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

[daoneandonly]

Looking at the Spurs… what is Vassell worth? I am sure Dallas fans tried it. And he’s not some great solution for Dallas.. But just looking at the salary pieces seems like there could be a fit*

If Vassell is seen as a good asset, then never mind.. I just don’t think he would be.

Good question. To me, he's hard to gauge. I personally see him as maybe a tier or tier and a half above RJ, all things considered, so I wouldn't give up Gaff and Naji for him. But if we can unload Klay or Martin, and maybe one of those guys if necessary, it's worth considering. Dallas should begin any discussion by trying to extinguish that '30 pick swap that should have never been.

Yeah, I was thinking Klay/Naji/Powell. But I wasn’t sure honestly.

Felt like Klay is a fine enough stopgap for a year to provide spacing and see how Harper/Castle develop, then they can flip his expiring with other salaries? Naji is good. And it trims the back 2 years of Vassell.

For Dallas, you hope Vassell bounces back?

The 2030 swap is mostly a sunk cost to me. Dallas is going to look so different by then that Dallas shouldn’t use value to get that back.

I'd do that deal, not sure how much Dallas' FO values Powell's "leadership" so maybe even Omax instead of him. But since I dont think Devin ahs much value and feel Naji does, it wasnt that I thought Dallas has to add value to get that swap wiped, I felt SA owed value and that was it.

Was also curious if there was a three-way where Cha gets Gaff, and they send Salun to SA. Wemby likes him and had high praise for him, so it could have legs, with Klay and one of Hardy (doubtful), Powell, or Omax going to SA along for the ride. I'd imagine someone owes Dallas a little something

[SkyHook]

Is there a 3 team trade out there where Dallas can turn Gaff or Naji into brandin podziemski or keyonte george. Not a huge fan of either guy, actually like the Mavs guys more, but more of a fit and position of need issue

George should be far easier to acquire than Podz. What’s your thinking in terms of a deal there?

[jayjaysee]

Good question. To me, he's hard to gauge. I personally see him as maybe a tier or tier and a half above RJ, all things considered, so I wouldn't give up Gaff and Naji for him. But if we can unload Klay or Martin, and maybe one of those guys if necessary, it's worth considering. Dallas should begin any discussion by trying to extinguish that '30 pick swap that should have never been.

Yeah, I was thinking Klay/Naji/Powell. But I wasn’t sure honestly.

Felt like Klay is a fine enough stopgap for a year to provide spacing and see how Harper/Castle develop, then they can flip his expiring with other salaries? Naji is good. And it trims the back 2 years of Vassell.

For Dallas, you hope Vassell bounces back?

The 2030 swap is mostly a sunk cost to me. Dallas is going to look so different by then that Dallas shouldn’t use value to get that back.

I'd do that deal, not sure how much Dallas' FO values Powell's "leadership" so maybe even Omax instead of him. But since I dont think Devin ahs much value and feel Naji too, it wasnt that I thought Dallas has to add value to get that swap wiped, I felt SA owed value and that was it.

Was also curious if there was a three-way where Cha gets Gaff, and they send Salun to SA. Wemby likes him and had high praise for him, so it could have legs, with Klay and one of Hardy (doubtful), Powell, or Omax going to SA along for the ride. I'd imagine someone owes Dallas a little something

I really think Salaun has no value at all after his rookie season. So don’t know if CLT really considers moving him instead of Pat. But maybe I’m wrong about Salaun?

With SAS having Sochan and drafting Carter, I don’t see the interest. If SAS wanted him for Wemby, I think it looks like..

Gafford to CLT
Klay, Salaun, Prosper to SAS
Vassell and Diabate to Dallas

And CLT owing seconds to SAS and/or Dallas.

Or SAS owing seconds to CLT and/or Dallas if I’m wrong on Salaun.

[daoneandonly]

Is there a 3 team trade out there where Dallas can turn Gaff or Naji into brandin podziemski or keyonte george. Not a huge fan of either guy, actually like the Mavs guys more, but more of a fit and position of need issue

George should be far easier to acquire than Podz. What’s your thinking in terms of a deal there?

