Fake Trade Thread #7

[JustBuzzin]

I love scrolling twitter and seeing all the fans saying trade LaMelo because they are tired of this... as if the team doesn't get significantly worse overnight if we make that deal. Anyone who thinks we trade LaMelo and are a better team in the next 24 months is fully delusional.

Not saying eventually after multiple lottery's we couldn't improve but if the goal is to see a better product on the floor then that is broken logic.

We haven't won with LaMelo either lol

Also who said we will be better trading LaMelo?

The goal would be developing our young rookies and preparing to add another core piece in a loaded draft.

I'm personally tired of playing the waiting game with LaMelo. We don't win much even if he plays. We don't gain anything by keeping him. In fact the longer we keep the more likely he's going to be forced to stay here because if he keeps getting injured with that massive contract nobody is going to touch him.

So we can keep him and play the injury game yet again. Just know that's a dangerous game long-term.

[fatlever]

if we trade melo nobody left will ever pass to kon

[JustBuzzin]

We aren't trying to win games trading LaMelo.


The PG will come next season either via draft/FA/trade

[Diop]

if we trade melo nobody left will ever pass to kon

thats the other wrinkle, finding a point guard to help out as well.

thats why i was targetting Garland before, but its trying to find a way to entice the other team to want buy

[JMAC3]

I love scrolling twitter and seeing all the fans saying trade LaMelo because they are tired of this... as if the team doesn't get significantly worse overnight if we make that deal. Anyone who thinks we trade LaMelo and are a better team in the next 24 months is fully delusional.

Not saying eventually after multiple lottery's we couldn't improve but if the goal is to see a better product on the floor then that is broken logic.

We haven't won with LaMelo either lol

Also who said we will be better trading LaMelo?

The goal would be developing our young rookies and preparing to add another core piece in a loaded draft.

I'm personally tired of playing the waiting game with LaMelo. We don't win much even if he plays. We don't gain anything by keeping him. In fact the longer we keep the more likely he's going to be forced to stay here because if he keeps getting injured with that massive contract nobody is going to touch him.

So we can keep him and play the injury game yet again. Just know that's a dangerous game long-term.

Yeah, just don't think it is some problem solving move that many fans assume it will be. We will be a worse team after the trade, anyone who thinks we are getting Trae, Morant or Garland back in a LaMelo trade are delusional.

It will be a bunch of mediocre picks likely a few years into the future, so the team will suck for at least 2 more years.

Im not arguing we are good now, just think the move will make us worse. If everyone is willing to accept that then sure let's make the trade. Just knowing this fanbase they will just want to panic trade the next guy when we aren't winning and Miller will be the next guy that fans turn on that we have to trade because the team isn't good.

[Snidely FC]

nba trade salary matching plus cap rules make it nearly impossible to find good trades for guys on contracts like LaMelo's

Just for fake trade example, say even if both sides wanted to do a Melo to ORL for Anthony Black + Tristen Da Silva salary match restrictions would prevent it

vets can't be traded for promising young players because there is always such a salary discrepancy, so to trade someone like LaMelo you end up having to take back a player with their wheels falling off and draft picks from 2029. It's annoying and frustrating.

Imo current trade and cap restrictions make it too hard for teams to get better in the NBA

[JMAC3]

Again, I am not saying we can't trade LaMelo, but if half the fan base is going to say they are out on LaMelo after every single game then let's have a real conversation.

1. Cavs are 10-6 with Garland coming back from injury. They went 64-18 last year. They are not trading Garland who played 75 games last year for an unknown in LaMelo.
2. Magic are committed to core 4 of Suggs, Bane, Franz and Paolo. They aren't trading any of those guys without trying it for a year or 2. Especially since LaMelo doesn't fit their defense first identity. Suggs or Franz for LaMelo is never ever happening.
3. Rockets. Same thing. They are 10-3. They aren't blowing that up to trade for LaMelo.
4. Pistons are 13-2 they aren't trading for LaMelo or Bridges.
5. Teams aren't trading rookies that are balling just like nobody wants to trade Kon. So we aren't getting Harper, Flagg, Fears, Queen, Coward etc.

Here are some real offers that I think teams would give us, like I mentioned I doubt any of these make us better nor do I think fans will be excited once the trade happens, but again its every game that people freak out on Twitter and demand them to be off the team.

Nets- Claxton, Mann, Nolan Traore and 3 firsts. 2027 Knicks, 2028 Philly, 2029 Knicks first for LaMelo.
Details: Nets lack salary matching. You have to take back 3 year deals back in Claxton and Terrance Mann for matching. You get a bunch of random firsts in the meantime. You also probably get 1 of the rookies they drafted other than Demin. Most assets but worst contracts back.

