fishercob wrote:Here's my question du jour for the group:
Let's say that the only way to acquire Love was to give up whomever we selected with the 19th pick -- either by sending it to Cleveland or re-routing it to a 3rd team to take Nene and Webster. I am not actually convinced this would be necessary, but for the sake of exercise, let's just assume it is.**
Now, let's also say that Love says "yeah, I'd leave Cleveland for Washington, but I'm only signing a one year deal; i want to hit free agency when the cap spikes and to keep my options open."
Would you do it?
I would. The main risk is health. But if the team is healthy I think you're a top 3 seed in the East and have an excellent chance to go the Finals. This would both improve your chances at keeping Love and at luring Durant. You could look Love in the eye and say, sorry Kevin Durant wants to come here and we are replacing you," and not have to feel in the slightest bit dishonest because he chose not to sign long term. OTOH, retaining Love becomes much more expensive than if he would agree to lock into the max this summer. Still seems like a worthwhile consolation prize if we don't land KD.
So I'd do it. What say you?
Yes. I'd do it too. I don't love giving up a first round pick for a 1-year rental, but Love is no ordinary 1-year rental. He's a superstar who could conceivably anchor our run to the Finals. And, as you mentioned, if he bolts, it still leaves KD2DC as an option. And if he stays, we actually get a bit more cap wiggle room because we can use Bird Rights to resign Love and Beal, and then use the full MLE on top of that.
