Rumors, Random Thoughts, and Non-threadworthy Posts 17.0 The Least Random

[Astaluego]

Dallas' schedule changed dramatically with the lottery win. The MAVs don't control their draft picks, so they'll have to trade veterans for young players to surround Cooper... ideally a guard. Who's the best they could get under 25/26? Ja? Lamelo? Garland? Castle?

[NYG]

I was talking to Bucks fans on the Bucks board that seem okay with Giannis for Trey Murphy, Zion Williamson, 7th Overall and their picks returned via New Orleans and they are ok flipping Zion for more assets. Hornets fans seem open to Tidjane Salaun, Josh Green, Grant Williams and 4th for Zion.

So fill in what Team X would give in the following deal...

Team X gets:
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Bucks get:
Trey Murphy
Tidjane Salaun
Josh Green
Grant Williams
4th Overall
7th Overall
Their '26 and '27 picks returned

Hornets get:
Zion Williamson

Pelicans get:
(Insert Team X Package Here worth Murphy, Zion, 7 and the Bucks picks)

[jayjaysee]

Dallas' schedule changed dramatically with the lottery win. The MAVs don't control their draft picks, so they'll have to trade veterans for young players to surround Cooper... ideally a guard. Who's the best they could get under 25/26? Ja? Lamelo? Garland? Castle?

Dallas can’t afford any of those players without trading AD, right?

I mean I guess “Lively/2029 LAL/2031 Dallas first/swaps and the best asset back PJ/Naji totals to a semi-competitive offer if Dallas really wanted to go all in?

I don’t hate that idea, just think the other teams would go a different direction (centerpiece versus quantity) when shopping their young/young-ish stars/star-ish

But if it is AD.. then (jmo!) it doesn’t really make sense to trade for an established player before knowing how Flagg translates to the league?

The only one I’d want back in an AD trade is Castle. And I’d be planning to tank the season away… if Castle/Flagg/Lively end up winning games - that’s amazing news. See how Kyrie comes back from injury, maybe look to trade for another piece, etc..

If any of those other teams want AD for their star guard, I hope it is built up to a 3 or more team trade with Dallas receiving youth/future assets and dreaming about Flagg/AJ.

[Astaluego]

HEAT all-in

Trade 1
Wiggins/Ware/Robinson for KD

Trade 2
Rozier+Jazquez to WIZARDS
Smart to BOSTON
Jrue to HEAT

Bam/Love
KD/Kyle Anderson
Highsmith/Jovic
Herro/Larsson
Jrue/Davion Mitchell

[NYG]

7th Overall, the '26 Bucks Swap and the '27 Bucks 1st = Which 2025 Pick?

[jayjaysee]

Have we tried..

Kuz and Mil choice of Jackson/Livingston/Smith to Boston
Connaughton and seconds to “Washington, Chicago, Utah, etc”
Jrue to Milwaukee

Assuming that helps Giannis stick around for a year?

Deal trims 10 mil next year (and a lot more long term) for Boston. that is enough to be good since it’s free, right? Boston could keep Kuz to lead their one year tank and then trade him. Or could try to flip him for additional financial savings somehow. Brad is creative.

Milwaukee brings back Giannis’ buddy. Doesn’t trigger first apron hard cap so can use smaller taxMLE on a wing, bring back Brook and bank on Dame being back for the playoffs? Don’t trade the 2031 first.

[jayjaysee]

7th Overall, the '26 Bucks Swap and the '27 Bucks 1st = Which 2025 Pick?

Why would NOP trade their own unprotected first two years in a row (swap one year, unprotected the next year) for a lottery pick?

They are not near good enough to do that unless it’s Flagg or if they really believe in Harper I guess?

So guess I’m going 2 from SA? No idea if SAS does that, but NOP shouldn’t be looking at trades like this unless Zion has cut 20 pounds the last couple months.. Bailey/VJ (or Tre) just don’t feel worth that level of risk to me at all.

[psman2]

I was talking to Bucks fans on the Bucks board that seem okay with Giannis for Trey Murphy, Zion Williamson, 7th Overall and their picks returned via New Orleans and they are ok flipping Zion for more assets. Hornets fans seem open to Tidjane Salaun, Josh Green, Grant Williams and 4th for Zion.