Wizards- McCollum, Bub Carrington, Cam Whitmore, 2027 first Wizards first and 2029 first (via Por, Bos, Mil), for LaMelo
Details: You get one of CJ and Middleton as expiring contract, but Wiz do this deal to put LaMelo with young core so you aren't getting Kyshawn, Sarr, Bilal or Tre.

Miami- Wiggins, Jakucionis and 2029 Miami first for LaMelo.
Details: No bad salary as Wiggins is only 2 yr deal, you get a good prospect and unprotected first. Miami isn't giving up their entire chest of young pieces for LaMelo on 4 yr deal.

Bulls - Coby White, Zach Collins, Kevin Huerter and 2027 Bulls first, 2029 Bulls first for LaMelo and Josh Green.
Details: You get 3 expirings, bird rights to Coby White and 2 unprotected future Bulls picks. Again you aren't getting Buzelis back for Melo.

Timberwolves- Naz Reid, Mike Conley, Terrance Shannon and Rob Dillingham.
Details: They have no tradeable firsts. Rumored to be interested in Morant so assume LaMelo too.

Suns - Jalen Green, Khaman Maluach, Ryan Dunn for LaMelo.
Details: Suns have no firsts to offer. They are one of few desperate teams who might give up main young pieces for LaMelo.

Clippers- John Collins, Bogdanovic, Cam Christie, 2030 unprotected first and 2032 unprotected first for LaMelo.
Details: 2 expirings and only two tradeable picks they own.

Kings- Derozan, Schroder, Keon Ellis, 2027 first (via Spurs) and 2028 unprotected Kings first
Details: If Kings are trading future firsts, they aren't trading Sabonis or Keegan.

Warriors- Kuminga, Podziemski, Buddy Hield, 2026 Warriors first, 2028 Warriors first.
Details: Warriors dump disgruntled Kuminga and keep old core together.

That is 9 realistic trades IMO, that aren't contenders blowing up teams, trading top rookies or swapping healthy allstar players for our hurt allstar players. Nor is it tossing in Miles Bridges like some team is dying to acquire both guys that Hornets fans demand need to be traded.

[Chapelchilla]

Garland, Suggs, White are different PGs that seem like they could be traded for. Who gives what else is a negotiation process.

[Chapelchilla]

Again, I am not saying we can't trade LaMelo, but if half the fan base is going to say they are out on LaMelo after every single game then let's have a real conversation.

1. Cavs are 10-6 with Garland coming back from injury. They went 64-18 last year. They are not trading Garland who played 75 games last year for an unknown in LaMelo.
2. Magic are committed to core 4 of Suggs, Bane, Franz and Paolo. They aren't trading any of those guys without trying it for a year or 2. Especially since LaMelo doesn't fit their defense first identity. Suggs or Franz for LaMelo is never ever happening.
3. Rockets. Same thing. They are 10-3. They aren't blowing that up to trade for LaMelo.
4. Pistons are 13-2 they aren't trading for LaMelo or Bridges.
5. Teams aren't trading rookies that are balling just like nobody wants to trade Kon. So we aren't getting Harper, Flagg, Fears, Queen, Coward etc.

Here are some real offers that I think teams would give us, like I mentioned I doubt any of these make us better nor do I think fans will be excited once the trade happens, but again its every game that people freak out on Twitter and demand them to be off the team.

Nets- Claxton, Mann, Nolan Traore and 3 firsts. 2027 Knicks, 2028 Philly, 2029 Knicks first for LaMelo.
Details: Nets lack salary matching. You have to take back 3 year deals back in Claxton and Terrance Mann for matching. You get a bunch of random firsts in the meantime. You also probably get 1 of the rookies they drafted other than Demin. Most assets but worst contracts back.

Wizards- McCollum, Bub Carrington, Cam Whitmore, 2027 first Wizards first and 2029 first (via Por, Bos, Mil), for LaMelo
Details: You get one of CJ and Middleton as expiring contract, but Wiz do this deal to put LaMelo with young core so you aren't getting Kyshawn, Sarr, Bilal or Tre.

Miami- Wiggins, Jakucionis and 2029 Miami first for LaMelo.
Details: No bad salary as Wiggins is only 2 yr deal, you get a good prospect and unprotected first. Miami isn't giving up their entire chest of young pieces for LaMelo on 4 yr deal.

Bulls - Coby White, Zach Collins, Kevin Huerter and 2027 Bulls first, 2029 Bulls first for LaMelo and Josh Green.
Details: You get 3 expirings, bird rights to Coby White and 2 unprotected future Bulls picks. Again you aren't getting Buzelis back for Melo.

Timberwolves- Naz Reid, Mike Conley, Terrance Shannon and Rob Dillingham.
Details: They have no tradeable firsts. Rumored to be interested in Morant so assume LaMelo too.

Suns - Jalen Green, Khaman Maluach, Ryan Dunn for LaMelo.
Details: Suns have no firsts to offer. They are one of few desperate teams who might give up main young pieces for LaMelo.

