunter because CLE was worried we'd get him, so they stepped up the offer, and then we grabbed Ingram as a fallback. If you don't want to think that was the way it played out, that's cool, that's my interpretation of it, it's all speculation anyways.

Weird though that everyone is focusing on that, and not the whole "Oh but Ingram wanted us!" thing not being the case.

[S.W.A.N]

He didn't push for a trade to our team, he pushed for a trade to the only team who would give him an extension.



He wasn't even our first choice, we wanted Hunter, but CLE wanted him more. Sorry to ruin this boards fantasy.

where is it stated they our priority was hunter over ingram?

Well, we didn't get Hunter because CLE was worried we'd get him, so they stepped up the offer, and then we grabbed Ingram as a fallback. If you don't want to think that was the way it played out, that's cool, that's my interpretation of it, it's all speculation anyways.

Weird though that everyone is focusing on that, and not the whole "Oh but Ingram wanted us!" thing not being the case.

I think the raps had 3 targets in mind. Hunter Wiggins and Ingram. They were determined to get a guy (asset management)

I personally think Wiggins and Hunter were way better fits into our cap situation but Ingram the most available and highest upside.

I'd bet Wiggins was option 1 for the raps. Hunter 2 and Ingram 3. But they were more than happy to get Ingram.

[mtcan]

Kind of shocked how anyone is mad. A 22, 6 and 6 guy pushes for a trade to our team. Who can't sign any free agents. And we give up Joey Graham.

Huge win imo

He didn't push for a trade to our team, he pushed for a trade to the only team who would give him an extension.

Atlanta had been the other team deep in trade talks with the Pelicans about acquiring Ingram in a deal that would have sent Clint Capela to New Orleans, per Fischer. The Hawks, however, were reluctant to sign Ingram to an extension.

He wasn't even our first choice, we wanted Hunter, but CLE wanted him more. Sorry to ruin this boards fantasy.

Brandon long before the trade has been on record to say that he loved coming to Toronto. I don't think he's lying after saying it time and time again. Yesterday's press conference he said it again. For whatever reason...he enjoys Toronto as a city. If the rumours were true...it was between Toronto and Atlanta and he did prefer these 2 destinations. AND...he was offered 4 years 160 million from the Pelicans and turned it down...so it definitely wasn't about the money being the main reason BI wanted Toronto. He could have stayed in NO and gotten the extra year and extra 40 million. He took a pay cut to get his ass out of New Orleans and went to a city that he has stated on record is one of his favourite NBA cities.

Ingram was no consolation prize no matter how you want to spin it. In fact...I'd barf if I found out that we offered anything close to Cleveland's overpay for Hunter. Ingram's the better player between the 2. I'd even give the edge in terms of durability to Ingram. They are both the same age despite Ingram having 3 more years of NBA experience and if you thought Ingram is injury prone...the most games Hunter has played in a season in his 6 years in the league is 67 games. Hunter is a career role player and Ingram has been an all-star and yet...I feel like Cleveland gave up more for the lesser player.

[Godaddycurse]

Hunter is a career role player and Ingram has been an all-star and yet...I feel like Cleveland gave up more for the lesser player.

Hunter is paid appropriately as a role player. I highly doubt cleveland swaps will convey so they didnt pay very much at all

[Scase]

where is it stated they our priority was hunter over ingram?

Well, we didn't get Hunter because CLE was worried we'd get him, so they stepped up the offer, and then we grabbed Ingram as a fallback. If you don't want to think that was the way it played out, that's cool, that's my interpretation of it, it's all speculation anyways.

Weird though that everyone is focusing on that, and not the whole "Oh but Ingram wanted us!" thing not being the case.

I think the raps had 3 targets in mind. Hunter Wiggins and Ingram. They were determined to get a guy (asset management)

I personally think Wiggins and Hunter were way better fits into our cap situation but Ingram the most available and highest upside.

I'd bet Wiggins was option 1 for the raps. Hunter 2 and Ingram 3. But they were more than happy to get Ingram.

I think Hunter is a better fit, but I agree with your reasoning, and you're probably right about BI being the "last resort" of sorts.

Kind of shocked how anyone is mad. A 22, 6 and 6 guy pushes for a trade to our team. Who can't sign any free agents. And we give up Joey Graham.

