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

[SlimShady83]

Is Horford still FA?
And you guys think Bulls will buyout Vucevic?

[Scoot McGroot]

Is Horford still FA?

He is. But rumors are that he’s committed to GS, and the Warriors are just holding off on processing their signings until they resolve the Kuminga situation.

And you guys think Bulls will buyout Vecuvic?

It’s possible, but really doubt it. Unless Vucevic gives up a lot of money, they have no reason. And I doubt Vucevic will give up much, if anything. A lot of players just hate being associated as a “buyout guy” and will refuse to out of principle.

[chrbal]

And you guys think Bulls will buyout Vucevic?

I don’t see why they would at this point. They don’t seem anywhere near a full tank, and even with Vucevic they really have very little depth up front.

[ReggiesKnicks]

Is Horford still FA?

On technicality. Golden State needs to resolve the Kuminga situation in order to sign Horford. There may be an additional move as well related to the Kuminga move, but that's the first domino to fall.

The fact Horford is still a free agent makes all the reason to think he is going to Golden State more likely.

And you guys think Bulls will buyout Vucevic?

No. They can, they might, but the reality is Vuc is probably better for their development than he is at truly making them win games.

Ultimately I expect the Bulls to be similar to Brooklyn last year. Too much talent to compete with the true abominations and will again finish 7-11 out East, maybe even sniff another Play-In.

[shrink]

Could Julius Randle be Ant’s Robin?

Wolves need a second reliable scorer when Ant is on the bench, who can get his own points, and facilitate others. If I squint, Randle might do that? He was terrific in the second half of the season as a point forward, and in the first two playoff series, but was totally abused by OKC in the WCF. His numbers with Naz weren’t good though, when Naz was forced to play center.

If Randle isn’t good enough, which teams could use a Randle, and send MIN young equity to get a Robin at a different position?

[Godaddycurse]

Could Julius Randle be Ant’s Robin?

Wolves need a second reliable scorer when Ant is on the bench, who can get his own points, and facilitate others. If I squint, Randle might do that? He was terrific in the second half of the season as a point forward, and in the first two playoff series, but was totally abused by OKC in the WCF. His numbers with Naz weren’t good though, when Naz was forced to play center.

If Randle isn’t good enough, which teams could use a Randle, and send MIN young equity to get a Robin at a different position?

I thought he cant be traded til midseason

[babyjax13]

Could Julius Randle be Ant’s Robin?

Wolves need a second reliable scorer when Ant is on the bench, who can get his own points, and facilitate others. If I squint, Randle might do that? He was terrific in the second half of the season as a point forward, and in the first two playoff series, but was totally abused by OKC in the WCF. His numbers with Naz weren’t good though, when Naz was forced to play center.

If Randle isn’t good enough, which teams could use a Randle, and send MIN young equity to get a Robin at a different position?

Randle is one of those difficult players where he is really good, but there are going to be so few teams where he is a great fit. I could maybe see Charlotte, Cleveland, Detroit, or Phoenix having some interest - but realistically, what are they going to be willing to trade that meets the demand to return assets that help get that second option?

I pick these teams only because:
Charlotte - needs talent, lacks talent in the frontcourt
Cleveland - if they move on from Allen, a Randle/Mobley pair might provide just enough spacing and they should still be a good pair, defensively (though not as elite as with Allen)
Detroit - I think I prefer Harris for them, but maybe there is a world where they just want more scoring volume
Phoenix - so little talent on the roster

I kind of think Phoenix is the most realistic bidder. They are not going to put Maluach on the table and they have no future assets to contribute.

[HornetJail]

Could Julius Randle be Ant’s Robin?

Wolves need a second reliable scorer when Ant is on the bench, who can get his own points, and facilitate others. If I squint, Randle might do that? He was terrific in the second half of the season as a point forward, and in the first two playoff series, but was totally abused by OKC in the WCF. His numbers with Naz weren’t good though, when Naz was forced to play center.

If Randle isn’t good enough, which teams could use a Randle, and send MIN young equity to get a Robin at a different position?

Randle is one of those difficult players where he is really good, but there are going to be so few teams where he is a great fit. I could maybe see Charlotte, Cleveland, Detroit, or Phoenix having some interest - but realistically, what are they going to be willing to trade that meets the demand to return assets that help get that second option?

I pick these teams only because:
Charlotte - needs talent, lacks talent in the frontcourt
Cleveland - if they move on from Allen, a Randle/Mobley pair might provide just enough spacing and they should still be a good pair, defensively (though not as elite as with Allen)
Detroit - I think I prefer Harris for them, but maybe there is a world where they just want more scoring volume
Phoenix - so little talent on the roster

I kind of think Phoenix is the most realistic bidder. They are not going to put Maluach on the table and they have no future assets to contribute.

i was okay with the idea of Randle as a stopgap for Charlotte, but I don't want him on that 3-year deal

and our GM has pretty much already blabbed to the media that he doesn't want to acquire anyone that improves the team

[jayjaysee]

Imo the Wolves are good keeping both Naz/Randle.