Clippers- John Collins, Bogdanovic, Cam Christie, 2030 unprotected first and 2032 unprotected first for LaMelo.
Details: 2 expirings and only two tradeable picks they own.

Kings- Derozan, Schroder, Keon Ellis, 2027 first (via Spurs) and 2028 unprotected Kings first
Details: If Kings are trading future firsts, they aren't trading Sabonis or Keegan.

Warriors- Kuminga, Podziemski, Buddy Hield, 2026 Warriors first, 2028 Warriors first.
Details: Warriors dump disgruntled Kuminga and keep old core together.

That is 9 realistic trades IMO, that aren't contenders blowing up teams, trading top rookies or swapping healthy allstar players for our hurt allstar players. Nor is it tossing in Miles Bridges like some team is dying to acquire both guys that Hornets fans demand need to be traded.

Good write up.

I would take the Bulls deal probably. 3 useful guys and the 29 pick that could be good too.
Maybe the warriors also.

[Braggins]

I actually think Orlando would be happy to trade Suggs for LaMelo. He has his own injury issues and I think is still on a minute restriction and hes just not nearly the player LaMelo is. I don't think the Hornets should want any part of trading LaMelo for Suggs though so its moot.

Same for Houston. I bet they would trade for LaMelo if the package was centered around Reed Shephard and Eason, but I don't think the Hornets should be wanting to do that.

[JustBuzzin]

I love scrolling twitter and seeing all the fans saying trade LaMelo because they are tired of this... as if the team doesn't get significantly worse overnight if we make that deal. Anyone who thinks we trade LaMelo and are a better team in the next 24 months is fully delusional.

Not saying eventually after multiple lottery's we couldn't improve but if the goal is to see a better product on the floor then that is broken logic.

We haven't won with LaMelo either lol

Also who said we will be better trading LaMelo?

The goal would be developing our young rookies and preparing to add another core piece in a loaded draft.

I'm personally tired of playing the waiting game with LaMelo. We don't win much even if he plays. We don't gain anything by keeping him. In fact the longer we keep the more likely he's going to be forced to stay here because if he keeps getting injured with that massive contract nobody is going to touch him.

So we can keep him and play the injury game yet again. Just know that's a dangerous game long-term.

Yeah, just don't think it is some problem solving move that many fans assume it will be. We will be a worse team after the trade, anyone who thinks we are getting Trae, Morant or Garland back in a LaMelo trade are delusional.

It will be a bunch of mediocre picks likely a few years into the future, so the team will suck for at least 2 more years.

Im not arguing we are good now, just think the move will make us worse. If everyone is willing to accept that then sure let's make the trade. Just knowing this fanbase they will just want to panic trade the next guy when we aren't winning and Miller will be the next guy that fans turn on that we have to trade because the team isn't good.

Yeah I'm not one of those fans expecting a star back in return for LaMelo.

Even if they went that route it's probably a injury prone star for injury prone star kind of swap.

I'm perfectly fine trading LaMelo for cheap. It's not like we don't have future draft picks already. We can always make a deal down the line if we want another star.

My issue with LaMelo is his health. I just can't trust him to stay on the court.

[fatlever]

id probably do most of those jmac trades, except suns/wolves. its at least something different.

[JMAC3]

Again, I am not saying we can't trade LaMelo, but if half the fan base is going to say they are out on LaMelo after every single game then let's have a real conversation.

1. Cavs are 10-6 with Garland coming back from injury. They went 64-18 last year. They are not trading Garland who played 75 games last year for an unknown in LaMelo.
2. Magic are committed to core 4 of Suggs, Bane, Franz and Paolo. They aren't trading any of those guys without trying it for a year or 2. Especially since LaMelo doesn't fit their defense first identity. Suggs or Franz for LaMelo is never ever happening.
3. Rockets. Same thing. They are 10-3. They aren't blowing that up to trade for LaMelo.
4. Pistons are 13-2 they aren't trading for LaMelo or Bridges.
5. Teams aren't trading rookies that are balling just like nobody wants to trade Kon. So we aren't getting Harper, Flagg, Fears, Queen, Coward etc.

Here are some real offers that I think teams would give us, like I mentioned I doubt any of these make us better nor do I think fans will be excited once the trade happens, but again its every game that people freak out on Twitter and demand them to be off the team.

Nets- Claxton, Mann, Nolan Traore and 3 firsts. 2027 Knicks, 2028 Philly, 2029 Knicks first for LaMelo.
Details: Nets lack salary matching. You have to take back 3 year deals back in Claxton and Terrance Mann for matching. You get a bunch of random firsts in the meantime. You also probably get 1 of the rookies they drafted other than Demin. Most assets but worst contracts back.