Huge win imo

He didn't push for a trade to our team, he pushed for a trade to the only team who would give him an extension.

Atlanta had been the other team deep in trade talks with the Pelicans about acquiring Ingram in a deal that would have sent Clint Capela to New Orleans, per Fischer. The Hawks, however, were reluctant to sign Ingram to an extension.

He wasn't even our first choice, we wanted Hunter, but CLE wanted him more. Sorry to ruin this boards fantasy.

Brandon long before the trade has been on record to say that he loved coming to Toronto. I don't think he's lying after saying it time and time again. Yesterday's press conference he said it again. For whatever reason...he enjoys Toronto as a city. If the rumours were true...it was between Toronto and Atlanta and he did prefer these 2 destinations. AND...he was offered 4 years 160 million from the Pelicans and turned it down...so it definitely wasn't about the money being the main reason BI wanted Toronto. He could have stayed in NO and gotten the extra year and extra 40 million. He took a pay cut to get his ass out of New Orleans and went to a city that he has stated on record is one of his favourite NBA cities.

Ingram was no consolation prize no matter how you want to spin it. In fact...I'd barf if I found out that we offered anything close to Cleveland's overpay for Hunter. Ingram's the better player between the 2. I'd even give the edge in terms of durability to Ingram. They are both the same age despite Ingram having 3 more years of NBA experience and if you thought Ingram is injury prone...the most games Hunter has played in a season in his 6 years in the league is 67 games. Hunter is a career role player and Ingram has been an all-star and yet...I feel like Cleveland gave up more for the lesser player.

Come on man, you should know better, we hear players talk all the time about how they love the city but no one ever chooses to sign here. It's lip service, take what any and all players say publicly with a massive grain of salt. Honestly, who cares if this was not his first choice or if it was, he's here, he's under contract, and he doesn't seem miffed about being here, that's really all that matters.

As for hunter, call him a role player or not, he would be a better fit here and has a way better contract than BI does, and he looks top be having a really good season so far for a guy making less than RJ. You could argue they paid more, but there's a reason they paid more, he fits a need for them so they wanted him more, and he's likely got more value around the league. But really how much did it cost them, an expiring and a small contract they arent losing much from them, and some really bad pick swaps that will be as bad as you can get in the first round as possible, and a couple SRPs? Like that's barely any different, they get to have the right to swap with the Cavs picks in 26/28, which if their performance this year is any indication, they will basically amount to literally nothing.

We gave up an actual pick, they gave up something that will basically never convert and some seconds. I'd call it a wash. I'd rather neither player tbh, but if I had to chose one, I'd pick hunter.

[mtcan]

Hunter is a career role player and Ingram has been an all-star and yet...I feel like Cleveland gave up more for the lesser player.

Hunter is paid appropriately as a role player. I highly doubt cleveland swaps will convey so they didnt pay very much at all

Agreed...but Hunter is still just a role player. He's not leading the team in scoring. There is no upside to him. He certainly wouldn't start on this team.

They still exert some degree of control over Cleveland's picks so the option to move up is there if something happens to Cleveland one of these years. And 3 seconds...for a guy who I'd argue is maybe more injury prone than BI? Both guys same age...but BI has 3 more years of service and has played on average, more games per season relative to Hunter. Both injury prone, don't get me wrong but Hunter's just a bit worse.

I'm happy we ended up with BI instead. BI projects to be a bigger difference maker than Hunter and that's why these trades are made.

[Merit]

where is it stated they our priority was hunter over ingram?

Well, we didn't get Hunter because CLE was worried we'd get him, so they stepped up the offer, and then we grabbed Ingram as a fallback. If you don't want to think that was the way it played out, that's cool, that's my interpretation of it, it's all speculation anyways.

Weird though that everyone is focusing on that, and not the whole "Oh but Ingram wanted us!" thing not being the case.

I think the raps had 3 targets in mind. Hunter Wiggins and Ingram. They were determined to get a guy (asset management)

I personally think Wiggins and Hunter were way better fits into our cap situation but Ingram the most available and highest upside.

I'd bet Wiggins was option 1 for the raps. Hunter 2 and Ingram 3. But they were more than happy to get Ingram.

I liked wiggins for our team more than BI because of his defense and his seamless fit on our roster and because he’s Canadian. We know what he does - and doesn't - do.

