Rumors, Random Thoughts, and non-Threadworthy Posts 18.0 Dave Cowens drove a taxi

[SkyHook]

This season, I suspect Dillingham will get all the minutes he can handle. The team likely can’t afford to keep NAW, and Mike Conley is finally starting to show his age. The Wolves invested a lot to get Dillingham (a distant unprotected 1st and pick swap), so both Connelly and Finch are very high on him. This year we’ll see if they were right.

I hope that you're right. Looking forward to seeing it happen.

Me too, but since this is the trade board, I’ll mention that many MIN posters wouldn’t mind seeing the team add a vet placeholder PG. The team wants to progress after the two WCF appearances raised everyone’s expectations.

Is that the direction you would want to go? Who would be a good target in FA or via the trade assets they have (keeping at least the core of Ant, McD, & Rudy I imagine)?

[SkyHook]

I just saw a headline that said that DeMarcus Cousins has been suspended for the rest of the year and I'm seriously questioning what year it is.

[daoneandonly]

So can someone tell me what am I missing on Malik Monk?

This guy was mucus on top of urine in Charlotte, no? Played better with his college buddy Fox sure, but how did his value become all of a sudden high on these boards?

[Texas Chuck]

So can someone tell me what am I missing on Malik Monk?

This guy was mucus on top of urine in Charlotte, no? Played better with his college buddy Fox sure, but how did his value become all of a sudden high on these boards?

Define high? You hate him and are seeing him in a lot of Dallas deals. But for the most part Dallas isn't giving up significant value to get him. Might still be too much for you, but his value has not been set high.

His value to Dallas specifically is he fits the budget, he fits their limited assets, he can spot start, but ultimately slide into a more appropriate first guard off the bench role, and he's locked up.

If Dallas had all their own picks, we wouldn't be discussing him. Dallas would be shopping for a better player. But this is bargain bin time.

[ReggiesKnicks]

So can someone tell me what am I missing on Malik Monk?

This guy was mucus on top of urine in Charlotte, no? Played better with his college buddy Fox sure, but how did his value become all of a sudden high on these boards?

Monk is a low-end starter, high-end bench player who has a unique skill-set with shot creation, shooting and ball-handling. He fits a need for teams who lack creation and handling.

I wouldn't want Monk taking a lions share of the offense for a team, but for a team with multiple shot creators or another high-level creator with decent size (Not Trae Young or Darius Garland, for example), Monk is a roster fit.

Monk also showed a willingness and ability to synergize with a higher-level post-passer in Sabonis, where Monk unlocked a lethal DHO game with Sabonis.

I think it is vitally important to emotionally dethatch around emotions regarding players and assess them for what their skill-set is and what it provides. From there, you can fit the skill-set onto different teams. A team like Dallas lacks creation, shooting and ball-handling, Monk does these things. A team like Dallas is going to have multiple shot creators (Kyrie, Flagg, AD) where Monk can gel with each of them in varied methods.

My final thought is teams aren't bending over to pay an arm and leg for Monk, because he isn't that calibre of player. He is also a redundant skill-set on Sacramento as they have embraced Zach LaVine, a better version of Monk, and still have Demar Derozan to help bolster creation around Sabonis. As you know, both Lavine and Demar are middling defenders, as is Sabonis, meaning Sacramento needs to be prioritizing not shot creation but defensive versatility around their core, leaving Monk as the odd man out.

[jayjaysee]

Yes you can but it is going to take away a lot of overall spacing.

AD @ 4 is limiting spacing
Flagg @ 2 is limiting spacing and taking away his post-up/face-up game

Flip Lauri+ for Bane

Dallas barely has the “plus” to get Lauri.. won’t have the extra plus to get Bane..

But fair on the lineup not really working.

I'm genuinely interested to see a "plus" proposal that you think Utah would accept. I just don't believe that there's a deal to be crafted which will ever satisfy both sides, but I'm prepared to be wrong.

If the lineup doesn’t actually work, it doesn’t really matter. But I’d guess it would be the KD package? With PJ getting flipped for the best asset possible (say Dieng annd 15?) and Utah ending up with that Gafford, Klay, Martin and the LAL first?

Didn’t draw a trade out, but would guess Klay/Gafford/Martin end up on a different team for more savings/value. If it gets them a better asset package Gafford with PJ.

[daoneandonly]

So can someone tell me what am I missing on Malik Monk?

This guy was mucus on top of urine in Charlotte, no? Played better with his college buddy Fox sure, but how did his value become all of a sudden high on these boards?

Monk is a low-end starter, high-end bench player who has a unique skill-set with shot creation, shooting and ball-handling. He fits a need for teams who lack creation and handling.

