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

[jayjaysee]

+1000

Castle fits well with Klay to start the season and Kyrie when he returns. What do you think the filler would be to make the salary work? And what type of incentive should SA provide?

Never really drew one out I don’t think?

But if I were trying one?

Carter Bryant, Castle, Keldon, Barnes to Dallas
AD and Naji to SAS
Olynyk into some team MLE/TPE (technically separate trade, but keeps SAS out of the tax)

Flipping Barnes before season starts hopefully.

Probably send Prosper and Williams to backfill roster spots under the tax for SAS?

Ideally you still finish outside of play-in in 2026 and hope for Peterson luck, but you take the chance of Carter being your long term PF. You can run any of PJ, Cooper, Carter together for a few years while the kids develop. Castle has Klay and Kyrie.

Using Carter as the team would have AD/Sochan at the four and think they should keep their future firsts for when they retool in 3 years.. But that retool is true with or without AD imo, due to Fox’s max

think they do johnson/olynyk/sochan/castle + picks. they need barnes/bryant for shooting to play with AD/Fox. Sochan cant/shouldnt share floor with them, and Naji's poor shooting makes him an iffy fit as well.

Wemby/Kornet
AD/Barnes
Bryant/Champagnie
Vassell/
Fox/Harper

is a solid top 9

Yeah, Sochan makes a lot more sense to send out for SAS.. On court and his contract status. I’d hope Dallas flips him and finds value but maybe they think they can develop him or maybe he doesn’t really have value..

If SAS doesn’t want Naji, he’s not needed though. Definitely was seen as adding value. They can have Martin’s spacing instead. Or Klay’s really?

Klay, AD to SAS
Vassell, Keldon, Castle, Sochan, pick to Dallas
Kelly dumped on fourth team

SAS getting off of the back end of Vassell’s deal maybe helps.

[jayjaysee]

AD to Portland
Grant, Timelord, Sharpe, firsts to Dallas

Clingan/Yang
AD/Deni
Deni/Camara
Jrue/Thybulle
Scoot/(Dame)

Portland trusts in Scoot (or Dame’s recovery?) and Deni continuing to grow into a two way star.

Dallas goes with Sharpe/Flagg leading the offense. Maybe Sharpe develops. Maybe Dallas gets AJ.

[daoneandonly]

AD to Portland
Grant, Timelord, Sharpe, firsts to Dallas

Clingan/Yang
AD/Deni
Deni/Camara
Jrue/Thybulle
Scoot/(Dame)

Portland trusts in Scoot (or Dame’s recovery?) and Deni continuing to grow into a two way star.

Dallas goes with Sharpe/Flagg leading the offense. Maybe Sharpe develops. Maybe Dallas gets AJ.

If Dallas can turn Grant into something, almost anything else, sure. But Grant shouldn't see a minute of PT over PJ, Flagg, or even Naji. I don't mind it, but I'm probably higher on Sharpe than most. ALso depends on the picks that are coming back to Dallas

[oldncreaky]

That, and it seemed Detroit was always valuing true shooters with that spot? They had a deal ready to execute with Beasley, and when that was killed by Beasley’s gambling allegations, they seemed to flip to Duncan Robinson? Dennis has had good shooting years, but he’s never been consistently reliable year over year, and he’s never had the movement/quick shooting of Beasley/Robinson….

Robinson was Beasley's replacement. It seems an awful lot like LeVert was Schroder's.

Robinson replaced Beasley
Levert replaced Hardaway Jr
No one replaced Schroeder

It is clearly a net loss for the Pistons, particularly as both Beasley and THJ had career years, and Dennis was on his best behaviour for 25 games

Ivey will replace Schroeder's minutes. Prior to his injury, Ivey was just starting to have some success running Detroit's bench when Cade sat. It will all make sense if that small sample size of success last season -- it was really only a handful of games -- translates to this season. If it doesn't, the Pistons will have a glaring need at backup PG.

An awful lot of Detroit's opportunity to take another step forward as a team this season rides on Jaden Ivey.

[Scoot McGroot]

That, and it seemed Detroit was always valuing true shooters with that spot? They had a deal ready to execute with Beasley, and when that was killed by Beasley’s gambling allegations, they seemed to flip to Duncan Robinson? Dennis has had good shooting years, but he’s never been consistently reliable year over year, and he’s never had the movement/quick shooting of Beasley/Robinson….

Robinson was Beasley's replacement. It seems an awful lot like LeVert was Schroder's.

