Rumors, Random Thoughts, and Non-threadworthy Posts The 19th Hole

[jayjaysee]

It’s small and eh probably.. But I like still Klay and Naji for KCP.. Naji offering some quality depth in case the kids don’t develop.. Klay offering some spacing

Seems lateral for Dallas/not sure what is accomplishes for them

It really might be? I think KCP’s shooting should bounce back and it’s worth taking the risk?

Given the depth chart, I think sacrificing your second best bench forward to upgrade your starting shooting guard is worth it.

Even on nights AD is out, I think you can be okay with PJ and Flagg playing bigger minutes and Martin/Christie getting a decent bump in minutes. Maybe you trust in Prosper or get an older vet forward for spot minutes. I wouldn’t mind bringing Matthew Cleveland up as much as possible during one or more of the AD missed game stretches.. Think he can develop into a decent rotation wing, pretty similar to Naji. I know the rest of the fans are on Ryan, but I’ve lived in Miami for the last five years.

this will probably be the only time I admit to this homer take on Cleveland..

[Texas Chuck]

yeah I'd do Naji/Klay for KCP. But if Dallas feels like they have to have Naji's creation then with the signing of Russell, Brandon Williams should probably be the roster move to make space for Exum. But it sounds like he's going to get a real shot at rotation minutes from the jump this year. So there is another creator to allow Marshall to be moved on from. Martin/Christie simply have to be competent bench pieces which feels reasonable to expect.

And I feel like KCP as the 5th starter just makes more sense than any of the current in-house options, though if it were me I think I'd actually start PJ/Klay on the wings and let Cooper start the season as 6th man. Maybe he's rookie Derrick Lively who just immediately makes it obvious he should be starting. Okay cool. But many posters here think Klay will be a giant baby if he doesn't start and unless PJ surprisingly extends, he's probably not going to be thrilled playing his walk year off the bench.

If you make Cooper earn taking one of their spots its harder for them to be a problem--it will be obvious to the whole team and these two guys are professionals. But right now I'm sure they believe they are more ready to help the team than an 18 year old no matter the hype and frankly they might not be wrong, particularly PJ.

But alas, they've locked into Cooper was part of some Luka master plan no matter how 1.8% absurd that is so....

[psman2]

It’s small and eh probably.. But I like still Klay and Naji for KCP.. Naji offering some quality depth in case the kids don’t develop.. Klay offering some spacing

Seems lateral for Dallas/not sure what is accomplishes for them

It really might be? I think KCP’s shooting should bounce back and it’s worth taking the risk?

Given the depth chart, I think sacrificing your second best bench forward to upgrade your starting shooting guard is worth it.

Even on nights AD is out, I think you can be okay with PJ and Flagg playing bigger minutes and Martin/Christie getting a decent bump in minutes. Maybe you trust in Prosper or get an older vet forward for spot minutes. I wouldn’t mind bringing Matthew Cleveland up as much as possible during one or more of the AD missed game stretches.. Think he can develop into a decent rotation wing, pretty similar to Naji. I know the rest of the fans are on Ryan, but I’ve lived in Miami for the last five years.

this will probably be the only time I admit to this homer take on Cleveland..

How do you see our rotation filling out if we did this 2 for 1? We are at 15 gtd contracts too, so VWill would be lost.

This is how I see our rotation when we get to full health hopefully early in the season.
G - Ja (31) / SP2 (17)
G - Pope (15) / Jerome (22) / Wells (11)
F - Wells (19) / Coward (22) / Pope (7) /GG Jackson (?)
F - JJJ (30) / Aldama (18) /GG Jackson (?)
C - Edey (24) / Clarke (14) / Aldama (6) / Landale (4)

[jayjaysee]

Seems lateral for Dallas/not sure what is accomplishes for them

It really might be? I think KCP’s shooting should bounce back and it’s worth taking the risk?

Given the depth chart, I think sacrificing your second best bench forward to upgrade your starting shooting guard is worth it.

Even on nights AD is out, I think you can be okay with PJ and Flagg playing bigger minutes and Martin/Christie getting a decent bump in minutes. Maybe you trust in Prosper or get an older vet forward for spot minutes. I wouldn’t mind bringing Matthew Cleveland up as much as possible during one or more of the AD missed game stretches.. Think he can develop into a decent rotation wing, pretty similar to Naji. I know the rest of the fans are on Ryan, but I’ve lived in Miami for the last five years.

this will probably be the only time I admit to this homer take on Cleveland..