Randle is fine as a second option, especially when you have Ant as your first option, a good bench and a great defense..

If Dilly isn’t ready to be the starting PG in 26-27, I think that’s when you need to make a big move.. but Ant, Conley, DDV, Dilly, (and say Brogfon/someone hopefully to help Conley last) is a good guard rotation for this season and the bigs will be better than most teams..

[jayjaysee]

and our GM has pretty much already blabbed to the media that he doesn't want to acquire anyone that improves the team

That’s really unfortunate. I didn’t see CLT tanking this season. Miller/Ball deserve a chance. But the center situation made it look like that’s what the team has planned.

[oldncreaky]

Could Julius Randle be Ant’s Robin?

Wolves need a second reliable scorer when Ant is on the bench, who can get his own points, and facilitate others. If I squint, Randle might do that? He was terrific in the second half of the season as a point forward, and in the first two playoff series, but was totally abused by OKC in the WCF. His numbers with Naz weren’t good though, when Naz was forced to play center.

If Randle isn’t good enough, which teams could use a Randle, and send MIN young equity to get a Robin at a different position?

Randle is one of those difficult players where he is really good, but there are going to be so few teams where he is a great fit. I could maybe see Charlotte, Cleveland, Detroit, or Phoenix having some interest - but realistically, what are they going to be willing to trade that meets the demand to return assets that help get that second option?

I pick these teams only because:
Charlotte - needs talent, lacks talent in the frontcourt
Cleveland - if they move on from Allen, a Randle/Mobley pair might provide just enough spacing and they should still be a good pair, defensively (though not as elite as with Allen)
Detroit - I think I prefer Harris for them, but maybe there is a world where they just want more scoring volume
Phoenix - so little talent on the roster

I kind of think Phoenix is the most realistic bidder. They are not going to put Maluach on the table and they have no future assets to contribute.

Interesting take.

A comment on Detroit -- I think Randle would fit well as an upgrade on Harris. Harris is good as a 4th/5th starter and locker room presence, but Randle would add zip to our attack -- i.e. I think Randle shows up on other team's scouting reports in a way that Harris just doesn't and never has.

However, IMO it is too soon for Detroit to be looking to upgrade the PF spot. I would not want to short-circuit the development of our lottery-pick youngsters, and I'd want the FO to work out which of these youngsters to pay, and how much, before looking to add someone like Randle at PF.

[daoneandonly]

If Sac is really trying hard to trade Monk so they can get Russ, doesnt that prove Monk doesnt have much value and that these proposals where Dallas should trade Gaff and possible incentives are too much?

[Texas Chuck]

If Sac is really trying hard to trade Monk so they can get Russ, doesnt that prove Monk doesnt have much value and that these proposals where Dallas should trade Gaff and possible incentives are too much?

They aren't trying to trade Monk to sign Westbrook. They are trying to trade Monk for Kuminga and then want to backfill guard with Westbrook.

We know the guards have had minimal value this off-season. I don't think we know what Gafford's value is, but on that extension I doubt its super high. It's not a bad contract, but there is no excess value for a guy who is subpar starter who can only play center so he can't share the court with your better center.

I don't think a Monk/Gafford swap is terrible value for Dallas. Maybe they are due something, but I'd have it less than a protected first.

[gswhoops]

Is Horford still FA?

He is. But rumors are that he’s committed to GS, and the Warriors are just holding off on processing their signings until they resolve the Kuminga situation.

Yeah I think if he were still considering other teams he would have made a move by now. It's been widely speculated (and somewhat less reported) that there's a handshake deal for the tax MLE. Unclear whether its a 1+PO or a straight 2 year deal.

[theBigLip]

Could Julius Randle be Ant’s Robin?

Wolves need a second reliable scorer when Ant is on the bench, who can get his own points, and facilitate others. If I squint, Randle might do that? He was terrific in the second half of the season as a point forward, and in the first two playoff series, but was totally abused by OKC in the WCF. His numbers with Naz weren’t good though, when Naz was forced to play center.

If Randle isn’t good enough, which teams could use a Randle, and send MIN young equity to get a Robin at a different position?

Randle is one of those difficult players where he is really good, but there are going to be so few teams where he is a great fit. I could maybe see Charlotte, Cleveland, Detroit, or Phoenix having some interest - but realistically, what are they going to be willing to trade that meets the demand to return assets that help get that second option?

I pick these teams only because:
Charlotte - needs talent, lacks talent in the frontcourt
Cleveland - if they move on from Allen, a Randle/Mobley pair might provide just enough spacing and they should still be a good pair, defensively (though not as elite as with Allen)
Detroit - I think I prefer Harris for them, but maybe there is a world where they just want more scoring volume
Phoenix - so little talent on the roster

I kind of think Phoenix is the most realistic bidder. They are not going to put Maluach on the table and they have no future assets to contribute.

Interesting take.

A comment on Detroit -- I think Randle would fit well as an upgrade on Harris. Harris is good as a 4th/5th starter and locker room presence, but Randle would add zip to our attack -- i.e. I think Randle shows up on other team's scouting reports in a way that Harris just doesn't and never has.

