Greg Monroe S & T scenarios...

[coordinator0]

I wouldn't do that trade because it's pretty much a win-now type of move that doesn't result in a very good looking product for Detroit. Jennings/Meeks/Korver/Millsap/Drummond (can't forget Smith will be in there too) is a better looking starting lineup than the Pistons have had in a while but it's not one that's going to win anything significant or has much of an upside. Korver and Millsap are going to be 34 and 30 respectively at some point next season so I'd be pretty wary about the lasting power of that slightly above mediocre lineup. If Monroe and Caldwell-Pope are both going to be traded there has to be some sort of quality youthful building block(s) coming back. As much of a Spartan homer as I am it's easy to say Payne does not fit that description.

[Jamaaliver]

I wouldn't do that trade because it's pretty much a win-now type of move that doesn't result in a very good looking product for Detroit...If Monroe and Caldwell-Pope are both going to be traded there has to be some sort of quality youthful building block(s) coming back. As much of a Spartan homer as I am it's easy to say Payne does not fit that description.

I understand the hesitation. Though I am a little surprised. Based on Drummond's skillset, I project Payne and Millsap as two PFs who mesh perfectly with Drummond's abilities.

You guys have a franchise player, now it's time to start surrounding him with pieces that best fit his abilities and limitations.

We waited too long in ATL to find a great Center to pair with Horford. Now there is a real fear AL will walk away in two years as the team is still rebuilding and he still is looking for front court help long term.

Don't make the same mistake our GMs did. Find a partner that complements Drummonds skills. Not duplicates them.

[coordinator0]

I'm not adverse to trading Monroe at all, but if we're going to package him and Caldwell-Pope they need to get quality youth to build around in return. Outside of Drummond they're Detroit's two most valuable (and youngest) trading assets and to get a return like Korver, Millsap, and Payne would be a disappointment. Those guys "fit" but I don't think it really makes the team all that great. Payne has nice complimentary skills to play next to Drummond but he doesn't project to be a quality starter in my opinion. Korver wouldn't be in the league long enough to help the Pistons when they might actually start contending again and I have my doubts Millsap would stick around after next season. And then even if he does want to will the front office give him enough money if/when Josh Smith is still on the roster? Eh...

[tmorgan]

I agree that's it's a win-now kind of trade that doesn't make sense for a team that isn't ready to win now, but if we're assuming Monroe is going to take the QO unless we S&T him to a team that'll pay him, the trade is really...

1 year of Milsap, who at least might re-sgn here
3 years of ultra-cheap Korver ($6 mil a year)
Rookie contract of Payne

for

1 year of Monroe (from our end... he'd leave if kept)
Rookie contract minus one year of KCP

I'll call the one year of Monroe vs. one year of Milsap a wash, but him staying would be a big plus
I'd rather have KCP minus one year than Payne for sure, that's at least a couple pluses Atlanta's way
And then we get Korver, a legit starting three that's underpaid and fits with SVG's system

It's not a bad trade from our end, folks. I know losing KCP hurts, but we do have a legit option at the 2 already in Meeks, and Korver is a huge upgrade on Singler/Butler/Datome.

The sign of a good trade is one that makes sense for both teams but causes some hesitation on both sides because of the quality going out. This looks like that kind of trade to me.

[coordinator0]

I agree it's not terrible and it does make some sense in the terms of getting guys who have skills that Detroit could use , but like I said before the end result of the roster afterwards isn't anything special. If you believe Monroe is going to take the qualifying offer and sign elsewhere after this season then I'd trade him for Korver and Millsap. But at the same time I don't really see any three of those guys having much much future value for the Pistons either (again, if Monroe is definitely leaving). Leave Caldwell-Pope out of it though. He is a guy I think will be valuable to Detroit going forward either as a long-term player or a trade chip. Payne not so much.

[Kilo]

I'm torn on Korver because he's 35 years old and thus obviously not part of the Drummond Prime Years core which makes me not want him. But then OTOH, his shooting is elite and thus the spacing he opens up would/could help Drummond develop faster and even more so if they play together the next three years. Also Korver will hold his value and could easily be flipped later this year or whenever in the future for a first rounder from a play-off team.