That's actually where I'm struggling to find a deal. Utah doesn't need Gaff, but teams like Cha or Indy would possibly. But then I don't see what they'd give up that Utah would want, so I'm not sure if there's a way to get there. Probably easier with Naji who I'd also hate to give up, but again, Utah doesnt need forwards.

Any ideas on your end?

[daoneandonly]

Yeah, I was thinking Klay/Naji/Powell. But I wasn’t sure honestly.

Felt like Klay is a fine enough stopgap for a year to provide spacing and see how Harper/Castle develop, then they can flip his expiring with other salaries? Naji is good. And it trims the back 2 years of Vassell.

For Dallas, you hope Vassell bounces back?

The 2030 swap is mostly a sunk cost to me. Dallas is going to look so different by then that Dallas shouldn’t use value to get that back.

I'd do that deal, not sure how much Dallas' FO values Powell's "leadership" so maybe even Omax instead of him. But since I dont think Devin ahs much value and feel Naji too, it wasnt that I thought Dallas has to add value to get that swap wiped, I felt SA owed value and that was it.

Was also curious if there was a three-way where Cha gets Gaff, and they send Salun to SA. Wemby likes him and had high praise for him, so it could have legs, with Klay and one of Hardy (doubtful), Powell, or Omax going to SA along for the ride. I'd imagine someone owes Dallas a little something

I really think Salaun has no value at all after his rookie season. So don’t know if CLT really considers moving him instead of Pat. But maybe I’m wrong about Salaun?

With SAS having Sochan and drafting Carter, I don’t see the interest. If SAS wanted him for Wemby, I think it looks like..

Gafford to CLT
Klay, Salaun, Prosper to SAS
Vassell and Diabate to Dallas

And CLT owing seconds to SAS and/or Dallas.

Or SAS owing seconds to CLT and/or Dallas if I’m wrong on Salaun.

I actually like this one for all 3 teams, especially Dallas. I think it makes them much more balanced. Lively and AD should be the primary centers with Diabate filling in when needed and when AD is out for a pimple. This allows the team to play more to its strength so PJ, Naji, and Flagg get enough minutes at the 4 and Vassel being the starting SG with or without Kyrie.

[SkyHook]

Is there a 3 team trade out there where Dallas can turn Gaff or Naji into brandin podziemski or keyonte george. Not a huge fan of either guy, actually like the Mavs guys more, but more of a fit and position of need issue

George should be far easier to acquire than Podz. What’s your thinking in terms of a deal there?

That's actually where I'm struggling to find a deal. Utah doesn't need Gaff, but teams like Cha or Indy would possibly. But then I don't see what they'd give up that Utah would want, so I'm not sure if there's a way to get there. Probably easier with Naji who I'd also hate to give up, but again, Utah doesnt need forwards.

Any ideas on your end?

Personally, I like the idea of a straight George for Naji swap—it works easily via the Collins TPE—but taking on Naji's additional year goes against everything that the Jazz have done so far to preserve cap space next summer. I think the Utah brass is going to continue to prioritize expirings + draft assets when using that TPE. Maybe George to DAL, Naji to LAL, one of the Lakers useless expirings like Kleber + and 1-2 SRPs to UTA?

[daoneandonly]

George should be far easier to acquire than Podz. What’s your thinking in terms of a deal there?

That's actually where I'm struggling to find a deal. Utah doesn't need Gaff, but teams like Cha or Indy would possibly. But then I don't see what they'd give up that Utah would want, so I'm not sure if there's a way to get there. Probably easier with Naji who I'd also hate to give up, but again, Utah doesnt need forwards.

Any ideas on your end?

Personally, I like the idea of a straight George for Naji swap—it works easily via the Collins TPE—but taking on Naji's additional year goes against everything that the Jazz have done so far to preserve cap space next summer. I think the Utah brass is going to continue to prioritize expirings + draft assets when using that TPE. Maybe George to DAL, Naji to LAL, one of the Lakers useless expirings like Kleber + and 1-2 SRPs to UTA?

I'm petty enough to say no to any deal where we help the Lakers, and Mr. I'm going to get in shape now after it cost me money. If you can find literally any other team, we can possibly talk.

