sco wrote:Infinity2152 wrote:2weekswithpay wrote:I have nothing against Bamba but he'll be 27 soon. I'd prefer to look at someone younger for an upside signing. How many players suddenly figure it out at 27-28?
He's coming off a 1 yr/$2.61 mill contract. Maybe looking at 2-4 mill/yr? Not looking for a lot from him, but athletic and good shooting/shot blocking depth. Vucevic's durability is really underrated, most teams need three playable centers. Mav's have 3, and just had to sign a fourth from the G-League, lol. Barring signing an undrafted player or drafting one, how are you getting a younger prospect at that price? Was talking about a 1 and1 cheap contract, if he plays his way up to replacement level backup, that's value. If not, he never plays unless there are injuries.
Throwing 4 more predictions when talking about Bulls options (Putting on my Nostradamus cap

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1 Ja Morant will be traded by next trade deadline. He misses a ton of games, has caused a ton of problems and Memphis will realize he's leading them nowhere and cash in. I'm seeing rumors now, but even if I wasn't it seems likely.
2. Zion Williamson will be traded by next trade deadline. Obvious reasons.
3. Biggest one: Giannis will request a trade summer 2026. May not happen until the trade deadline, similar to Jimmy. Trade of Middleton broke trust, he's mentioned playing out his contract, and he has a player option in 2027.
4. Embid will be on the block within the next two years. Can't estimate the timing.
Not advocating for these (besides Giannis) but some possible available superstar options, as opposed to stars.
Go get me Bol over Bamba. Bamba's been in too many situations where he had a shot to contribute, but hasn't stuck anywhere. Clearly there's something about him teams don't like.
Regarding your predictions, I worry that AK will be pushing the panic button to nab his next star and make a play for Zion or Embiid and give up everything. Those guys are bad risks for a team with so little other talent. Ja could be interesting, but I doubt he goes anywhere...and I think MEM would be looking for another star back if they decided to move him. Also, Ja's game gives me DRose vibes and I just don't think that that type of game ages well in the NBA.
Yeah, I mention Ja, Zion, and Embid because they just seem like those star moves that make a GM look good and hype the fan base. I think giving up a lot to get any of them would be bad for us long-term. Giannis is different, of course.
As far as Ja, his dad has been in the news getting kicked out of games, you have the suspension, and the fact that he hasn't played 65+ games in a season since his rookie year. Add the fact that the Grizzlies might get a GREAT trade offer for him, he's valuable. Grizzlies may cash in and give that problem to someone else. I just see so many ways that partnership doesn't look like it's working out for the Grizzlies. The same reservations you have for Morant, Grizzlies have to see that too. His playstyle leaves him very likely to be constantly injured. And don't know how good they are with him being the face of the team with his issues.
I'm taking Bol over Bamba too. Difference is Bol's getting signed to be the second center with potential to start, and Bamba's getting the minimum to be the third center for spot minutes and injuries. If we're stuck with Collins for a while, don't want to pay much to a third center. Collins only has 2025 left, so he may stick. Bol should get at least double what Bamba gets ($2-4 mill), maybe triple or more.
Bamba's career per 36 (I know, I know!): 14.6 pts, 11.6 rebounds, 2.7 blocks. 56% 2pt and he shoots 36% from three at a high rate. 39% last year. He's getting up 2 3pt attempts in 12 minutes this season. And he pretty much plays at least 12-15 minutes or more anywhere he goes, so teams aren't THAT disappointed.
Bol Bol career per 36: 15.9 pts, 9.4 rebounds, 2.1 blocks. 64% 2pt, 32% three point. Bamba has averaged 17 minutes a game, Bol at 14, so he's actually gotten more PT from his teams than Bol.