Building around Coby-Giddey-Matas

[Chi town]

I wonder if we could nab Bruce Brown. He's the sort of guy who would really work well with our trio. IIRC he's a UFA. The other guy that intrigues me is Herb Jones, also from Pels. If they are rebuilding, maybe we could nab him for the POR pick + filler.

We need a shut down defender. Love Jones but he will be paid. I like those older cheaper vets that have some savvy like Brown though.

[2weekswithpay]

Herb Jones is too expensive for us to get. He has two more years left at 14M and 15M, that's very cheap for someone that was first team All-Defense last season. I'd expect them to ask for at least 2 FRPs. That's a lot to give up in our position.

Go for someone cheaper, like Okoro or Thybulle.

[jStuNNa]

Its definitely good. They fit together to form pieces of a logical modern roster and their contracts, as of today, are all extremely reasonable. We are in much better shape today than when the season began. Its not even close.

If they can keep Giddey's next contract reasonable, they're really in a great spot. They have a young team now that's setup perfectly to insert a true #1 option and quickly become a contender.

Too bad AD is so injury prone. He'd be the perfect target right now.

Why would guy 10 years older than our core be a perfect target?

Because as I said, I think they're ready right now to be a great supporting cast for a legit star and contend in the East. I don't care how old that star is, as long as he's still producing at an elite level.

KD is even older, but add him to this Bulls team and they're in the conversation to make it to the ECF next season.

Doesn't matter anyways, AD will always be a major injury concern. I was just using him as an example.

[MGB8]

Looking at the roster, I am coming around to the notion of moving Ayo as part of a package to try to upgrade at either the defensive-2 (3&D plus wing between Coby and Giddey/Matas) or C, at least if we resign Jones. The question is who might be available.

Naz Reid is one guy; Wolves biggest weakness is that Conley is old, and Ant’s ball-dominance reduces the need for a true PG - so Ayo might fit nicely. But will Naz decline his PO and seek big money? If so, sign and trade - Vuc+Ayo+pick (assuming late lotto or even mid-teens)?

With Bam there (and just entering his prime) could Miami be incentivized to send us Ware, maybe in a larger trade for them to shed some salary (Rozier, who has fallen out of favor), maybe Anderson, for them to get younger at other spots?

[sco]

Looking at the roster, I am coming around to the notion of moving Ayo as part of a package to try to upgrade at either the defensive-2 (3&D plus wing between Coby and Giddey/Matas) or C, at least if we resign Jones. The question is who might be available.

Naz Reid is one guy; Wolves biggest weakness is that Conley is old, and Ant’s ball-dominance reduces the need for a true PG - so Ayo might fit nicely. But will Naz decline his PO and seek big money? If so, sign and trade - Vuc+Ayo+pick (assuming late lotto or even mid-teens)?

With Bam there (and just entering his prime) could Miami be incentivized to send us Ware, maybe in a larger trade for them to shed some salary (Rozier, who has fallen out of favor), maybe Anderson, for them to get younger at other spots?

I'm with you. I'm fine moving either/both of Ayo/Ball to bring back a good defensive C.

I think neither is likely to meet with a favorable reception.

IMO, Minny will look to keep Reid, and unless anyone with capspace like BKN goes after him, they have a shot at keeping him on a MLE+ a little type deal.

As for MIA, I think they are thrilled with Ware and wouldn't trade him for any reason.

Maybe DAL would part with Gafford?

[RSP83]

Herb Jones is too expensive for us to get. He has two more years left at 14M and 15M, that's very cheap for someone that was first team All-Defense last season. I'd expect them to ask for at least 2 FRPs. That's a lot to give up in our position.

Go for someone cheaper, like Okoro or Thybulle.

Why do you think AK draft guys like Ayo, Dalen, Julian and keep Lonzo around? Because he's trying to farm these two-way rotation guys.

[MGB8]

Here is a semi crazy trade idea between Chicago and OKC that might make sense for both teams, given the raises OKc is going to have to give very soon:

OKC sends Caruso (18M and 4 years) and Hartenstein (28.5M and 2 years) for Ayo (7.5M), Vuc (21.5M, expiring), Jalen Smith (9M, cheapish longer term C backup for them) and, if needed for salary (though roster spot an issue), Jevon Carter (6.8M, to be waived) + cash towards a Carter buyout.