How do you see our rotation filling out if we did this 2 for 1? We are at 15 gtd contracts too, so VWill would be lost.

This is how I see our rotation when we get to full health hopefully early in the season.
G - Ja (31) / SP2 (17)
G - Pope (15) / Jerome (22) / Wells (11)
F - Wells (19) / Coward (22) / Pope (7) /GG Jackson (?)
F - JJJ (30) / Aldama (18) /GG Jackson (?)
C - Edey (24) / Clarke (14) / Aldama (6) / Landale (4)

I do think it’s an easy choice to trade Vince and keep Naji? If Coward is ready to play ahead of Naji, you’re happy and Naji is buried. If Coward is not, you have the quality vet forward to stabilize the bench youth that the team sort of needed last year..

But, I do mostly agree and Memphis might be similar to Dallas where they can afford to lose some depth to upgrade their shooting guard.

Which makes the idea kind of DOA. Even if you trade Naji for a couple seconds, Memphis is already cheap enough that they don’t really need to trim a few mil off of KCP’s deal. Klay’s spacing would be nice with Ja/JJJ, but KCP should bounce back..

So KCP to Dallas needs a third team with a better guard ending up in Memphis. And then Dallas should probably pay more to get that guard.

[psman2]

It really might be? I think KCP’s shooting should bounce back and it’s worth taking the risk?

Given the depth chart, I think sacrificing your second best bench forward to upgrade your starting shooting guard is worth it.

Even on nights AD is out, I think you can be okay with PJ and Flagg playing bigger minutes and Martin/Christie getting a decent bump in minutes. Maybe you trust in Prosper or get an older vet forward for spot minutes. I wouldn’t mind bringing Matthew Cleveland up as much as possible during one or more of the AD missed game stretches.. Think he can develop into a decent rotation wing, pretty similar to Naji. I know the rest of the fans are on Ryan, but I’ve lived in Miami for the last five years.

this will probably be the only time I admit to this homer take on Cleveland..

How do you see our rotation filling out if we did this 2 for 1? We are at 15 gtd contracts too, so VWill would be lost.

This is how I see our rotation when we get to full health hopefully early in the season.
G - Ja (31) / SP2 (17)
G - Pope (15) / Jerome (22) / Wells (11)
F - Wells (19) / Coward (22) / Pope (7) /GG Jackson (?)
F - JJJ (30) / Aldama (18) /GG Jackson (?)
C - Edey (24) / Clarke (14) / Aldama (6) / Landale (4)

I do think it’s an easy choice to trade Vince and keep Naji? If Coward is ready to play ahead of Naji, you’re happy and Naji is buried. If Coward is not, you have the quality vet forward to stabilize the bench youth that the team sort of needed last year..

But, I do mostly agree and Memphis might be similar to Dallas where they can afford to lose some depth to upgrade their shooting guard.

Which makes the idea kind of DOA. Even if you trade Naji for a couple seconds, Memphis is already cheap enough that they don’t really need to trim a few mil off of KCP’s deal. Klay’s spacing would be nice with Ja/JJJ, but KCP should bounce back..

So KCP to Dallas needs a third team with a better guard ending up in Memphis. And then Dallas should probably pay more to get that hypothetical guard.

Bottom line is Memphis really only has the rotation minutes to support one player out of KCP/Naji/Klay next season, and the hope is that our youth further decreases those available minutes. I don't think Klay would be happy here in a diminished role and not the right fit next to Ja anymore regardless.

The only way I could see us really interested is if we want to clear some future money by flipping Klay for a dead expiring (if even possible) that won't be in our rotation. We let Wells get the bulk of his minutes at SG and opens up some minutes for Naji at SF. But honestly I rather just stay pat with KCP and give our youth in Coward as well as GG and VWill the chance to step up into bigger roles with the team if they can earn it. And we still have Konchar if needed too. I just don't view Naji as a needle mover, he is fine if you already have him and need him but really teams likely rather play and develop youth over him or shoot for someone clearly better than him. Kind of like Clarke, if you have him already he is fine in a 15-20 minute role but really rather have youth take his spot or use him in a trade to consolidate.