However, IMO it is too soon for Detroit to be looking to upgrade the PF spot. I would not want to short-circuit the development of our lottery-pick youngsters, and I'd want the FO to work out which of these youngsters to pay, and how much, before looking to add someone like Randle at PF.

Good take. Detroit needs to be patient.

With the new CBA, you don’t want to mess up any contracts at all, especially $25M+. You have to manage your cap better than ever.

And as you mentioned, the young core really needs to get minutes and play together. Cade, Ausar, Holland, Ivey, Duren and Stewart. I think they are all keepers, or at least should be given a chance to prove it this year. Pistons are not winning the championship this season, so figure out what’s worth keeping this year.

Next season, I think is the time to make a move. Levert and Robinson are both significant contracts to throw into a deal. Plus Pistons have all their first rounders going forward.

[HornetJail]

and our GM has pretty much already blabbed to the media that he doesn't want to acquire anyone that improves the team

That’s really unfortunate. I didn’t see CLT tanking this season. Miller/Ball deserve a chance. But the center situation made it look like that’s what the team has planned.

I agree. I don't think much of our current leadership (GM or coach) and think they have no idea what they're even looking for. So tanking is the way to hold their jobs for a little longer. I hate it. We're in year 6 of LaMelo's career, and there has been a grand total of one season where there was even an attempt to build a functional team. We won 43 games in that season. We've gone into every other season (before any injuries happened) either with zero bench, a giant void at key positions, or just rosters so badly put together that it's impossible even evaluate the fringe players because they're put into positions that they would never play otherwise

[djFan71]

Can any amount of picks fix this? I know it would require significant firsts from BOS/CHI, but before bothering figuring out which ones, is it even salvageable from CLE standpoint?

CHI: Garland for Vuc, Phillips, Smith and picks
BOS: Allen for Simons and picks
CLE: Simons, Smith, Phillips for Garland, Allen
BKN: Vuc

CLE saves $20.5M this year (and huge multiples in taxes) and gets off long term $. Possibly ducks 2nd if fanspo is right, but that's shaky so I'm not claiming it. Replace Garland's scoring with Simons, and Smith as a backup big. But, do they want to save money that much and get lots of picks in the process - or suck it up and pay something like $150M in taxes to run it back?

BOS gets a huge upgrade at C for Simons and picks and saves $7.6M. Gets them within easy ducking of the tax with another move.

CHI gets a focal point for loose ends and picks. Probably gets additional assets for White separately.

BKN reaches the floor and gets paid to do it, then probably turns around and gets paid for sending Vuc elsewhere later.

Fanspo image in spoiler.

Spoiler:

[babyjax13]

Could Julius Randle be Ant’s Robin?

Wolves need a second reliable scorer when Ant is on the bench, who can get his own points, and facilitate others. If I squint, Randle might do that? He was terrific in the second half of the season as a point forward, and in the first two playoff series, but was totally abused by OKC in the WCF. His numbers with Naz weren’t good though, when Naz was forced to play center.

If Randle isn’t good enough, which teams could use a Randle, and send MIN young equity to get a Robin at a different position?

Randle is one of those difficult players where he is really good, but there are going to be so few teams where he is a great fit. I could maybe see Charlotte, Cleveland, Detroit, or Phoenix having some interest - but realistically, what are they going to be willing to trade that meets the demand to return assets that help get that second option?

I pick these teams only because:
Charlotte - needs talent, lacks talent in the frontcourt
Cleveland - if they move on from Allen, a Randle/Mobley pair might provide just enough spacing and they should still be a good pair, defensively (though not as elite as with Allen)
Detroit - I think I prefer Harris for them, but maybe there is a world where they just want more scoring volume
Phoenix - so little talent on the roster

I kind of think Phoenix is the most realistic bidder. They are not going to put Maluach on the table and they have no future assets to contribute.

Interesting take.

A comment on Detroit -- I think Randle would fit well as an upgrade on Harris. Harris is good as a 4th/5th starter and locker room presence, but Randle would add zip to our attack -- i.e. I think Randle shows up on other team's scouting reports in a way that Harris just doesn't and never has.

However, IMO it is too soon for Detroit to be looking to upgrade the PF spot. I would not want to short-circuit the development of our lottery-pick youngsters, and I'd want the FO to work out which of these youngsters to pay, and how much, before looking to add someone like Randle at PF.

I just think Harris provides way more perimeter gravity to let the young players grow into larger roles. But I could see Randle being a nice player to fit in (perhaps, as another poster pointed out, next season, rather than this season).

[zimpy27]

Monk up for grabs apparently...

I mean that's insane, any team should want this guy.

What's the offer if GSW don't want him for Kuminga?

[youngcrev]

Monk up for grabs apparently...

I mean that's insane, any team should want this guy.

What's the offer if GSW don't want him for Kuminga?

Small, 6th man combo guard on a 3 for 60. Not a terrible deal, but I don't see the value.