Mavrelous wrote:I'm expecting a direction, using TPMLE on a semi washed center doesn't qualify as one, if their direction is cap space next summer, then I wouldn't be as certain as you are DFS is getting retained.
I mean, the center market isn't flush on FA or in the trade market either. So while I do think the Lakers would put Knecht and their '31 pick open for business there really isn't anyone of note unless you're a DeAndre Ayton stan. And I think he's probably the worst fit for what the Lakers want/need. Myles Turner is going to cost too much for the Lakers to sign, and Indiana probably is going to re-sign him to a long-term deal. Utah doesn't seem realistic in Kessler's value, and I already question Ainge's willingness to do a deal with the Lakers even if they were willing to include the '31 (or '32) pick unprotected, every pick swap available, Knecht, and unprotect their '27 pick. RW3 is an injury-prone center who given his health issues probably isn't an upgrade over Hayes. Cavs probably aren't going to make Allen available short of a massive wing upgrade and a decent big in return. Hawks don't seem interested in giving up Okongwu. Jonas V seems like a solid win-now center, but I don't see Kings interested in dealing with the Lakers. That effectively leaves BroLo, Capela, and Claxton as the only real centers of note that the Lakers could realistically can acquire.
As for DFS, right now the only team that can offer him more than the ntMLE is Brooklyn and they seem unlikely at best to make that kind of offer. Unless DFS is tripping over himself to get to Texas (and nothing I can see would suggest he is), the Lakers' offer comes in around the ntMLE it seems likely he re-signs. It's been well-documented that he and Luka are very close, so I'd anticipate if the money is close he will be back. I think something like 3 years, $42M is the kind of deal he's looking at.