That said, Hunter is a better shooter and is younger and cost controlled. He’s more than a role player, but less than a star. Ingram has superstar potential.

In an ideal world we get both Hunter and BI, but I’m more than content with BI because of his shot creation. Plus his press conference was stellar in terms of what I’d want to hear as a coach/member of the front office/teammate.

[Merit]

Well, we didn't get Hunter because CLE was worried we'd get him, so they stepped up the offer, and then we grabbed Ingram as a fallback. If you don't want to think that was the way it played out, that's cool, that's my interpretation of it, it's all speculation anyways.

Weird though that everyone is focusing on that, and not the whole "Oh but Ingram wanted us!" thing not being the case.

I think the raps had 3 targets in mind. Hunter Wiggins and Ingram. They were determined to get a guy (asset management)

I personally think Wiggins and Hunter were way better fits into our cap situation but Ingram the most available and highest upside.

I'd bet Wiggins was option 1 for the raps. Hunter 2 and Ingram 3. But they were more than happy to get Ingram.

I think Hunter is a better fit, but I agree with your reasoning, and you're probably right about BI being the "last resort" of sorts.

He didn't push for a trade to our team, he pushed for a trade to the only team who would give him an extension.



He wasn't even our first choice, we wanted Hunter, but CLE wanted him more. Sorry to ruin this boards fantasy.

Brandon long before the trade has been on record to say that he loved coming to Toronto. I don't think he's lying after saying it time and time again. Yesterday's press conference he said it again. For whatever reason...he enjoys Toronto as a city. If the rumours were true...it was between Toronto and Atlanta and he did prefer these 2 destinations. AND...he was offered 4 years 160 million from the Pelicans and turned it down...so it definitely wasn't about the money being the main reason BI wanted Toronto. He could have stayed in NO and gotten the extra year and extra 40 million. He took a pay cut to get his ass out of New Orleans and went to a city that he has stated on record is one of his favourite NBA cities.

Ingram was no consolation prize no matter how you want to spin it. In fact...I'd barf if I found out that we offered anything close to Cleveland's overpay for Hunter. Ingram's the better player between the 2. I'd even give the edge in terms of durability to Ingram. They are both the same age despite Ingram having 3 more years of NBA experience and if you thought Ingram is injury prone...the most games Hunter has played in a season in his 6 years in the league is 67 games. Hunter is a career role player and Ingram has been an all-star and yet...I feel like Cleveland gave up more for the lesser player.

Come on man, you should know better, we hear players talk all the time about how they love the city but no one ever chooses to sign here. It's lip service, take what any and all players say publicly with a massive grain of salt. Honestly, who cares if this was not his first choice or if it was, he's here, he's under contract, and he doesn't seem miffed about being here, that's really all that matters.

As for hunter, call him a role player or not, he would be a better fit here and has a way better contract than BI does, and he looks top be having a really good season so far for a guy making less than RJ. You could argue they paid more, but there's a reason they paid more, he fits a need for them so they wanted him more, and he's likely got more value around the league. But really how much did it cost them, an expiring and a small contract they arent losing much from them, and some really bad pick swaps that will be as bad as you can get in the first round as possible, and a couple SRPs? Like that's barely any different, they get to have the right to swap with the Cavs picks in 26/28, which if their performance this year is any indication, they will basically amount to literally nothing.

We gave up an actual pick, they gave up something that will basically never convert and some seconds. I'd call it a wash. I'd rather neither player tbh, but if I had to chose one, I'd pick hunter.

You can’t crap on the FO and their decision making process around free agency and then choose to ignore when a player pushes to be here.

The fact that BI wanted to be here is a big deal and hopefully signals a change in perception of our city and franchise. Let’s see what the next few years hold.

[Scase]

Well, we didn't get Hunter because CLE was worried we'd get him, so they stepped up the offer, and then we grabbed Ingram as a fallback. If you don't want to think that was the way it played out, that's cool, that's my interpretation of it, it's all speculation anyways.

Weird though that everyone is focusing on that, and not the whole "Oh but Ingram wanted us!" thing not being the case.

I think the raps had 3 targets in mind. Hunter Wiggins and Ingram. They were determined to get a guy (asset management)

I personally think Wiggins and Hunter were way better fits into our cap situation but Ingram the most available and highest upside.