I think we let KCP experiment unfold, if he flops we have plenty of options that we can backfill with this season. I think we likely view this season as a leap year (I still think we are in the 5-9 range), we take stock of what we have this season so we can put our best foot forward in 2 to 3 seasons. Next season we then have some 40+ million in expiring salary to go shopping with in the trade market with extra draft picks.

[jayjaysee]

Random bad one..

Konchar 2yr12.3 for Vincent 1yr11.5

LAL does it to get under the apron without spending assets. Just a clean 5 mil cut this season. Konchar would also be semi-useful as matching salary next summer if they decide to go that route.

Memphis does it to clear 6 million next season. Konchar is behind a bunch of younger/better wings. Next summer, Memphis should be trying to lock up 1-2 of GG/Vince a year early and the extra 6 mil would help a bit, with JJJ’s contract kicking in and the Phoenix pick adding another 6-8 mil most likely? The team also could use a third point guard.

I don’t think any value is needed? But could see LAL getting a second?

[psman2]

Random bad one..

Konchar 2yr12.3 for Vincent 1yr11.5

LAL does it to get under the apron without spending assets. Just a clean 5 mil cut this season. Konchar would also be semi-useful as matching salary next summer if they decide to go that route.

Memphis does it to clear 6 million next season. Konchar is behind a bunch of younger/better wings. Next summer, Memphis should be trying to lock up 1-2 of GG/Vince a year early and the extra 6 mil would help a bit, with JJJ’s contract kicking in and the Phoenix pick adding another 6-8 mil most likely? The team also could use a third point guard.

I don’t think any value is needed? But could see LAL getting a second?

I have Konchar as the better player. I would have Jerome as our 3rd PG over Vincent. VWill can play some PG too so Vincent really isn't any kind of need for Memphis. Just depends if the LAL views Konchar as better fit than Vincent and wants the money savings this year and if Memphis wants off the salary next year. As of right now I think Memphis likely wants to keep that salary spot alive for trades next season, we could try to use Vincent in some kind of SNT if needed, but that could unnecessarily complicate trades next season. But maybe we do it to open up the possibility for the full MLE next season.

[jayjaysee]

Random bad one..

Konchar 2yr12.3 for Vincent 1yr11.5

LAL does it to get under the apron without spending assets. Just a clean 5 mil cut this season. Konchar would also be semi-useful as matching salary next summer if they decide to go that route.

Memphis does it to clear 6 million next season. Konchar is behind a bunch of younger/better wings. Next summer, Memphis should be trying to lock up 1-2 of GG/Vince a year early and the extra 6 mil would help a bit, with JJJ’s contract kicking in and the Phoenix pick adding another 6-8 mil most likely? The team also could use a third point guard.

I don’t think any value is needed? But could see LAL getting a second?

I have Konchar as the better player. I would have Jerome as our 3rd PG over Vincent. VWill can play some PG too so Vincent really isn't any kind of need for Memphis. Just depends if the LAL views Konchar as better fit than Vincent and wants the money savings this year and if Memphis wants off the salary next year. As of right now I think Memphis likely wants to keep that salary spot alive for trades next season, we could try to use Vincent in some kind of SNT if needed, but that could unnecessarily complicate trades next season. But maybe we do it to open up the possibility for the full MLE next season.

I would think if the team likes Vince and GG, they’d lock both up next offseason instead of letting them hit UFA? Just seems the smart move to do.

That, mixed with the 2026 draft picks, looks to have Memphis near the tax if not slightly/temporarily above it? And KCP either has bounced back to his norm and is kept for a year or hasn’t and is the salary filler if Coward/Wells aren’t ready to take the starting roles long term.

Vincent really has no need to play, but trimming 6 million a year early is still worth it imo. Just mention depth minutes in case Ja misses a stretch of games, Vincent would be a decent break glass piece to have.

[Texas Chuck]

Yeah by the logic presented earlier re: Marshall and Clarke and applying it to Konchar, it seems like a deal Memphis would want to make. Play the younger guys and gain the future financial flexibility. Vincent, just like Konchar is a fine veteran to soak up some minutes in a pinch, but ideally you'd want the younger guys getting those minutes to see if they are answers or if you need to bring in a guy like Konchar.

[jayjaysee]

We’ve done this one a lot… But if Dallas was offering “Klay, Naji, Hardy, 2nd” for Simons..