So fill in what Team X would give in the following deal...

Team X gets:
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Bucks get:
Trey Murphy
Tidjane Salaun
Josh Green
Grant Williams
4th Overall
7th Overall
Their '26 and '27 picks returned

Hornets get:
Zion Williamson

Pelicans get:
(Insert Team X Package Here worth Murphy, Zion, 7 and the Bucks picks)

I cannot imagine why the Pelicans would sell off good picks and Murphy here. If they want to go younger just sell off Zion for what the Hornets are offering otherwise a 3rd team is going to have to come with a ton of high upside youth or better picks for NOP to consider this as is. Much easier to just try to bribe the Pelicans for the Milw picks than go after Zion and Murphy as well.

[Astaluego]

Kuzma (2/3 SRP) for DDR..?
Kuzma + Connaughton for Grant..?
Kuzma for P.Williams + SRPs?

[jayjaysee]

I was talking to Bucks fans on the Bucks board that seem okay with Giannis for Trey Murphy, Zion Williamson, 7th Overall and their picks returned via New Orleans and they are ok flipping Zion for more assets. Hornets fans seem open to Tidjane Salaun, Josh Green, Grant Williams and 4th for Zion.

So fill in what Team X would give in the following deal...

Team X gets:
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Bucks get:
Trey Murphy
Tidjane Salaun
Josh Green
Grant Williams
4th Overall
7th Overall
Their '26 and '27 picks returned

Hornets get:
Zion Williamson

Pelicans get:
(Insert Team X Package Here worth Murphy, Zion, 7 and the Bucks picks)

The closest thing that makes sense if NOP receiving Houston’s Giannis offer?

But at that point, I’d assume Milwaukee settles for 11 - not 7? NOP is just going from Zion/Trey/Mil picks to Sengun/Jabari/Phoenix picks sort of lateral at that point, especially since the 2027 first is NOP’s own. So they are blocking their own rebuild...

Just a really weird/sort of contradictory trade package (star, really good role player, and picks).. almost seems like NOP should just take Giannis and figure out a way to add another star honestly? Missi, Giannis, Herb, “star”, DJM.. limited assets at that point though.

[jayjaysee]

Kuzma (2/3 SRP) for DDR..?
Kuzma + Connaughton for Grant..?
Kuzma for P.Williams + SRPs?

Jrue.

[giberish]

7th Overall, the '26 Bucks Swap and the '27 Bucks 1st = Which 2025 Pick?

#2 is the closest in value. The 26 pick could be undone by cancelling the swap so each team gets their own pick but the 27 1st is a 'best of' pick between them. Mil is certain to be in the lottery, possibly quite high (IMO their more likely than not in the lottery even if they keep Giannis) and there's a good chance NO is as well. Just by itself that would be maybe #5 in value. Add in #7 and the swap rights in 26 which have upside and it's well above #3. #2 if you're high on Harper could work. #1 is an overpay.

[NYG]

I was talking to Bucks fans on the Bucks board that seem okay with Giannis for Trey Murphy, Zion Williamson, 7th Overall and their picks returned via New Orleans and they are ok flipping Zion for more assets. Hornets fans seem open to Tidjane Salaun, Josh Green, Grant Williams and 4th for Zion.

So fill in what Team X would give in the following deal...

Team X gets:
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Bucks get:
Trey Murphy
Tidjane Salaun
Josh Green
Grant Williams
4th Overall
7th Overall
Their '26 and '27 picks returned

Hornets get:
Zion Williamson

Pelicans get:
(Insert Team X Package Here worth Murphy, Zion, 7 and the Bucks picks)

The closest thing that makes sense if NOP receiving Houston’s Giannis offer?

But at that point, I’d assume Milwaukee settles for 11 - not 7? NOP is just going from Zion/Trey/Mil picks to Sengun/Jabari/Phoenix picks sort of lateral at that point, especially since the 2027 first is NOP’s own. So they are blocking their own rebuild...