I wouldn't want Monk taking a lions share of the offense for a team, but for a team with multiple shot creators or another high-level creator with decent size (Not Trae Young or Darius Garland, for example), Monk is a roster fit.

Monk also showed a willingness and ability to synergize with a higher-level post-passer in Sabonis, where Monk unlocked a lethal DHO game with Sabonis.

I think it is vitally important to emotionally dethatch around emotions regarding players and assess them for what their skill-set is and what it provides. From there, you can fit the skill-set onto different teams. A team like Dallas lacks creation, shooting and ball-handling, Monk does these things. A team like Dallas is going to have multiple shot creators (Kyrie, Flagg, AD) where Monk can gel with each of them in varied methods.

My final thought is teams aren't bending over to pay an arm and leg for Monk, because he isn't that calibre of player. He is also a redundant skill-set on Sacramento as they have embraced Zach LaVine, a better version of Monk, and still have Demar Derozan to help bolster creation around Sabonis. As you know, both Lavine and Demar are middling defenders, as is Sabonis, meaning Sacramento needs to be prioritizing not shot creation but defensive versatility around their core, leaving Monk as the odd man out.

So can someone tell me what am I missing on Malik Monk?

This guy was mucus on top of urine in Charlotte, no? Played better with his college buddy Fox sure, but how did his value become all of a sudden high on these boards?

Define high? You hate him and are seeing him in a lot of Dallas deals. But for the most part Dallas isn't giving up significant value to get him. Might still be too much for you, but his value has not been set high.

His value to Dallas specifically is he fits the budget, he fits their limited assets, he can spot start, but ultimately slide into a more appropriate first guard off the bench role, and he's locked up.

If Dallas had all their own picks, we wouldn't be discussing him. Dallas would be shopping for a better player. But this is bargain bin time.

Yea admittedly, I like PJ and Marshall a lot, so I dont want to give their versatility up for Monk. I could have sworn I've even seen ppl suggest he's worth a FRP

To me this is a guy in the sphere of THJ, Duncan Robinson, Evan Fournier, current Klay, but much smaller in size. Just dont see how that's a guy ppl would itching to get.

[ReggiesKnicks]

So can someone tell me what am I missing on Malik Monk?

This guy was mucus on top of urine in Charlotte, no? Played better with his college buddy Fox sure, but how did his value become all of a sudden high on these boards?

Monk is a low-end starter, high-end bench player who has a unique skill-set with shot creation, shooting and ball-handling. He fits a need for teams who lack creation and handling.

I wouldn't want Monk taking a lions share of the offense for a team, but for a team with multiple shot creators or another high-level creator with decent size (Not Trae Young or Darius Garland, for example), Monk is a roster fit.

Monk also showed a willingness and ability to synergize with a higher-level post-passer in Sabonis, where Monk unlocked a lethal DHO game with Sabonis.

I think it is vitally important to emotionally dethatch around emotions regarding players and assess them for what their skill-set is and what it provides. From there, you can fit the skill-set onto different teams. A team like Dallas lacks creation, shooting and ball-handling, Monk does these things. A team like Dallas is going to have multiple shot creators (Kyrie, Flagg, AD) where Monk can gel with each of them in varied methods.

My final thought is teams aren't bending over to pay an arm and leg for Monk, because he isn't that calibre of player. He is also a redundant skill-set on Sacramento as they have embraced Zach LaVine, a better version of Monk, and still have Demar Derozan to help bolster creation around Sabonis. As you know, both Lavine and Demar are middling defenders, as is Sabonis, meaning Sacramento needs to be prioritizing not shot creation but defensive versatility around their core, leaving Monk as the odd man out.

So can someone tell me what am I missing on Malik Monk?

This guy was mucus on top of urine in Charlotte, no? Played better with his college buddy Fox sure, but how did his value become all of a sudden high on these boards?

Define high? You hate him and are seeing him in a lot of Dallas deals. But for the most part Dallas isn't giving up significant value to get him. Might still be too much for you, but his value has not been set high.

His value to Dallas specifically is he fits the budget, he fits their limited assets, he can spot start, but ultimately slide into a more appropriate first guard off the bench role, and he's locked up.

If Dallas had all their own picks, we wouldn't be discussing him. Dallas would be shopping for a better player. But this is bargain bin time.

Yea admittedly, I like PJ and Marshall a lot, so I dont want to give their versatility up for Monk. I could have sworn I've even seen ppl suggest he's worth a FRP

He is worth a FRP, so is PJ while Marshall is worth a high 2nd at a minimum.

To me this is a guy in the sphere of THJ, Duncan Robinson, Evan Fournier, current Klay, but much smaller in size. Just dont see how that's a guy ppl would itching to get.

Yeah, you are just missing the entire "creation" aspect of Malik Monk. An oversight, but it is hard to be glued to 30 teams.