Robinson replaced Beasley
Levert replaced Hardaway Jr
No one replaced Schroeder

It is clearly a net loss for the Pistons, particularly as both Beasley and THJ had career years, and Dennis was on his best behaviour for 25 games

Ivey will replace Schroeder's minutes. Prior to his injury, Ivey was just starting to have some success running Detroit's bench when Cade sat. It will all make sense if that small sample size of success last season -- it was really only a handful of games -- translates to this season. If it doesn't, the Pistons will have a glaring need at backup PG.

An awful lot of Detroit's opportunity to take another step forward as a team this season rides on Jaden Ivey.

You're probably going to see a lot of Ivey/Levert PG minutes. Speaking from my past experience watching a ton of those Levert minutes, it will be exhilarating and frustrating at the same time.

[jayjaysee]

AD to Portland
Grant, Timelord, Sharpe, firsts to Dallas

Clingan/Yang
AD/Deni
Deni/Camara
Jrue/Thybulle
Scoot/(Dame)

Portland trusts in Scoot (or Dame’s recovery?) and Deni continuing to grow into a two way star.

Dallas goes with Sharpe/Flagg leading the offense. Maybe Sharpe develops. Maybe Dallas gets AJ.

If Dallas can turn Grant into something, almost anything else, sure. But Grant shouldn't see a minute of PT over PJ, Flagg, or even Naji. I don't mind it, but I'm probably higher on Sharpe than most. ALso depends on the picks that are coming back to Dallas

I didn’t want Grant ending up in Dallas, but was not worth spending time trying to find a home for him. Don’t mind dealing with that in 2026.

There aren’t many worse contracts in the league, so time going by in a lost season should help..

[oldncreaky]

AD to Portland
Grant, Timelord, Sharpe, firsts to Dallas

Clingan/Yang
AD/Deni
Deni/Camara
Jrue/Thybulle
Scoot/(Dame)

Portland trusts in Scoot (or Dame’s recovery?) and Deni continuing to grow into a two way star.

Dallas goes with Sharpe/Flagg leading the offense. Maybe Sharpe develops. Maybe Dallas gets AJ.

If Dallas can turn Grant into something, almost anything else, sure. But Grant shouldn't see a minute of PT over PJ, Flagg, or even Naji. I don't mind it, but I'm probably higher on Sharpe than most. ALso depends on the picks that are coming back to Dallas

I didn’t want Grant ending up in Dallas, but was not worth spending time trying to find a home for him. Don’t mind dealing with that in 2026.

There aren’t many worse contracts in the league, so time going by in a lost season should help..

If Dallas is trading away AD and pivoting to building around Flagg, Grant is actually a good fit.

He's playable; he's a good locker room presence from all reports from his time in Detroit; Dallas should get some decent compensation for taking his contract; if you are building around Flagg; you won't be a contender this year anyway.

Yes, Grant is a bad contract -- but however bad his contract is, Grant's trade value will rise simply with the passage of time. And if you are building around Flagg, you've got the two years until Grant becomes an expiring contract in 2027-28

[jayjaysee]

If Dallas can turn Grant into something, almost anything else, sure. But Grant shouldn't see a minute of PT over PJ, Flagg, or even Naji. I don't mind it, but I'm probably higher on Sharpe than most. ALso depends on the picks that are coming back to Dallas

I didn’t want Grant ending up in Dallas, but was not worth spending time trying to find a home for him. Don’t mind dealing with that in 2026.

There aren’t many worse contracts in the league, so time going by in a lost season should help..

If Dallas is trading away AD and pivoting to building around Flagg, Grant is actually a good fit.

He's playable; he's a good locker room presence from all reports from his time in Detroit; Dallas should get some decent compensation for taking his contract; if you are building around Flagg; you won't be a contender this year anyway.

Yes, Grant is a bad contract -- but however bad his contract is, Grant's trade value will rise simply with the passage of time. And if you are building around Flagg, you've got the two years until Grant becomes an expiring contract in 2027-28

Agree overall. Dallas only gets a one year tank either way and maybe Grant can be useful as a third forward behind PJ/Flagg. trade Naji for value if he has enough.

But the deal is about Sharpe/picks. Grant’s contract should get some additional value to Dallas..

[daoneandonly]

I didn’t want Grant ending up in Dallas, but was not worth spending time trying to find a home for him. Don’t mind dealing with that in 2026.

There aren’t many worse contracts in the league, so time going by in a lost season should help..