Caruso has been a bit of a disappointment for the Thunder, and while Hartenstein has been anything but a disappointment- they have to consider finances past that year (where moving off Caruso helps, Hartenstein is a P/O so less an issue - but will need a cheap C to play behind, in some cases with, Chet).

[cocktailswith_2short]

Here is a semi crazy trade idea between Chicago and OKC that might make sense for both teams, given the raises OKc is going to have to give very soon:

OKC sends Caruso (18M and 4 years) and Hartenstein (28.5M and 2 years) for Ayo (7.5M), Vuc (21.5M, expiring), Jalen Smith (9M, cheapish longer term C backup for them) and, if needed for salary (though roster spot an issue), Jevon Carter (6.8M, to be waived) + cash towards a Carter buyout.

Caruso has been a bit of a disappointment for the Thunder, and while Hartenstein has been anything but a disappointment- they have to consider finances past that year (where moving off Caruso helps, Hartenstein is a P/O so less an issue - but will need a cheap C to play behind, in some cases with, Chet).

I don't foresee okc doing any trades with us in the near future . They can't admit it but they have to feel shafted about giddey .

[2weekswithpay]

Herb Jones is too expensive for us to get. He has two more years left at 14M and 15M, that's very cheap for someone that was first team All-Defense last season. I'd expect them to ask for at least 2 FRPs. That's a lot to give up in our position.

Go for someone cheaper, like Okoro or Thybulle.

Why do you think AK draft guys like Ayo, Dalen, Julian and keep Lonzo around? Because he's trying to farm these two-way rotation guys.

I get that, but everyone wants two-way rotation players. These players are expensive to acquire. Currently, we only have one extra draft pick (POR), and we're still in the negative with our second rounders. Herb would cost at least two FRPs and would put the team in the negative regarding assets again.

I like Herb, but you can't keep wasting picks to get the team to average. No playoff appearance in two seasons, no All-NBA talent, and no All-Stars. Try to find deals on the margins like other teams and save assets for a bigger trade that would make us a top 6 seed.

[2weekswithpay]

Here is a semi crazy trade idea between Chicago and OKC that might make sense for both teams, given the raises OKc is going to have to give very soon:

OKC sends Caruso (18M and 4 years) and Hartenstein (28.5M and 2 years) for Ayo (7.5M), Vuc (21.5M, expiring), Jalen Smith (9M, cheapish longer term C backup for them) and, if needed for salary (though roster spot an issue), Jevon Carter (6.8M, to be waived) + cash towards a Carter buyout.

Caruso has been a bit of a disappointment for the Thunder, and while Hartenstein has been anything but a disappointment- they have to consider finances past that year (where moving off Caruso helps, Hartenstein is a P/O so less an issue - but will need a cheap C to play behind, in some cases with, Chet).

I don't foresee okc doing any trades with us in the near future . They can't admit it but they have to feel shafted about giddey .

OKC has 66 wins. They don't care about Giddey.

[sco]

Here is a semi crazy trade idea between Chicago and OKC that might make sense for both teams, given the raises OKc is going to have to give very soon:

OKC sends Caruso (18M and 4 years) and Hartenstein (28.5M and 2 years) for Ayo (7.5M), Vuc (21.5M, expiring), Jalen Smith (9M, cheapish longer term C backup for them) and, if needed for salary (though roster spot an issue), Jevon Carter (6.8M, to be waived) + cash towards a Carter buyout.

Caruso has been a bit of a disappointment for the Thunder, and while Hartenstein has been anything but a disappointment- they have to consider finances past that year (where moving off Caruso helps, Hartenstein is a P/O so less an issue - but will need a cheap C to play behind, in some cases with, Chet).

I don't foresee okc doing any trades with us in the near future . They can't admit it but they have to feel shafted about giddey .

OKC has 66 wins. They don't care about Giddey.

Maybe they'd consider something big if they crap out in the playoffs, but I can't see them moving on from Hartenstein. Caruso is there IMO specifically for what he can contribute during the playoffs, that's why they are keeping his minutes down.

[Jcool0]

Here is a semi crazy trade idea between Chicago and OKC that might make sense for both teams, given the raises OKc is going to have to give very soon:

OKC sends Caruso (18M and 4 years) and Hartenstein (28.5M and 2 years) for Ayo (7.5M), Vuc (21.5M, expiring), Jalen Smith (9M, cheapish longer term C backup for them) and, if needed for salary (though roster spot an issue), Jevon Carter (6.8M, to be waived) + cash towards a Carter buyout.