Malik Monk AST% last 3 seasons: 25%, 28.9%, 25.7%
Malik Monk % of Shots Assisted (2P/3P): 52%/85%, 46%/78%, 44%/82%

THJ AST% last 3 seasons: 9.0%, 9.2%, 7.6%
THJ % of Assisted Shots: 64%/90%, 69%/88%, 82%/92%

Klay 2025 AST%: 10.7%
Klay 2025 % of Assisted Shots: 69%/94%

Yeah, you are just completely, 100% misunderstanding Malik Monk's skill-set and underselling him because you didn't know he could dribble or pass

[ReggiesKnicks]

To me this is a guy in the sphere of THJ, Duncan Robinson, Evan Fournier, current Klay, but much smaller in size. Just dont see how that's a guy ppl would itching to get.

If you don't want or simply don't know AST% and Assisted on % of shots, here is a simpler way to look at things.

Monk had 362 Assists in 2025.
Klay + THJ had 268 Assists COMBINED in 2025, in twice as many minutes as Monk (4K vs 2K).

[JKiddy]

MIL has a GET OUT OF JAIL CARD which they can use now and restart the franchise.

He has enough value they can likely pawn off Dame at the same time.

They have zero chance of competing in 2026 and it looks like the same will be said for 2027 UNLESS they can super tank those seasons with their own picks. There is a chance they can do that. But, as of now their future is bleaker than PHX.

If they do not trade Giannis at his peak now and let it ride and no longer contend for the next decade, would they have fumbled the bag to keep Giannis there and not compete after decimating their entire player and draft asset pool?

I want honest opinions as I know it is much easier to see the writing on the wall as an outsider. The emotional value of keeping Giannis is huge. But, the ability to win a title from 2025-2035/40 might also have some value to fans as well with a new competitive roster.

[BlazersBroncos]

They own like zero of their own FRP for years. They are a small market team who has convinced a superstar to stay long term. They wont have another Giannis level player for 20-30 years after him. It appears they have convinced him to stay, and if that is true you dont trade him. Even looking only financially at the move to keep Giannis - its a winner - the guy brings so much money to that team, moving him and rebuilding would cost literally tens of millions in revenue.

I know its hard to accept your Giannis to BRK pipe dream was just that but reality is reality.

[JKiddy]

I understand it both ways, emotionally and financially.

It is super hard to get a player like this. I am unsure which would be more valuable long term, revamp the roster to start over so you can compete in 2030 or let it ride out to then when he retires a few years after 2030 or let him go wherever he wants if he wants to ring chase at 35/36?

Ticket sales will definitely be definitively higher if he stays and competes for a title.

That is not happening so tickets will be solid with him and not competing for a title than rebuilding without him.

But, what if they got 5 first round picks, a stud young player, another great 2nd or 3rd fiddle in this draft, and cleared up the entire roster from the lesser players and brought in players a few levels above them within 2-3 seasons? Would that not also have value?

I am entirely on the fence with this one, which is why I posted this. Forget about BK. He might have wanted to go to NY in some capacity but likely decided now is not the time. He wants to see it through for another year or two (or they asked him to give them that time to figure it out like BK did with Durant).

[gswhoops]

They own like zero of their own FRP for years. They are a small market team who has convinced a superstar to stay long term. They wont have another Giannis level player for 20-30 years after him. It appears they have convinced him to stay, and if that is true you dont trade him. Even looking only financially at the move to keep Giannis - its a winner - the guy brings so much money to that team, moving him and rebuilding would cost literally tens of millions in revenue.

Yup. We went through the same debate 4-5 years ago when everyone was convinced that GSW was done and we should trade Steph and rebuild before his value tanked and we were left holding the bag. And then we won a title two years later.

[Jojothewhale]

We went through the same debate 4-5 years ago when everyone was convinced that GSW was done and we should trade Steph and rebuild before his value tanked and we were left holding the bag. And then we won a title two years later.

I don't even think there's anything wrong with a local fan wanting Steph or Giannis to spend their entire career on one team. It still ultimately is an entertainment product. There's no pressure to avoid retiring without a ring. If the players and the fans are happy with it, fair enough.

[mlloyd10]

I understand it both ways, emotionally and financially.

It is super hard to get a player like this. I am unsure which would be more valuable long term, revamp the roster to start over so you can compete in 2030 or let it ride out to then when he retires a few years after 2030 or let him go wherever he wants if he wants to ring chase at 35/36?

Ticket sales will definitely be definitively higher if he stays and competes for a title.

That is not happening so tickets will be solid with him and not competing for a title than rebuilding without him.

But, what if they got 5 first round picks, a stud young player, another great 2nd or 3rd fiddle in this draft, and cleared up the entire roster from the lesser players and brought in players a few levels above them within 2-3 seasons? Would that not also have value?