Just a really weird/sort of contradictory trade package (star, really good role player, and picks).. almost seems like NOP should just take Giannis and figure out a way to add another star honestly? Missi, Giannis, Herb, “star”, DJM.. limited assets at that point though.

Spurs get:
Giannis Antetokounmpo

-Gives: Stephon Castle, Jeremy Sochan, Harrison Barnes, Keldon Johnson, 2nd Overall Pick, 14th Overall Pick, 2027 Unprotected Hawks 1st, 2029 Unprotected Spurs 1st and 3031 Earlier of Kings/Spurs 1st

Bucks get:
Trey Murphy III
Jeremy Sochan
Tidjane Salaun
Josh Green
4th Overall
7th Overall
2026 Bucks Pick Swap Returned
2027 Unprotected Milwaukee Bucks First Round Draft Pick Returned
2027 Unprotected Atlanta Hawks First Round Draft Pick

-Gives: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Hornets get:
Zion Williamson

-Gives: Grant Williams, Tidjane Salaun, Josh Green and 4th Overall Pick

Pelicans get:
Stephon Castle
Keldon Johnson
Harrison Barnes
Grant Williams
2nd Overall Draft Pick
14th Overall Draft Pick
2029 Unprotected San Antonio Spurs First Round Draft Pick
Earlier of 2031 Kings/Spurs First Round Draft Pick

-Gives: Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, 7th Overall Pick, 2026 Bucks Swap Returned and 2027 Unprotected Bucks 1st

[NYG]

Maybe take Murphy out and give the Bucks more Spurs stuff from the Pelicans instead?

[jayjaysee]

I was talking to Bucks fans on the Bucks board that seem okay with Giannis for Trey Murphy, Zion Williamson, 7th Overall and their picks returned via New Orleans and they are ok flipping Zion for more assets. Hornets fans seem open to Tidjane Salaun, Josh Green, Grant Williams and 4th for Zion.

So fill in what Team X would give in the following deal...

Team X gets:
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Bucks get:
Trey Murphy
Tidjane Salaun
Josh Green
Grant Williams
4th Overall
7th Overall
Their '26 and '27 picks returned

Hornets get:
Zion Williamson

Pelicans get:
(Insert Team X Package Here worth Murphy, Zion, 7 and the Bucks picks)

The closest thing that makes sense if NOP receiving Houston’s Giannis offer?

But at that point, I’d assume Milwaukee settles for 11 - not 7? NOP is just going from Zion/Trey/Mil picks to Sengun/Jabari/Phoenix picks sort of lateral at that point, especially since the 2027 first is NOP’s own. So they are blocking their own rebuild...

Just a really weird/sort of contradictory trade package (star, really good role player, and picks).. almost seems like NOP should just take Giannis and figure out a way to add another star honestly? Missi, Giannis, Herb, “star”, DJM.. limited assets at that point though.

Spurs get:
Giannis Antetokounmpo

-Gives: Stephon Castle, Jeremy Sochan, Harrison Barnes, Keldon Johnson, 2nd Overall Pick, 14th Overall Pick, 2027 Unprotected Hawks 1st, 2029 Unprotected Spurs 1st and 3031 Earlier of Kings/Spurs 1st

Bucks get:
Trey Murphy III
Jeremy Sochan
Tidjane Salaun
Josh Green
4th Overall
7th Overall
2026 Bucks Pick Swap Returned
2027 Unprotected Milwaukee Bucks First Round Draft Pick Returned
2027 Unprotected Atlanta Hawks First Round Draft Pick

-Gives: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Hornets get:
Zion Williamson

-Gives: Grant Williams, Tidjane Salaun, Josh Green and 4th Overall Pick

Pelicans get:
Stephon Castle
Keldon Johnson
Harrison Barnes
Grant Williams
2nd Overall Draft Pick
14th Overall Draft Pick
2029 Unprotected San Antonio Spurs First Round Draft Pick
Earlier of 2031 Kings/Spurs First Round Draft Pick

-Gives: Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, 7th Overall Pick, 2026 Bucks Swap Returned and 2027 Unprotected Bucks 1st

I would just take Castle and Harper if I were Milwaukee. Maybe offer NOP 14th for the swap back to buy the guards a year. (Or the Atl pick or whatever reasonable value it takes to get the swap back)

Castle/Harper / 2026 pick with the other picks you have SA adding feels like enough to start a rebuild.