Caruso has been a bit of a disappointment for the Thunder, and while Hartenstein has been anything but a disappointment- they have to consider finances past that year (where moving off Caruso helps, Hartenstein is a P/O so less an issue - but will need a cheap C to play behind, in some cases with, Chet).

????

How has Caruso been a disappointment?

Read on Twitter

[Ice Man]

As usual, Caruso has been banged up and missed some time. He has been a monster when playing, though.

[WindyCityBorn]

I wonder if we could nab Bruce Brown. He's the sort of guy who would really work well with our trio. IIRC he's a UFA. The other guy that intrigues me is Herb Jones, also from Pels. If they are rebuilding, maybe we could nab him for the POR pick + filler.

We need a shut down defender. Love Jones but he will be paid. I like those older cheaper vets that have some savvy like Brown though.

Why want older guys to pair with guys in their early 20s?

[MrSparkle]

I strongly believe that if OKC wins a ring this year, it'll be thanks to the Caruso-factor. I'm not favoring them due to inexperience (even if they make the finals, I could see Boston sweeping them)... but they are easily top-3. I could see Cavs and Thunder being a pretty even series, but a finals savvy Celtics team would probably clean house. Regardless, AC's championship experience, defensive leadership could pay off for that finish line push, regardless how few PPG/MPG he averaged in reg. season.

Lakers, Nuggets and Warriors are my dark-horses. TBF, Curry-Jimmy-Luka-Lebron-Jokic is perhaps an all-time greatest line-up if you wanted to make the case (short of an obvious MJ/Jimmy swap). Problem is their teammates and ages. Should be an interesting 1st round.

[WindyCityBorn]

I don't foresee okc doing any trades with us in the near future . They can't admit it but they have to feel shafted about giddey .

OKC has 66 wins. They don't care about Giddey.

Maybe they'd consider something big if they crap out in the playoffs, but I can't see them moving on from Hartenstein. Caruso is there IMO specifically for what he can contribute during the playoffs, that's why they are keeping his minutes down.

Yeah the only thing that matters to OKC is winning the championship. They don’t care about losing the trade on the basis how Giddey plays for us. And he would probably still be struggling if they just had him spotting up in the corner.

[Jcool0]

As usual, Caruso has been banged up and missed some time. He has been a monster when playing, though.

If he was playing more minutes he would be on the All Defensive team.

[Jcool0]

I strongly believe that if OKC wins a ring this year, it'll be thanks to the Caruso-factor. I'm not favoring them due to inexperience (even if they make the finals, I could see Boston sweeping them)... but they are easily top-3. I could see Cavs and Thunder being a pretty even series, but a finals savvy Celtics team would probably clean house. Regardless, AC's championship experience, defensive leadership could pay off for that finish line push, regardless how few PPG/MPG he averaged in reg. season.

Lakers, Nuggets and Warriors are my dark-horses. TBF, Curry-Jimmy-Luka-Lebron-Jokic is perhaps an all-time greatest line-up if you wanted to make the case (short of an obvious MJ/Jimmy swap). Problem is their teammates and ages. Should be an interesting 1st round.

If any team is getting swept it's Boston.

[MissileMike]

If you want defense, instead of AC, how about Davion Mitchell. He was terrific defensively last night on both Josh and Coby.

[MrSparkle]

I strongly believe that if OKC wins a ring this year, it'll be thanks to the Caruso-factor. I'm not favoring them due to inexperience (even if they make the finals, I could see Boston sweeping them)... but they are easily top-3. I could see Cavs and Thunder being a pretty even series, but a finals savvy Celtics team would probably clean house. Regardless, AC's championship experience, defensive leadership could pay off for that finish line push, regardless how few PPG/MPG he averaged in reg. season.

Lakers, Nuggets and Warriors are my dark-horses. TBF, Curry-Jimmy-Luka-Lebron-Jokic is perhaps an all-time greatest line-up if you wanted to make the case (short of an obvious MJ/Jimmy swap). Problem is their teammates and ages. Should be an interesting 1st round.

If any team is getting swept it's Boston.

Uh- sure, I hope so!