[jayjaysee]

Its more doubling back, but I think there could be a deal around Naji/Carter that makes sense for both teams. Probably involve Saric and a second (Dallas or Sac your choice) to a third team to keep Sac from the tax.. But Dallas buying low on a disappointing-lottery level talent and Sac getting an actual forward before signing another guard..

[SkyHook]

That's actually where I'm struggling to find a deal. Utah doesn't need Gaff, but teams like Cha or Indy would possibly. But then I don't see what they'd give up that Utah would want, so I'm not sure if there's a way to get there. Probably easier with Naji who I'd also hate to give up, but again, Utah doesnt need forwards.

Any ideas on your end?

Personally, I like the idea of a straight George for Naji swap—it works easily via the Collins TPE—but taking on Naji's additional year goes against everything that the Jazz have done so far to preserve cap space next summer. I think the Utah brass is going to continue to prioritize expirings + draft assets when using that TPE. Maybe George to DAL, Naji to LAL, one of the Lakers useless expirings like Kleber + and 1-2 SRPs to UTA?

I'm petty enough to say no to any deal where we help the Lakers, and Mr. I'm going to get in shape now after it cost me money. If you can find literally any other team, we can possibly talk.

George to DAL, Gafford to CHI, Powell + Collins + the protected POR FRP to UTA? Gets under the tax + gains a position of need for the Mavs, upgrade (at a lower salary) for the Bulls, assets for eating $18MM for the Jazz.

[jbk1234]

Yeah, I was thinking Klay/Naji/Powell. But I wasn’t sure honestly.

Felt like Klay is a fine enough stopgap for a year to provide spacing and see how Harper/Castle develop, then they can flip his expiring with other salaries? Naji is good. And it trims the back 2 years of Vassell.

For Dallas, you hope Vassell bounces back?

The 2030 swap is mostly a sunk cost to me. Dallas is going to look so different by then that Dallas shouldn’t use value to get that back.

I'd do that deal, not sure how much Dallas' FO values Powell's "leadership" so maybe even Omax instead of him. But since I dont think Devin ahs much value and feel Naji too, it wasnt that I thought Dallas has to add value to get that swap wiped, I felt SA owed value and that was it.

Was also curious if there was a three-way where Cha gets Gaff, and they send Salun to SA. Wemby likes him and had high praise for him, so it could have legs, with Klay and one of Hardy (doubtful), Powell, or Omax going to SA along for the ride. I'd imagine someone owes Dallas a little something

I really think Salaun has no value at all after his rookie season. So don’t know if CLT really considers moving him instead of Pat. But maybe I’m wrong about Salaun?

With SAS having Sochan and drafting Carter, I don’t see the interest. If SAS wanted him for Wemby, I think it looks like..

Gafford to CLT
Klay, Salaun, Prosper to SAS
Vassell and Diabate to Dallas

And CLT owing seconds to SAS and/or Dallas.

Or SAS owing seconds to CLT and/or Dallas if I’m wrong on Salaun.

If Saluan is being treated as salary filler, then I suspect the Hornets say fine will substitute different salary filler. If the Spurs view him as filler, then I suspect that they pass, especially with Diabate going to Dallas.

It's also important to note that the Hornets F.O. has essentially informed the fan base that this will be a rebuilding year.

[JHFVF07]

That's actually where I'm struggling to find a deal. Utah doesn't need Gaff, but teams like Cha or Indy would possibly. But then I don't see what they'd give up that Utah would want, so I'm not sure if there's a way to get there. Probably easier with Naji who I'd also hate to give up, but again, Utah doesnt need forwards.

Any ideas on your end?

Personally, I like the idea of a straight George for Naji swap—it works easily via the Collins TPE—but taking on Naji's additional year goes against everything that the Jazz have done so far to preserve cap space next summer. I think the Utah brass is going to continue to prioritize expirings + draft assets when using that TPE. Maybe George to DAL, Naji to LAL, one of the Lakers useless expirings like Kleber + and 1-2 SRPs to UTA?

I'm petty enough to say no to any deal where we help the Lakers, and Mr. I'm going to get in shape now after it cost me money. If you can find literally any other team, we can possibly talk.

Curious how the guy who always played great for you guys(brought a bunch of roleplayers and an irregular Kyrie to the NBA finals) and was traded against his will became the villain. Talk about his conditioning all you want, but I dont remember a series where Dallas was eliminated being the best team, Luka carried that team. Really sad.

