Post#3425 » by Skybox » Fri Apr 11, 2025 8:11 pm
NOLA sends: Herb Jones ($14m + another year), CJ McCollum ($31m expiring)
NOLA gets: Kevin Durant (54.7m expiring)
*Why: A KD/Missi/Zion frontcourt with DeJounte Murray, Trey Murphy, Olynyk, Hawkins, and a likely Top 4 frp coming in is a contender
PHX sends: Kevin Durant
PHX gets: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (21.6m + one additional PO), Wendell Carter (11m + 2 more+ TO), Jett Howard (5.5m + one TO), ORL 25 frp (#16)
*Why: Split KD's large expiring into 2 complementary starters and a solid prospect to go with another mid frp this summer for quick retool/rebalance
ORL sends: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Wendell Carter, Jett Howard, ORL 25 frp (#16)
ORL gets: Herb Jones, CJ McCollum
Why: Sending out considerable guaranteed money attached to 2 starters that aren't ideal fits, a still undefined prospect and a mid frp for an older sharpshooting PG who brings leadership and offensive firepower and an underpaid super-versatile 3&D guy that can jump into 3 spots for considerable minutes off the bench. CJ is 33yo, on a $31m expiring deal and could possibly consider a more moderate extension if the fit and environment suits him. CJ is a more sensible fitting vet acquisition than KCP was ...probably equivalent overall impact, but CJ's offense is a MUCH better fit with Suggs and AB (and Herb Jones) defending at an elite level and spreading the floor. The frp is substantial, but so is the amount of guaranteed money going out as well as Herb Jones' individual positive value.
NEXT:
-Cole and DEN frp to DAL for Gafford...Cole can run point until Kyrie is back and provide scoring off the bench, plus he's expiring for future flexibility
-Offer MLE to DeAngelo Russell and give him every opportunity to be a leader and 6MOY candidate (and possibly starting next to Suggs eventually).
-Depending on how Isaac looks next year, he or Goga might be offered up at the TD, presuming Moe is looking healthy.
*AB, Franz, and Jones can be deployed at so many positions and matchups that there will be minutes for all 3 from 2-4. Russell might move CJ to 6th man if he shows court vision and leadership as well as his usual scoring...CJ's next deal will reflect that or he just walks. In the meantime, ORL has more firepower in the backcourt than they've had since Penny & Nick...and an improved young frontcourt with Gafford & Jones joining Paolo & Franz. I'm a believer in both TdS and Houstan, so I'm not really sure how the minutes work out but those guys are excellent values, even if not in the tight core rotation. Again, I think Jones & TdS make Isaac a lot more available, given his minutes limitations and poor year. JI might still rally defensively and give us reason to protect his role...when he's on - there's really no one like him and, collectively, the contracts are sustainable -for a year.
Gafford/Goga/Isaac/Moe
Paolo/Jones/Isaac/TdS
Franz/Jones/Houstan/TdS
Suggs/AB/Queen
McCollum/Russell/CoJo