I'd bet Wiggins was option 1 for the raps. Hunter 2 and Ingram 3. But they were more than happy to get Ingram.

I liked wiggins for our team more than BI because of his defense and his seamless fit on our roster and because he’s Canadian. We know what he does - and doesn't - do.

That said, Hunter is a better shooter and is younger and cost controlled. He’s more than a role player, but less than a star. Ingram has superstar potential.

In an ideal world we get both Hunter and BI, but I’m more than content with BI because of his shot creation. Plus his press conference was stellar in terms of what I’d want to hear as a coach/member of the front office/teammate.

BI absolutely does not have superstar potential, relax there bud, there's like 5-7 of those in the entire NBA. Star potential, sure, but not superstar.

I think the raps had 3 targets in mind. Hunter Wiggins and Ingram. They were determined to get a guy (asset management)

I personally think Wiggins and Hunter were way better fits into our cap situation but Ingram the most available and highest upside.

I'd bet Wiggins was option 1 for the raps. Hunter 2 and Ingram 3. But they were more than happy to get Ingram.

I think Hunter is a better fit, but I agree with your reasoning, and you're probably right about BI being the "last resort" of sorts.

Brandon long before the trade has been on record to say that he loved coming to Toronto. I don't think he's lying after saying it time and time again. Yesterday's press conference he said it again. For whatever reason...he enjoys Toronto as a city. If the rumours were true...it was between Toronto and Atlanta and he did prefer these 2 destinations. AND...he was offered 4 years 160 million from the Pelicans and turned it down...so it definitely wasn't about the money being the main reason BI wanted Toronto. He could have stayed in NO and gotten the extra year and extra 40 million. He took a pay cut to get his ass out of New Orleans and went to a city that he has stated on record is one of his favourite NBA cities.

Ingram was no consolation prize no matter how you want to spin it. In fact...I'd barf if I found out that we offered anything close to Cleveland's overpay for Hunter. Ingram's the better player between the 2. I'd even give the edge in terms of durability to Ingram. They are both the same age despite Ingram having 3 more years of NBA experience and if you thought Ingram is injury prone...the most games Hunter has played in a season in his 6 years in the league is 67 games. Hunter is a career role player and Ingram has been an all-star and yet...I feel like Cleveland gave up more for the lesser player.

Come on man, you should know better, we hear players talk all the time about how they love the city but no one ever chooses to sign here. It's lip service, take what any and all players say publicly with a massive grain of salt. Honestly, who cares if this was not his first choice or if it was, he's here, he's under contract, and he doesn't seem miffed about being here, that's really all that matters.

As for hunter, call him a role player or not, he would be a better fit here and has a way better contract than BI does, and he looks top be having a really good season so far for a guy making less than RJ. You could argue they paid more, but there's a reason they paid more, he fits a need for them so they wanted him more, and he's likely got more value around the league. But really how much did it cost them, an expiring and a small contract they arent losing much from them, and some really bad pick swaps that will be as bad as you can get in the first round as possible, and a couple SRPs? Like that's barely any different, they get to have the right to swap with the Cavs picks in 26/28, which if their performance this year is any indication, they will basically amount to literally nothing.

We gave up an actual pick, they gave up something that will basically never convert and some seconds. I'd call it a wash. I'd rather neither player tbh, but if I had to chose one, I'd pick hunter.

You can’t crap on the FO and their decision making process around free agency and then choose to ignore when a player pushes to be here.

The fact that BI wanted to be here is a big deal and hopefully signals a change in perception of our city and franchise. Let’s see what the next few years hold.

Again, he "pushed" here because there were only 2 teams in the bidding process, and the other one refused to ensure they would extend him. It's not like he was a UFA and chose here.

He chose money, not the Raptors, and that's fine, there's no need to delude ourselves otherwise. As long as a player isnt a malcontent, who cares if they LOVE being here, or are just alright with it. He's likely not here long term anyways.

[mtcan]

Come on man, you should know better, we hear players talk all the time about how they love the city but no one ever chooses to sign here. It's lip service, take what any and all players say publicly with a massive grain of salt. Honestly, who cares if this was not his first choice or if it was, he's here, he's under contract, and he doesn't seem miffed about being here, that's really all that matters.