Would Boston use Naji’s minor value to dump Hardy and just take Klay and the second?

Use their own asset to dump Klay and just keep Naji/Hardy and tax relief?

Use Hauser’s minor value to dump Hardy and keep Naji and Klay?

I think that’s the version I like the best for Boston? Trims 12 million instantly. A midseason Niang dump from under the tax. Or Naji if they prefer.. but Naji/Klay feel like good fits

[brackdan70]

We’ve done this one a lot… But if Dallas was offering “Klay, Naji, Hardy, 2nd” for Simons..

Would Boston use Naji’s minor value to dump Hardy and just take Klay and the second?

Use their own asset to dump Klay and just keep Naji/Hardy and tax relief?

Use Hauser’s minor value to dump Hardy and keep Naji and Klay?

I think that’s the version I like the best for Boston? Trims 12 million instantly. A midseason Niang dump from under the tax. Or Naji if they prefer.. but Naji/Klay feel like good fits

This sort of thing for Holiday held some interest for me for sure, but now that the Celtics have cleared the future Salary I don’t know that it does.
I think right now the Celtics are focused on building the best team possible for 26/27 when Tatum is back and staying under the 2nd Apron this year, and staying out of the tax or at the very least a minimal tax bill for 26/27.
Klay very well may be a solid contributor in 26/27, but I think the Celtics could sign Simons for cheaper and Simons has more upside and a bit more dynamic so IDK. I could see both sides of a Simons vs Klay argument.
I don’t see the Celtics having any use for Marshall or Hardy, so if they could be shipped elsewhere without adding compensation then that would be the move.
Obviously for the Celtics cutting 10 million or so would be nice for the owners this year to cut the tax bill, but then you have taking away much of your flexibility for 26/27 and better hope Klay brings his A game.
I long winded way to say I am pretty lukewarm or cold on the idea.

[nzahir]

100% in for the lakers

Feels like we’re stealing value here

Can add a swap in 2030 and a 2nd?

Can add Knecht instead if needed, but may want a 2nd back to use in another deal

Lakers can give 26 1st and turn 271st into unprotected swap with 2nd worst of UTA/CEL/MIN in 27.

I like that quite a bit, too. Should help LA put in terms of future flexibility, too.

Hmm if we can still package 3 1sts this summer, then sure.

Reaves, Brooks, Luka, Bron, Ayton
Smart, Knecht, Laravia, Rui, Vando/Hayes

I really like the roster and flexibility

A stretch big or a good defensive minded C is the last thing to add here

[jayjaysee]

Is this bad or really bad? Seeing Carter in the Kuminga ideas..

Devin Carter for Naji Marshall

Sac probably has to dump Saric else where. Maybe you feel Dallas should pay the second to do it?

Carter should be a really strong defender, can operate pick and roll and just needs to remember how to shoot. Low pressure situation behind Kyrie for his rookie contract, but if his game does come back - Dallas gets a piece to go with Lively/Flagg long term. Or his junior year was an extended fluke and he is just a low minute defensive guard..

Naji is a cheap useful two way forward for Sac’s bench.

[SkyHook]

I expect the Jazz strategy with the $26.6MM Collins TPE is to leverage it around the deadline, taking on useless expiring contracts from tax/apron teams (especially poorly performing ones) in exchange for draft assets. Not necessarily for premium assets — the larger the dump the higher the ask obviously — and likely zero interest in money beyond this season unless heavily compensated. Is this even viable in the new league economy or will we instead see the more frequent buyout/stretch transactions of this summer? Which teams/players do you think would be good candidates? What do win-win deals look like?

[YayBasketball]

How many picks/swaps would it take for Celtics to trade D. White for D. Murray? Could even give them Missi, too. Simons to 3rd team (BKN) for lower contract to get them out of 1st apron.

Pels go further in on winning now, White is a much better fit with Pels' current and future core.
Celts restock pick chest and lets Murray rehab his Achilles injury slowly along with Tatum, positioning themselves for a lotto 2026 pick.

[daoneandonly]

Is this bad or really bad? Seeing Carter in the Kuminga ideas..

Devin Carter for Naji Marshall

Sac probably has to dump Saric else where. Maybe you feel Dallas should pay the second to do it?