I would guess SAS fans scream at you for that idea.

[NYG]

The closest thing that makes sense if NOP receiving Houston’s Giannis offer?

But at that point, I’d assume Milwaukee settles for 11 - not 7? NOP is just going from Zion/Trey/Mil picks to Sengun/Jabari/Phoenix picks sort of lateral at that point, especially since the 2027 first is NOP’s own. So they are blocking their own rebuild...

Just a really weird/sort of contradictory trade package (star, really good role player, and picks).. almost seems like NOP should just take Giannis and figure out a way to add another star honestly? Missi, Giannis, Herb, “star”, DJM.. limited assets at that point though.

Spurs get:
Giannis Antetokounmpo

-Gives: Stephon Castle, Jeremy Sochan, Harrison Barnes, Keldon Johnson, 2nd Overall Pick, 14th Overall Pick, 2027 Unprotected Hawks 1st, 2029 Unprotected Spurs 1st and 3031 Earlier of Kings/Spurs 1st

Bucks get:
Trey Murphy III
Jeremy Sochan
Tidjane Salaun
Josh Green
4th Overall
7th Overall
2026 Bucks Pick Swap Returned
2027 Unprotected Milwaukee Bucks First Round Draft Pick Returned
2027 Unprotected Atlanta Hawks First Round Draft Pick

-Gives: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Hornets get:
Zion Williamson

-Gives: Grant Williams, Tidjane Salaun, Josh Green and 4th Overall Pick

Pelicans get:
Stephon Castle
Keldon Johnson
Harrison Barnes
Grant Williams
2nd Overall Draft Pick
14th Overall Draft Pick
2029 Unprotected San Antonio Spurs First Round Draft Pick
Earlier of 2031 Kings/Spurs First Round Draft Pick

-Gives: Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, 7th Overall Pick, 2026 Bucks Swap Returned and 2027 Unprotected Bucks 1st

I would just take Castle and Harper if I were Milwaukee. Maybe offer NOP 14th for the swap back to buy the guards a year. (Or the Atl pick or whatever reasonable value it takes to get the swap back)

Castle/Harper / 2026 pick with the other picks you have SA adding feels like enough to start a rebuild.

I would guess SAS fans scream at you for that idea.

Yeah but they'd forgive when they won championships

[LightTheBeam]

Article on Realgm about a 1 year loan Giannis for Tatum lol. Obviously the loan part is ridiculous, but does the actual trade make sense?

White - Brown - Giannis and what Boston gets from KP/Jrue is a contender.

For Milwaukee if there is worry Giannis will want out, getting Tatum even with an off year is a great piece to start with.

[Diop]

Dallas' schedule changed dramatically with the lottery win. The MAVs don't control their draft picks, so they'll have to trade veterans for young players to surround Cooper... ideally a guard. Who's the best they could get under 25/26? Ja? Lamelo? Garland? Castle?

A lot depends on Kyrie who I think will be back, but I don't think Dallas will do anything major.

If Kyrie comes back well, a play off run with AD and Kyrie could be a great rookie for Cooper.

Beauty of PJ Washington is that he won't be upset coming off the bench if you want to do that with him.

[aguiar95]

Don't think it's thread worthy, but what would be the highest pick DAL could get for the '29 LAL pick along with a Hardy dump?

Was thinking maybe #15 since OKC doesn't have playing time for another rookie or #19 with BKN (maybe include a Martin dump). Would target Demin/Clayton Jr. for DAL.

[babyjax13]

Don't think it's thread worthy, but what would be the highest pick DAL could get for the '29 LAL pick along with a Hardy dump?

Was thinking maybe #15 since OKC doesn't have playing time for another rookie or #19 with BKN (maybe include a Martin dump). Would target Demin/Clayton Jr. for DAL.

I don't see teams valuing a pick 4 years in the future from a team led by Luka a ton? I wouldn't do 21 for that. But anything lower than 20 feels like Dallas shouldn't do it.