I am entirely on the fence with this one, which is why I posted this. Forget about BK. He might have wanted to go to NY in some capacity but likely decided now is not the time. He wants to see it through for another year or two (or they asked him to give them that time to figure it out like BK did with Durant).

There are moves to be made that could keep this bucks in the 4-6 range for the next two seasons. Just depends on a lot of stuff.

1. Can they resign KPJ and Trent to reasonable deals?
2. Will Doc play the young guys?
3. Can the limited options we currently have get us something ( Like Pat C/ Kuzma for MPJ )

Does a KPJ/Trent/MPJ/Giannis/Portis team get you the 4 seed?

[SlimShady83]

Just posting this quickly b4 heading to work feel free to move to general board, figured it was better suited here.

Teams are; Houston, Spurs, Wolves, Miami, Knicks

Where will he go to and will he get his wish?

Watch on YouTube

[wemby]

https://nypost.com/2025/06/11/sports/knicks-not-in-mix-for-kevin-durant-trade/
Knicks not in mix for Kevin Durant trade

Despite long speculation and reporting to the contrary, the Knicks are not in the mix to trade for Kevin Durant, The Post has learned. Durant is expected to be dealt this offseason from the Suns, with ESPN listing the Knicks among five teams who have registered interest. However, a league source said New York will not be dealing for the future Hall of Famer.

[wemby]

https://nypost.com/2025/06/11/sports/knicks-not-in-mix-for-kevin-durant-trade/
Knicks not in mix for Kevin Durant trade

Despite long speculation and reporting to the contrary, the Knicks are not in the mix to trade for Kevin Durant, The Post has learned. Durant is expected to be dealt this offseason from the Suns, with ESPN listing the Knicks among five teams who have registered interest. However, a league source said New York will not be dealing for the future Hall of Famer.

[psman2]

I understand it both ways, emotionally and financially.

It is super hard to get a player like this. I am unsure which would be more valuable long term, revamp the roster to start over so you can compete in 2030 or let it ride out to then when he retires a few years after 2030 or let him go wherever he wants if he wants to ring chase at 35/36?

Ticket sales will definitely be definitively higher if he stays and competes for a title.

That is not happening so tickets will be solid with him and not competing for a title than rebuilding without him.

But, what if they got 5 first round picks, a stud young player, another great 2nd or 3rd fiddle in this draft, and cleared up the entire roster from the lesser players and brought in players a few levels above them within 2-3 seasons? Would that not also have value?

I am entirely on the fence with this one, which is why I posted this. Forget about BK. He might have wanted to go to NY in some capacity but likely decided now is not the time. He wants to see it through for another year or two (or they asked him to give them that time to figure it out like BK did with Durant).

There are moves to be made that could keep this bucks in the 4-6 range for the next two seasons. Just depends on a lot of stuff.

1. Can they resign KPJ and Trent to reasonable deals?
2. Will Doc play the young guys?
3. Can the limited options we currently have get us something ( Like Pat C/ Kuzma for MPJ )

Does a KPJ/Trent/MPJ/Giannis/Portis team get you the 4 seed?

7/8 seed. Lopez older/worse or gone and no Dame, but you think they will do better than their 5th seed this year? Denver doesn’t take that deal btw.

[Godaddycurse]

I understand it both ways, emotionally and financially.

It is super hard to get a player like this. I am unsure which would be more valuable long term, revamp the roster to start over so you can compete in 2030 or let it ride out to then when he retires a few years after 2030 or let him go wherever he wants if he wants to ring chase at 35/36?

Ticket sales will definitely be definitively higher if he stays and competes for a title.

That is not happening so tickets will be solid with him and not competing for a title than rebuilding without him.

But, what if they got 5 first round picks, a stud young player, another great 2nd or 3rd fiddle in this draft, and cleared up the entire roster from the lesser players and brought in players a few levels above them within 2-3 seasons? Would that not also have value?

I am entirely on the fence with this one, which is why I posted this. Forget about BK. He might have wanted to go to NY in some capacity but likely decided now is not the time. He wants to see it through for another year or two (or they asked him to give them that time to figure it out like BK did with Durant).

There are moves to be made that could keep this bucks in the 4-6 range for the next two seasons. Just depends on a lot of stuff.

1. Can they resign KPJ and Trent to reasonable deals?
2. Will Doc play the young guys?
3. Can the limited options we currently have get us something ( Like Pat C/ Kuzma for MPJ )

Does a KPJ/Trent/MPJ/Giannis/Portis team get you the 4 seed?

7/8 seed. Lopez older/worse or gone and no Dame, but you think they will do better than their 5th seed this year? Denver doesn’t take that deal btw.

agree they will be in play in tourney and a first round exit at best most likely.