I'd probably do the deal. Atlanta won't offer it though so it's moot anyways.

[uncleoswald]

We waited too long in ATL to find a great Center to pair with Horford. Now there is a real fear AL will walk away in two years as the team is still rebuilding and he still is looking for front court help long term.

not to turn this isn't the hawks board, but, what? atlanta had the pacers' backs up against the wall for two games in the first round last year without horford. millsap and korver played great, as did mack and scott (both of whom you're apparently bringing back), while the weak link lou williams was traded away. and you'd prefer a guy like monroe who hasn't led his team any where?

Kilo does have a good point about korver's age probably precluding the pistons from considering the trade. it's significant that the pistons' biggest acquisitions this offseason were on the south side of 30. you'd have to expect that any trade involving monroe or smith would involve guys of a similar age, whereas the hawks think they can win big next year (and i think they can, too).

[Jamaaliver]

We waited too long in ATL to find a great Center to pair with Horford. Now there is a real fear AL will walk away in two years as the team is still rebuilding and he still is looking for front court help long term.

not to turn this isn't the hawks board, but, what? atlanta had the pacers' backs up against the wall for two games in the first round last year without horford...and you'd prefer a guy like monroe who hasn't led his team any where?

It's a fair question. I'd point out that:

A. We've been a playoff team for 7 years straight but have never made it past the second round. Millsap is a good player, but he's not getting us to the next level.

B. Millsap was a guy who had never led his team anywhere before he came to ATL, played in our Spurs-like system and blossomed into an All-Star. Our coaching staff focuses on player development for both vets and rookies. Something Monroe could really take advantage of.

C. We had a losing record last season for the first time in years. Millsap's best season was not enough to change that. I believe with our personnel, in our system, Monroe could. (Primarily because he can play Center.)

Kilo does have a good point about korver's age probably precluding the pistons from considering the trade. it's significant that the pistons' biggest acquisitions this offseason were on the south side of 30. you'd have to expect that any trade involving monroe or smith would involve guys of a similar age, whereas the hawks think they can win big next year (and i think they can, too).

I understand the hesitation. That's why I was willing to include Adreian in the potential trade as well as the best 3-pt shooter in the game. I was offering the chance for you guys to thrive immediately in SVG's system. With the prospect of the perfect front court partner for Drummond for the next decade.

But change is scary. Maybe you guys can get better value for Monroe in another trade...

[sc8581]

We waited too long in ATL to find a great Center to pair with Horford. Now there is a real fear AL will walk away in two years as the team is still rebuilding and he still is looking for front court help long term.

not to turn this isn't the hawks board, but, what? atlanta had the pacers' backs up against the wall for two games in the first round last year without horford...and you'd prefer a guy like monroe who hasn't led his team any where?

It's a fair question. I'd point out that:

A. We've been a playoff team for 7 years straight but have never made it past the second round. Millsap is a good player, but he's not getting us to the next level.

B. Millsap was a guy who had never led his team anywhere before he came to ATL, played in our Spurs-like system and blossomed into an All-Star. Our coaching staff focuses on player development for both vets and rookies. Something Monroe could really take advantage of.

C. We had a losing record last season for the first time in years. Millsap's best season was not enough to change that. I believe with our personnel, in our system, Monroe could. (Primarily because he can play Center.)

Kilo does have a good point about korver's age probably precluding the pistons from considering the trade. it's significant that the pistons' biggest acquisitions this offseason were on the south side of 30. you'd have to expect that any trade involving monroe or smith would involve guys of a similar age, whereas the hawks think they can win big next year (and i think they can, too).

I understand the hesitation. That's why I was willing to include Adreian in the potential trade as well as the best 3-pt shooter in the game. I was offering the chance for you guys to thrive immediately in SVG's system. With the prospect of the perfect front court partner for Drummond for the next decade.

But change is scary. Maybe you guys can get better value for Monroe in another trade...

Payne has health problems and will have issues on defense, he tends to forget about his man, could be a good 3rd big down the road but likely won't be able to ever play big minutes.

A 3-way deal could easily be found in my opinion but unless Atlanta is giving up Horford I just don't see a deal that benefits us much.