Carter should be a really strong defender, can operate pick and roll and just needs to remember how to shoot. Low pressure situation behind Kyrie for his rookie contract, but if his game does come back - Dallas gets a piece to go with Lively/Flagg long term. Or his junior year was an extended fluke and he is just a low minute defensive guard..

Naji is a cheap useful two way forward for Sac’s bench.

Im one of Naji's biggest fans, but I'd do this one. I was never on board with resigning Exum or believe in Brandon Williams' meaningless mini stretch last season, so think Carter would have a chance here. With Nico's stubborness to hold on to Day to Day, Naji's minutes look to be few and far between. Sac fans have shown an interest in Naji, so perhaps it could have legs

[jayjaysee]

Is this bad or really bad? Seeing Carter in the Kuminga ideas..

Devin Carter for Naji Marshall

Sac probably has to dump Saric else where. Maybe you feel Dallas should pay the second to do it?

Carter should be a really strong defender, can operate pick and roll and just needs to remember how to shoot. Low pressure situation behind Kyrie for his rookie contract, but if his game does come back - Dallas gets a piece to go with Lively/Flagg long term. Or his junior year was an extended fluke and he is just a low minute defensive guard..

Naji is a cheap useful two way forward for Sac’s bench.

Im one of Naji's biggest fans, but I'd do this one. I was never on board with resigning Exum or believe in Brandon Williams' meaningless mini stretch last season, so think Carter would have a chance here. With Nico's stubborness to hold on to Day to Day, Naji's minutes look to be few and far between. Sac fans have shown an interest in Naji, so perhaps it could have legs

Yeah, Carter had a really bad rookie season but that was due to recovering imo.

But with Sac using him so easily in Kuminga trades, figured I’d try.

Think this season with Kyrie/DLo, Williams and Exum’s healthy games - Carter would have time to just work on regaining his shot and it could work out for Dallas for the future..

[daoneandonly]

Is this bad or really bad? Seeing Carter in the Kuminga ideas..

Devin Carter for Naji Marshall

Sac probably has to dump Saric else where. Maybe you feel Dallas should pay the second to do it?

Carter should be a really strong defender, can operate pick and roll and just needs to remember how to shoot. Low pressure situation behind Kyrie for his rookie contract, but if his game does come back - Dallas gets a piece to go with Lively/Flagg long term. Or his junior year was an extended fluke and he is just a low minute defensive guard..

Naji is a cheap useful two way forward for Sac’s bench.

Im one of Naji's biggest fans, but I'd do this one. I was never on board with resigning Exum or believe in Brandon Williams' meaningless mini stretch last season, so think Carter would have a chance here. With Nico's stubborness to hold on to Day to Day, Naji's minutes look to be few and far between. Sac fans have shown an interest in Naji, so perhaps it could have legs

Yeah, Carter had a really bad rookie season but that was due to recovering imo.

But with Sac using him so easily in Kuminga trades, figured I’d try.

Think this season with Kyrie/DLo, Williams and Exum’s healthy games - Carter would have time to just work on regaining his shot and it could work out for Dallas for the future..

Agreed, though in my irrational way, I still believe Ryan Nembhard is a legit rotational player and hope Dallas allows him a chance.

[Scoot McGroot]

Im one of Naji's biggest fans, but I'd do this one. I was never on board with resigning Exum or believe in Brandon Williams' meaningless mini stretch last season, so think Carter would have a chance here. With Nico's stubborness to hold on to Day to Day, Naji's minutes look to be few and far between. Sac fans have shown an interest in Naji, so perhaps it could have legs

Yeah, Carter had a really bad rookie season but that was due to recovering imo.

But with Sac using him so easily in Kuminga trades, figured I’d try.

Think this season with Kyrie/DLo, Williams and Exum’s healthy games - Carter would have time to just work on regaining his shot and it could work out for Dallas for the future..

Agreed, though in my irrational way, I still believe Ryan Nembhard is a legit rotational player and hope Dallas allows him a chance.

He really might be. But no reason not to start him on the two way and convert him later if he proves himself in his 50 game limit.

[jayjaysee]

Agreed, though in my irrational way, I still believe Ryan Nembhard is a legit rotational player and hope Dallas allows him a chance.

Yeah, I’m hoping Cleveland is kept. So can’t judge everyone else hyping Nembhard