YES I do know better and I can tell BI isn't giving lip service. Like I said...he could have stayed in NO for one extra year and 40 million more as we know they offered him that contract and he turned it down.

As for hunter, call him a role player or not, he would be a better fit here and has a way better contract than BI does, and he looks top be having a really good season so far for a guy making less than RJ. You could argue they paid more, but there's a reason they paid more, he fits a need for them so they wanted him more, and he's likely got more value around the league. But really how much did it cost them, an expiring and a small contract they arent losing much from them, and some really bad pick swaps that will be as bad as you can get in the first round as possible, and a couple SRPs? Like that's barely any different, they get to have the right to swap with the Cavs picks in 26/28, which if their performance this year is any indication, they will basically amount to literally nothing.

We gave up an actual pick, they gave up something that will basically never convert and some seconds. I'd call it a wash. I'd rather neither player tbh, but if I had to chose one, I'd pick hunter.

We gave up an actual pick that likely would likely never outperform BI as a late first round pick...and in that case I don't care. BI is the better player and instantly slots in as a starter and potential repeat all-star. Hunter will never be that. Hunter doesn't and won't have the same impact of BI...irregardless of contract.

We are literally comparing a star to role player. Impact-wise...BI is a primary scorer and one-time all-star and this team needs that. We have less use for a role player 6th man. Clearly Hunter fits Cleveland more than Toronto. There is nothing Hunter does well that a guy like Ochai or Ja'Kobe can't or couldn't be given time and reps. Don't need to give up 3 second round picks and pick swaps for that.

[Scase]

YES I do know better and I can tell BI isn't giving lip service. Like I said...he could have stayed in NO for one extra year and 40 million more as we know they offered him that contract and he turned it down.

No, you don't. You know the exact same as everyone else, you just refuse to use basic logic and common sense, and would rather rely on blind faith. Yeah he could've stayed in NO, but he didn't want to because of the environment. And he could've chosen ATL instead of us, but they didn't want to pay him. So ultimately when you have 2 choices, and one of those choices is offering you 120 million dollars, and the other is offering you nothing, yeah that's not choosing one place over another, it's choosing 120 million over no guarantee of any money. Don't be naive.

We gave up an actual pick that likely would likely never outperform BI as a late first round pick...and in that case I don't care. BI is the better player and instantly slots in as a starter and potential repeat all-star. Hunter will never be that. Hunter doesn't and won't have the same impact of BI...irregardless of contract.

We are literally comparing a star to role player. Impact-wise...BI is a primary scorer and one-time all-star and this team needs that. We have less use for a role player 6th man. Clearly Hunter fits Cleveland more than Toronto. There is nothing Hunter does well that a guy like Ochai or Ja'Kobe can't or couldn't be given time and reps. Don't need to give up 3 second round picks and pick swaps for that.

Yeah and? CLE gave up SRPs that will never outperform Hunter either, what's your point? No one is discounting BI is the better player, hunter however, is the better value. He costs half as much and has a controlled contract for the next 3 years, BI required more money and contract negotiations. I'm not advocating for one over the other, cause I don't think we should have gone after either, but don't try and pretend like CLE overpaid for Hunter and we got a steal. They effectively paid for him with some SRPs, and we paid for BI with a FRP. Neither is breaking the bank, stop trying to compare completely different situations like they are the same.

[ash_k]

A frontline of Yak/BI/Scottie , I still can barely believe it!with a backcourt of IQ and Scottie...I will 100%expect TOP4 in the East next season.

Getting a top10 pick this season would be a bonus.

And If we can somehow make the play-in this season (healthy) then Miami, ORL, Chic and ATL will be no match to us

[TheAlchemist23]

It's a 2 yr deal, unless he's trash.

[mtcan]

YES I do know better and I can tell BI isn't giving lip service. Like I said...he could have stayed in NO for one extra year and 40 million more as we know they offered him that contract and he turned it down.

No, you don't. You know the exact same as everyone else, you just refuse to use basic logic and common sense, and would rather rely on blind faith. Yeah he could've stayed in NO, but he didn't want to because of the environment. And he could've chosen ATL instead of us, but they didn't want to pay him. So ultimately when you have 2 choices, and one of those choices is offering you 120 million dollars, and the other is offering you nothing, yeah that's not choosing one place over another, it's choosing 120 million over no guarantee of any money. Don't be naive.

