2018 Trade Ideas thread

[TyCobb]

The Thomas Bryant part of this sounds to me like a "Life after Julius" sort of statement... Could be a negotiation tactic I guess, but it kind of sounds like they're still in the "Randle isn't a part of our future" mind-set...

Which is a little unfortunate if true, because the trade should have locked Randle in for the rest of the season, but if Pelinka and Magic are going to start jumping on the TB train, he's back to having to justify PT... Dude can't catch a break in LA.

Honestly, that's how I read it as well.

[dockingsched]

The Thomas Bryant part of this sounds to me like a "Life after Julius" sort of statement... Could be a negotiation tactic I guess, but it kind of sounds like they're still in the "Randle isn't a part of our future" mind-set...

Which is a little unfortunate if true, because the trade should have locked Randle in for the rest of the season, but if Pelinka and Magic are going to start jumping on the TB train, he's back to having to justify PT... Dude can't catch a break in LA.

Honestly, that's how I read it as well.

Yeah, there’s really no other way to interpret it.

“We all know league is about shooting bigs”

“Can’t just have a stretch four now, have to have a stretch four and five”

Combined with all other reports, hard to make a case that the team suddenly sees Randle as a long term piece now.

[Kilroy]

Yeah he should have just said Thomas Bryant, he's going to wash out of the league in a year anyways.

Yeah, I don't see Bryant's 3pt shooting translating to actual NBA games... I also don't agree with the 'stretch 5' comment...

To me, even when it works (like it has been again for Brook over the last few games) a 5 stopping and popping at the 3pt line is still bad basketball... It should be the shot of last resort, and if it is, the 5 should be under the basket at that point, or close to it...

We want movement and the best possible shot every time... Not an interesting 3 from a big, just because 'modern NBA.'

[Slava]

Yeah he should have just said Thomas Bryant, he's going to wash out of the league in a year anyways.

Yeah, I don't see Bryant's 3pt shooting translating to actual NBA games... I also don't agree with the 'stretch 5' comment...

To me, even when it works (like it has been again for Brook over the last few games) a 5 stopping and popping at the 3pt line is still bad basketball... It should be the shot of last resort, and if it is, the 5 should be under the basket at that point, or close to it...

We want movement and the best possible shot every time... Not an interesting 3 from a big, just because 'modern NBA.'

Its not a bad shot if a defender has to respect it. Every player has a gravity towards them, guards who can shoot usually attract defenders to the 3 point line on close outs, bigs who can roll hard on pick and rolls draw secondary defenders into the lane everytime they catch the ball on a roll. TB is interesting because he can do both and defenses have to respect that, so more mismatches, more scrambling defenses and open lanes for the others. That has a ton of value.

Here's his shot chart of illustration:

Read on Twitter

He's not just jacking shots, he is finishing tremendously well at the basket and passing on the short roll etc which makes him a very intriguing offensive player.

Will it translate to NBA from g-league? That's a question we cannot answer until he sees significant minutes.

[Vae Victus]

That shot chart is sexy as **** for the modern NBA. Maybe by next year his defense wont be so atrocious and he can stick on the big squad.

Looks like excellent backup 5 material.

[Coach Chris]

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

The Thomas Bryant part of this sounds to me like a "Life after Julius" sort of statement... Could be a negotiation tactic I guess, but it kind of sounds like they're still in the "Randle isn't a part of our future" mind-set...

Which is a little unfortunate if true, because the trade should have locked Randle in for the rest of the season, but if Pelinka and Magic are going to start jumping on the TB train, he's back to having to justify PT... Dude can't catch a break in LA.

Bryant is two years away from being two years away

[Coach Chris]

The Thomas Bryant part of this sounds to me like a "Life after Julius" sort of statement... Could be a negotiation tactic I guess, but it kind of sounds like they're still in the "Randle isn't a part of our future" mind-set...

Which is a little unfortunate if true, because the trade should have locked Randle in for the rest of the season, but if Pelinka and Magic are going to start jumping on the TB train, he's back to having to justify PT... Dude can't catch a break in LA.

Honestly, that's how I read it as well.

Yeah, there’s really no other way to interpret it.

“We all know league is about shooting bigs”

“Can’t just have a stretch four now, have to have a stretch four and five”

Combined with all other reports, hard to make a case that the team suddenly sees Randle as a long term piece now.

Interesting that the FO seldom uses the “D” word.

[stan francisco]

Honestly, that's how I read it as well.

Yeah, there’s really no other way to interpret it.

“We all know league is about shooting bigs”

“Can’t just have a stretch four now, have to have a stretch four and five”

Combined with all other reports, hard to make a case that the team suddenly sees Randle as a long term piece now.

Interesting that the FO seldom uses the “D” word.

Yeah, that scares me.

I hate that Nance had to go for cap space. Trade Julius, too, and we have no physicality left. That was our identity just the other week, hard nosed physical defense and dunk fest on the other end. Points in the paint.

I guess Kuzma is our future 4 and Bryant our future 5. Storytelling Rob talks too much for his own good. Sometime, it's what you don't say that tells the most. Keep Randle. We need to have an enforcer or two down low.

[RickyRoundball]

One thing y'all aren't taking into consideration is that, while you did clear enough cap space to sign 2 max guys, you also (along with Sacramento and Utah) made Cleveland a more appealing place for Lebron to stay. Gone are the tired, aging (and in some cases, cancerous) vets. Now Cleveland is youthful and energetic. They still have Kevin Love. They'll most likely have a top 5 pick coming in. Why would Lebron uproot his family from that situation? Cleveland is already built to compete for titles, and they're adding a top 5 pick to that roster. Lebron doesn't need LA to market himself. He would be superstar wherever he played.