Wizards- McCollum, Bub Carrington, Cam Whitmore, 2027 first Wizards first and 2029 first (via Por, Bos, Mil), for LaMelo
Details: You get one of CJ and Middleton as expiring contract, but Wiz do this deal to put LaMelo with young core so you aren't getting Kyshawn, Sarr, Bilal or Tre.

Miami- Wiggins, Jakucionis and 2029 Miami first for LaMelo.
Details: No bad salary as Wiggins is only 2 yr deal, you get a good prospect and unprotected first. Miami isn't giving up their entire chest of young pieces for LaMelo on 4 yr deal.

Bulls - Coby White, Zach Collins, Kevin Huerter and 2027 Bulls first, 2029 Bulls first for LaMelo and Josh Green.
Details: You get 3 expirings, bird rights to Coby White and 2 unprotected future Bulls picks. Again you aren't getting Buzelis back for Melo.

Timberwolves- Naz Reid, Mike Conley, Terrance Shannon and Rob Dillingham.
Details: They have no tradeable firsts. Rumored to be interested in Morant so assume LaMelo too.

Suns - Jalen Green, Khaman Maluach, Ryan Dunn for LaMelo.
Details: Suns have no firsts to offer. They are one of few desperate teams who might give up main young pieces for LaMelo.

Clippers- John Collins, Bogdanovic, Cam Christie, 2030 unprotected first and 2032 unprotected first for LaMelo.
Details: 2 expirings and only two tradeable picks they own.

Kings- Derozan, Schroder, Keon Ellis, 2027 first (via Spurs) and 2028 unprotected Kings first
Details: If Kings are trading future firsts, they aren't trading Sabonis or Keegan.

Warriors- Kuminga, Podziemski, Buddy Hield, 2026 Warriors first, 2028 Warriors first.
Details: Warriors dump disgruntled Kuminga and keep old core together.

That is 9 realistic trades IMO, that aren't contenders blowing up teams, trading top rookies or swapping healthy allstar players for our hurt allstar players. Nor is it tossing in Miles Bridges like some team is dying to acquire both guys that Hornets fans demand need to be traded.

I would probably rank them as
1. Bulls
2. Warriors
3. Miami
4. Wizards
5. Nets
6. Suns
7. Kings
8. Clippers
9. Wolves

So if anything, maybe Bulls and Warriors deals are a bit too good.

My thoughts on why they are good and bad at same time.
1. Bulls- you get Coby White, but he is due for a big payday. His value contract of 12 million is up at end of year and he likely wants 100 million over next 4 at least. Bulls probably only do that if they aren't interested in spending that.
2. Warriors- similar. Kuminga signed 1 yr deal + PO. With the caveat that Warriors would trade him at deadline. So you risk him opting out and not getting him or wanting huge payday right away. Podz has 1.5 yrs left but will probably demand 15-20 million at least on his next deal especially if puts up garbage time stats on a bad Hornets team. Lastly their pick this year in the deal has less upside than some of the other future picks as Warriors are likely in playoff mix at least.

Maybe I am still overvaluing Melo on those two offers.

I think the rest are more even and straight forward though.

[Bassman]

Really appreciate the detailed breakdown on potential trade options. Like Fats there are a number of those I would pull the trigger on. However, I seriously doubt those reams are going to throw multiple first round picks in with these deals. Melo’s trade value is much lower than most fans want to believe it is.

The thing with Melo is he’s just not gonna move the needle on this team, despite his talent. Trading for good players, not necessarily all stars or great players, becomes addition by subtraction. Give me good talent and strong discipline, dedication from anyone we bring in. We need to surround some good young players we have with more who will give the same level of effort and focus. I’m not saying LaMelo Ball doesn’t have desire; but he’s not the right guy for the Hornets and needs a new start and location.

I look at that list and try to imagine which set would mesh best with Kon, Miller, Sexton, Kalk, etc. We really need that trade sooner than later, so the group can start to form connections and chemistry.

We really need a quality PF and a pass first defensive PG who has a decent shot.

[fatlever]

fwiw, spotrac is calling the kuminga deal a club option for next year???
https://www.spotrac.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/yearly

[HornetJail]

fwiw, spotrac is calling the kuminga deal a club option for next year???
https://www.spotrac.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/yearly

yeah it is. there's basically no downside to his contract. can just decline it if he continues to be mediocre.

[fatlever]

id trade miles for kuminga straight up. just to try something else.

[JMAC3]

id trade miles for kuminga straight up. just to try something else.

I don't see why Warriors would do that and that is coming from a person low on Kuminga and higher than consensus on Miles.

[GoBobs]

I think we just have to ride this thing a little while longer and see where we are near the allstar break. Maybe things will look a little bit different when we get everybody back.

Things will look better when we are on a bit of a winning streak.

[Snidely FC]

would the Suns really give up Jalen Green + other pieces like Maluach and Dunn or Ighodaro? I'd do that one!