[daoneandonly]

Personally, I like the idea of a straight George for Naji swap—it works easily via the Collins TPE—but taking on Naji's additional year goes against everything that the Jazz have done so far to preserve cap space next summer. I think the Utah brass is going to continue to prioritize expirings + draft assets when using that TPE. Maybe George to DAL, Naji to LAL, one of the Lakers useless expirings like Kleber + and 1-2 SRPs to UTA?

I'm petty enough to say no to any deal where we help the Lakers, and Mr. I'm going to get in shape now after it cost me money. If you can find literally any other team, we can possibly talk.

Curious how the guy who always played great for you guys(brought a bunch of roleplayers and an irregular Kyrie to the NBA finals) and was traded against his will became the villain. Talk about his conditioning all you want, but I dont remember a series where Dallas was eliminated being the best team, Luka carried that team. Really sad.

I always criticized him, actually. I grew tired of a multimillionaire's lack of desire to get in shape and his constant whining. Feel free to check the logs. Now, the trade was horrific, and you guys made out like bandits, but let's not act like he's Mr. Innocent and without blame.

[SkyHook]

I'd do that deal, not sure how much Dallas' FO values Powell's "leadership" so maybe even Omax instead of him. But since I dont think Devin ahs much value and feel Naji too, it wasnt that I thought Dallas has to add value to get that swap wiped, I felt SA owed value and that was it.

Was also curious if there was a three-way where Cha gets Gaff, and they send Salun to SA. Wemby likes him and had high praise for him, so it could have legs, with Klay and one of Hardy (doubtful), Powell, or Omax going to SA along for the ride. I'd imagine someone owes Dallas a little something

I really think Salaun has no value at all after his rookie season. So don’t know if CLT really considers moving him instead of Pat. But maybe I’m wrong about Salaun?

With SAS having Sochan and drafting Carter, I don’t see the interest. If SAS wanted him for Wemby, I think it looks like..

Gafford to CLT
Klay, Salaun, Prosper to SAS
Vassell and Diabate to Dallas

And CLT owing seconds to SAS and/or Dallas.

Or SAS owing seconds to CLT and/or Dallas if I’m wrong on Salaun.

If Saluan is being treated as salary filler, then I suspect the Hornets say fine will substitute different salary filler. If the Spurs view him as filler, then I suspect that they pass, especially with Diabate going to Dallas.

It's also important to note that the Hornets F.O. has essentially informed the fan base that this will be a rebuilding year.

Agreed. Salaun was pretty much neck-and-neck with Cody Williams as the most disappointing rookie this past season. They both likely have little-to-no trade value, but that doesn't mean that the Hornets or Jazz would cast them aside as matching fodder in a deal.

[jayjaysee]

I really think Salaun has no value at all after his rookie season. So don’t know if CLT really considers moving him instead of Pat. But maybe I’m wrong about Salaun?

With SAS having Sochan and drafting Carter, I don’t see the interest. If SAS wanted him for Wemby, I think it looks like..

Gafford to CLT
Klay, Salaun, Prosper to SAS
Vassell and Diabate to Dallas

And CLT owing seconds to SAS and/or Dallas.

Or SAS owing seconds to CLT and/or Dallas if I’m wrong on Salaun.

If Saluan is being treated as salary filler, then I suspect the Hornets say fine will substitute different salary filler. If the Spurs view him as filler, then I suspect that they pass, especially with Diabate going to Dallas.

It's also important to note that the Hornets F.O. has essentially informed the fan base that this will be a rebuilding year.

Agreed. Salaun was pretty much neck-and-neck with Cody Williams as the most disappointing rookie this past season. They both likely have little-to-no trade value, but that doesn't mean that the Hornets or Jazz would cast them aside as matching fodder in a deal.

Yeah, I think we all agree. CLT just uses Pat’s expiring and hopes for a big turn around from Salaun.

But if CLT is actually tanking, again, then Dallas/SAS just build the deal a different way.

[Texas Chuck]

Luka was amazing regardless of what he looked like with his shirt off. He wasn't Steve Nash whose inability to stay in shape, stop partying actually kept costing Dallas come the post-season. But Nash looked skinny so nobody said anything. But remember he went from very good player to MVP once he took conditioning seriously.