We gave up an actual pick that likely would likely never outperform BI as a late first round pick...and in that case I don't care. BI is the better player and instantly slots in as a starter and potential repeat all-star. Hunter will never be that. Hunter doesn't and won't have the same impact of BI...irregardless of contract.

We are literally comparing a star to role player. Impact-wise...BI is a primary scorer and one-time all-star and this team needs that. We have less use for a role player 6th man. Clearly Hunter fits Cleveland more than Toronto. There is nothing Hunter does well that a guy like Ochai or Ja'Kobe can't or couldn't be given time and reps. Don't need to give up 3 second round picks and pick swaps for that.

Yeah and? CLE gave up SRPs that will never outperform Hunter either, what's your point? No one is discounting BI is the better player, hunter however, is the better value. He costs half as much and has a controlled contract for the next 3 years, BI required more money and contract negotiations. I'm not advocating for one over the other, cause I don't think we should have gone after either, but don't try and pretend like CLE overpaid for Hunter and we got a steal. They effectively paid for him with some SRPs, and we paid for BI with a FRP. Neither is breaking the bank, stop trying to compare completely different situations like they are the same.

Agree to disagree, my guy. I have no interest in Hunter. He's extremely meh and like I said...we have guys that could produce on Hunter's level and not give up assets to do it. We don't have a guy that can score like BI and a mid-late first round pick is not a big deal.

Once again...agree to disagree. I feel no desire to go back and forth on this any longer.

[Dalek]

Vibe check. This guy is going to alright with this team of goofballs. I almost keep forgetting that under that laidback personality is an absolute on court killer.

Watch on YouTube

[WuTang_CMB]

Lol

Read on Twitter

[tecumseh18]

Vibe check. This guy is going to alright with this team of goofballs. I almost keep forgetting that under that laidback personality is an absolute on court killer.

Watch on YouTube

Who's the guy with the glasses in between RJ and Jak?

[edit] Upon reflection, it must be Ochai. Man, glasses hide a lot. I can see how Clark Kent got away with it for so many years.

But he seems like a really intelligent guy. Definitely fits with the anecdote about the message he left to the next occupant of his dorm (Gradey).

[Boardbreaker]

Vibe check. This guy is going to alright with this team of goofballs. I almost keep forgetting that under that laidback personality is an absolute on court killer.

Watch on YouTube

Who's the guy with the glasses in between RJ and Jak?

[edit] Upon reflection, it must be Ochai. Man, glasses hide a lot. I can see how Clark Kent got away with it for so many years.

But he seems like a really intelligent guy. Definitely fits with the anecdote about the message he left to the next occupant of his dorm (Gradey).

Ochai

[JB7]

where is it stated they our priority was hunter over ingram?

Well, we didn't get Hunter because CLE was worried we'd get him, so they stepped up the offer, and then we grabbed Ingram as a fallback. If you don't want to think that was the way it played out, that's cool, that's my interpretation of it, it's all speculation anyways.

Weird though that everyone is focusing on that, and not the whole "Oh but Ingram wanted us!" thing not being the case.

I think the raps had 3 targets in mind. Hunter Wiggins and Ingram. They were determined to get a guy (asset management)

I personally think Wiggins and Hunter were way better fits into our cap situation but Ingram the most available and highest upside.

I'd bet Wiggins was option 1 for the raps. Hunter 2 and Ingram 3. But they were more than happy to get Ingram.

I think the Raps were interested in Wiggins (reason they picked up Browns extension), but Ingram ultimately made more sense for where the team is in its current rebuilding process.

Wiggins/Hunter are those guys you add at the end to complement the core the team has built, like the Cavs did.

I think the Raps are still trying to figure out that core, and preferred to buy low on a player that has more offensive upside, because they are probably not convinced that Scottie can be the offensive focal point of the new core. Doesn't mean that BI ultimately is that for the Raps, but at least he can play that role for now to see if it works better for Scottie's role in the offense.

Cap is not as much of a concern right now for the Raps. They can fit BI's extension in, while only sacrificing Olynyk, so retaining a lower cost player was not as much of a concern.

And as you said, this is about asset management, and building that asset base. Bring in players, build up their value, and then see if they can be used in future deals to acquire better players that are looking to move.