If Dallas is trading away AD and pivoting to building around Flagg, Grant is actually a good fit.

He's playable; he's a good locker room presence from all reports from his time in Detroit; Dallas should get some decent compensation for taking his contract; if you are building around Flagg; you won't be a contender this year anyway.

Yes, Grant is a bad contract -- but however bad his contract is, Grant's trade value will rise simply with the passage of time. And if you are building around Flagg, you've got the two years until Grant becomes an expiring contract in 2027-28

Agree overall. Dallas only gets a one year tank either way and maybe Grant can be useful as a third forward behind PJ/Flagg. trade Naji for value if he has enough.

But the deal is about Sharpe/picks. Grant’s contract should get some additional value to Dallas..

Yea, how many picks do you think PDX owes here given dumping Grant and getting AD?

I'd look to then move Klay since he'll pout about being on the bench and have an open preseason battle for starting SG between Sharpe and Christie

[Godaddycurse]

Robinson was Beasley's replacement. It seems an awful lot like LeVert was Schroder's.

Robinson replaced Beasley
Levert replaced Hardaway Jr
No one replaced Schroeder

It is clearly a net loss for the Pistons, particularly as both Beasley and THJ had career years, and Dennis was on his best behaviour for 25 games

Ivey will replace Schroeder's minutes. Prior to his injury, Ivey was just starting to have some success running Detroit's bench when Cade sat. It will all make sense if that small sample size of success last season -- it was really only a handful of games -- translates to this season. If it doesn't, the Pistons will have a glaring need at backup PG.

An awful lot of Detroit's opportunity to take another step forward as a team this season rides on Jaden Ivey.

You're probably going to see a lot of Ivey/Levert PG minutes. Speaking from my past experience watching a ton of those Levert minutes, it will be exhilarating and frustrating at the same time.

i suspect more frustrating than not given he is not in a walk year. IIRC he played better when hes on an expiring contract

[LightTheBeam]

Yeah, Sochan makes a lot more sense to send out for SAS.. On court and his contract status. I’d hope Dallas flips him and finds value but maybe they think they can develop him or maybe he doesn’t really have value..

If SAS doesn’t want Naji, he’s not needed though. Definitely was seen as adding value. They can have Martin’s spacing instead. Or Klay’s really?

Klay, AD to SAS
Vassell, Keldon, Castle, Sochan, pick to Dallas
Kelly dumped on fourth team

SAS getting off of the back end of Vassell’s deal maybe helps.

I appreciate the thought, but the idea that Nico would prioritize youth around his future superstar instead of pushing all his chips in is about as likely as the Kings finally doing the right thing and selling lol.

[daoneandonly]

What's the softest? Or if you so desire, rank from most soft to least soft

Plush blanket
Baby's skin
Charmin toilet paper
Feather
Anthony Davis
A mother's touch
Luka Doncic's body as a Maverick

[jayjaysee]

If Dallas is trading away AD and pivoting to building around Flagg, Grant is actually a good fit.

He's playable; he's a good locker room presence from all reports from his time in Detroit; Dallas should get some decent compensation for taking his contract; if you are building around Flagg; you won't be a contender this year anyway.

Yes, Grant is a bad contract -- but however bad his contract is, Grant's trade value will rise simply with the passage of time. And if you are building around Flagg, you've got the two years until Grant becomes an expiring contract in 2027-28

Agree overall. Dallas only gets a one year tank either way and maybe Grant can be useful as a third forward behind PJ/Flagg. trade Naji for value if he has enough.

But the deal is about Sharpe/picks. Grant’s contract should get some additional value to Dallas..

Yea, how many picks do you think PDX owes here given dumping Grant and getting AD?

I'd look to then move Klay since he'll pout about being on the bench and have an open preseason battle for starting SG between Sharpe and Christie

I really don’t know what the value would look like. Wouldn’t charge full price since AD makes more, but would want something on top of AD’s value for Grant being included..

I’d almost wonder about adding a Thybulle/Klay swap at that point?

Clingan/AD/Deni/Klay/Jrue
Yang/Camara/Scoot

Seems like it could work with Scoot playing with both old guards… and if Scoot developed into a star, I think Jrue and Klay would rotate starting?

[jayjaysee]

Yeah, Sochan makes a lot more sense to send out for SAS.. On court and his contract status. I’d hope Dallas flips him and finds value but maybe they think they can develop him or maybe he doesn’t really have value..

If SAS doesn’t want Naji, he’s not needed though. Definitely was seen as adding value. They can have Martin’s spacing instead. Or Klay’s really?