Now Luka may level up this year if this year's "he's really in shape for reals this time" lasts. And I hope he does. I'd love to see just how good that cat can be. But he was never the problem in Dallas. He was every solution. We shouldn't attempt to ever say differently.

[babyjax13]

Is there a 3 team trade out there where Dallas can turn Gaff or Naji into brandin podziemski or keyonte george. Not a huge fan of either guy, actually like the Mavs guys more, but more of a fit and position of need issue

George should be far easier to acquire than Podz. What’s your thinking in terms of a deal there?

That's actually where I'm struggling to find a deal. Utah doesn't need Gaff, but teams like Cha or Indy would possibly. But then I don't see what they'd give up that Utah would want, so I'm not sure if there's a way to get there. Probably easier with Naji who I'd also hate to give up, but again, Utah doesnt need forwards.

Any ideas on your end?

2 2nds.

[daoneandonly]

Cuban made a lot of mistakes, but not paying Nash was not one of them. Dallas was better without him and would not have a chip if he were on the team instead of Kidd/Marion/Stevenson, and the like.

But no, Luka isn't a saint or savior. One of the best in the league? Absolutely, zero argument; no one can deny it. One of the most immature? Yes, he's always whining to the refs when he should focus on D, and no one with that much money should ever have an issue staying in shape. Money may not be able to buy everything, but it can buy being conditioned.

And now all of a sudden, he's in the best shape of his life, after losing out on some money. Shows his true motivation IMO

[daoneandonly]

George should be far easier to acquire than Podz. What’s your thinking in terms of a deal there?

That's actually where I'm struggling to find a deal. Utah doesn't need Gaff, but teams like Cha or Indy would possibly. But then I don't see what they'd give up that Utah would want, so I'm not sure if there's a way to get there. Probably easier with Naji who I'd also hate to give up, but again, Utah doesnt need forwards.

Any ideas on your end?

2 2nds.

Bjax, Sky, would you mind sharing your thoughts on George? What are his strengths? Weaknesses? Is there potential upside still left? What frustrates you about him?

[babyjax13]

That's actually where I'm struggling to find a deal. Utah doesn't need Gaff, but teams like Cha or Indy would possibly. But then I don't see what they'd give up that Utah would want, so I'm not sure if there's a way to get there. Probably easier with Naji who I'd also hate to give up, but again, Utah doesnt need forwards.

Any ideas on your end?

2 2nds.

Bjax, Sky, would you mind sharing your thoughts on George? What are his strengths? Weaknesses? Is there potential upside still left? What frustrates you about him?

I think Skyhook will have more to say about him than I will. I was really excited about him in the draft, he had shown some great ability to create individual offense. Since transitioning into the NBA some of that is apparent, but he has really poor shot selection that absolutely craters his percentages. If you believe in his ability to cut some of that out of his shot diet his upside is relatively decent as a scorer. His passing has been a pleasant surprise when he is in the role of a secondary playmaker, but playing him at point guard can be ugly. He gets a reasonable amount of assists, but ball movement also dies when he is on the court. His major strengths are getting to the line and hitting transition threes - if he gets more off-ball reps he will look better. Defensively he is a mess - I think it is a lack of awareness, not a lack of effort.

I still think he can become a good microwave scorer off the bench as a median outcome, somewhere in the Cole Anthony to D'Lo spectrum. BUT, that archetype really isn't valuable. I would move him just to create opportunities for someone else with a more valuable skillset to develop, but if you told me he shoots something like 43/37/82 next year and is a valuable piece that would not surprise me (for reference, he shot 39/34/82 last year, but his TS was higher than you would expect at 53.9% - which is bad - because he is really good at drawing fouls).

[jayjaysee]

A random bad idea.. If Miami called about Giddey offering Jaku/Terry.. How much more is needed? JJJ? Jovic?

You can bridge Terry’s contract down with a third team (say Nurkic, giving Utah a second or two) or just play around BYC using TPE/MLE, would be pretty easily done adding one of Chicago’s smaller contracts.

I think Miami needs to add talent to their current group and was just trying to find some for them that doesn’t involve distant picks..