Klay, AD to SAS
Vassell, Keldon, Castle, Sochan, pick to Dallas
Kelly dumped on fourth team

SAS getting off of the back end of Vassell’s deal maybe helps.

I appreciate the thought, but the idea that Nico would prioritize youth around his future superstar instead of pushing all his chips in is about as likely as the Kings finally doing the right thing and selling lol.

Yeah, I agree. Don’t see much realism unfortunately and admitted so.

But just think the team moving forward would look so much better with a tanking 2026 season and Castle. I like next year’s draft class and if your base is Castle/Flagg/Lively, lottery luck with AJ or Peterson (or Boozer/Ament) makes for a high ceiling young core.

[JRoy]

AD to Portland
Grant, Timelord, Sharpe, firsts to Dallas

Clingan/Yang
AD/Deni
Deni/Camara
Jrue/Thybulle
Scoot/(Dame)

Portland trusts in Scoot (or Dame’s recovery?) and Deni continuing to grow into a two way star.

Dallas goes with Sharpe/Flagg leading the offense. Maybe Sharpe develops. Maybe Dallas gets AJ.

No.

Zero interest for POR.

[daoneandonly]

AD to Portland
Grant, Timelord, Sharpe, firsts to Dallas

Clingan/Yang
AD/Deni
Deni/Camara
Jrue/Thybulle
Scoot/(Dame)

Portland trusts in Scoot (or Dame’s recovery?) and Deni continuing to grow into a two way star.

Dallas goes with Sharpe/Flagg leading the offense. Maybe Sharpe develops. Maybe Dallas gets AJ.

No.

Zero interest for POR.

PDX would take that and run, even with their unfortunate history with big guys and injuries.

Jerami Grant is all kinds of crap, on top of crap.

[JRoy]

AD to Portland
Grant, Timelord, Sharpe, firsts to Dallas

Clingan/Yang
AD/Deni
Deni/Camara
Jrue/Thybulle
Scoot/(Dame)

Portland trusts in Scoot (or Dame’s recovery?) and Deni continuing to grow into a two way star.

Dallas goes with Sharpe/Flagg leading the offense. Maybe Sharpe develops. Maybe Dallas gets AJ.

No.

Zero interest for POR.

PDX would take that and run, even with their unfortunate history with big guys and injuries.

Jerami Grant is all kinds of crap, on top of crap.

No we wouldn’t.

Better to move Grant in a separate deal.

[jayjaysee]

AD to Portland
Grant, Timelord, Sharpe, firsts to Dallas

Clingan/Yang
AD/Deni
Deni/Camara
Jrue/Thybulle
Scoot/(Dame)

Portland trusts in Scoot (or Dame’s recovery?) and Deni continuing to grow into a two way star.

Dallas goes with Sharpe/Flagg leading the offense. Maybe Sharpe develops. Maybe Dallas gets AJ.

No.

Zero interest for POR.

PDX would take that and run, even with their unfortunate history with big guys and injuries.

Jerami Grant is all kinds of crap, on top of crap.

Yeah, turning it down without even knowing what picks are involved is a bit rough to me.

[LightTheBeam]

Yeah, Sochan makes a lot more sense to send out for SAS.. On court and his contract status. I’d hope Dallas flips him and finds value but maybe they think they can develop him or maybe he doesn’t really have value..

If SAS doesn’t want Naji, he’s not needed though. Definitely was seen as adding value. They can have Martin’s spacing instead. Or Klay’s really?

Klay, AD to SAS
Vassell, Keldon, Castle, Sochan, pick to Dallas
Kelly dumped on fourth team

SAS getting off of the back end of Vassell’s deal maybe helps.

I appreciate the thought, but the idea that Nico would prioritize youth around his future superstar instead of pushing all his chips in is about as likely as the Kings finally doing the right thing and selling lol.

Yeah, I agree. Don’t see much realism unfortunately and admitted so.

But just think the team moving forward would look so much better with a tanking 2026 season and Castle. I like next year’s draft class and if your base is Castle/Flagg/Lively, lottery luck with AJ or Peterson (or Boozer/Ament) makes for a high ceiling young core.

Agreed. I think we still see teams that are refusing to pivot when they should. Dallas could absolutely have sold AD for a stud and built an amazing core that could contend for 10 years. The flip side is Flagg will be good enough that you can likely still figure it out around him in 3 years when kyrie/AD are gone.

[Mavrelous]

Val's replacement

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