[Penberthy]

One thing y'all aren't taking into consideration is that, while you did clear enough cap space to sign 2 max guys, you also (along with Sacramento and Utah) made Cleveland a more appealing place for Lebron to stay. Gone are the tired, aging (and in some cases, cancerous) vets. Now Cleveland is youthful and energetic. They still have Kevin Love. They'll most likely have a top 5 pick coming in. Why would Lebron uproot his family from that situation? Cleveland is already built to compete for titles, and they're adding a top 5 pick to that roster. Lebron doesn't need LA to market himself. He would be superstar wherever he played.

If Bron is looking for somewhere to ride off into the sunset (and wait it out til his son is drafted so he can play with him), who are Cleveland's equivalents of Ball, Kuzma, and Ingram? Where will they get the space to put 1.5 max players next to him to take the load off for the next 5 years?

[RickyRoundball]

One thing y'all aren't taking into consideration is that, while you did clear enough cap space to sign 2 max guys, you also (along with Sacramento and Utah) made Cleveland a more appealing place for Lebron to stay. Gone are the tired, aging (and in some cases, cancerous) vets. Now Cleveland is youthful and energetic. They still have Kevin Love. They'll most likely have a top 5 pick coming in. Why would Lebron uproot his family from that situation? Cleveland is already built to compete for titles, and they're adding a top 5 pick to that roster. Lebron doesn't need LA to market himself. He would be superstar wherever he played.

If Bron is looking for somewhere to ride off into the sunset (and wait it out til his son is drafted so he can play with him), who are Cleveland's equivalents of Ball, Kuzma, and Ingram? Where will they get the space to put 1.5 max players next to him to take the load off for the next 5 years?

Ingram is a nice player, but he also plays the same position as Lebron. Sure, Lebron can move to PF, but do you think Kuzma is going to continue to come off the bench? Ball hasn't proven anything yet, Hill and Clarkson are better than him right now. Cleveland already has a max guy playing with him in Love. And I'm sure that high Brooklyn pick is tantalizing to Lebron. Not to mention the relationships he has in Cleveland, even after the recent exodus. He is very tight with both JR Smith and Thompson.

Hill/Clarkson > Ball/whoever backs him up (at least for now)
Smith/Korver > Pope/Hart
Love > Kuzma (for now)
Thompson = Lopez

And this doesn't even account for Cleveland's lottery pick, something LA doesn't have.

Even if LA adds Paul George, that's 3 SFs and a 1 PF you have to fit into 2-3 spots.

Sure, LA MIGHT have a better outlook 3 years from now. But Lebron ain't looking to start competing for titles in 3 years.

Not to mention that, like it or not, he has a much clearer path to the Finals coming out of the East.

[Kilroy]

One thing y'all aren't taking into consideration is that, while you did clear enough cap space to sign 2 max guys, you also (along with Sacramento and Utah) made Cleveland a more appealing place for Lebron to stay. Gone are the tired, aging (and in some cases, cancerous) vets. Now Cleveland is youthful and energetic. They still have Kevin Love. They'll most likely have a top 5 pick coming in. Why would Lebron uproot his family from that situation? Cleveland is already built to compete for titles, and they're adding a top 5 pick to that roster. Lebron doesn't need LA to market himself. He would be superstar wherever he played.

If Bron is looking for somewhere to ride off into the sunset (and wait it out til his son is drafted so he can play with him), who are Cleveland's equivalents of Ball, Kuzma, and Ingram? Where will they get the space to put 1.5 max players next to him to take the load off for the next 5 years?

Ingram is a nice player, but he also plays the same position as Lebron. Sure, Lebron can move to PF, but do you think Kuzma is going to continue to come off the bench? Ball hasn't proven anything yet, Hill and Clarkson are better than him right now. Cleveland already has a max guy playing with him in Love. And I'm sure that high Brooklyn pick is tantalizing to Lebron. Not to mention the relationships he has in Cleveland, even after the recent exodus. He is very tight with both JR Smith and Thompson.

Hill/Clarkson > Ball/whoever backs him up (at least for now)
Smith/Korver > Pope/Hart
Love > Kuzma (for now)
Thompson = Lopez

And this doesn't even account for Cleveland's lottery pick, something LA doesn't have.

Even if LA adds Paul George, that's 3 SFs and a 1 PF you have to fit into 2-3 spots.

Sure, LA MIGHT have a better outlook 3 years from now. But Lebron ain't looking to start competing for titles in 3 years.

Not to mention that, like it or not, he has a much clearer path to the Finals coming out of the East.

Lebron has made a career out of leaving contenders that were literally built to his specifications... He's done in Cleveland, and they can't even afford to keep that team together anyway... $300M? yeah that's happening...

I think we're on his list, but I don't know if he'll come here or not, all I'm fairly confident about is, he's not signing another contract in Cleveland.

[Joel Embust]

Josh Hart should start.

[LeCalinou]

I'm actually rooting for them not to get 2 max free agents, but rather 1.
Paul George is the best fit because of playing style and age.
Why? Because Paul George + current roster, with improving players + 1 or 2 players to fill needs are the best bet that the Lakers:
1. Improve
2. Keep the culture
3. Stay flexible going forward

Again, WHY would this be better than using ALL the cap space on 2 players?
Because there is no guarantee that the pieces will fit, nor that the young guys "grow" in the right direction.

To give some perspective, take the Warriors' development: Internal growth and a steady culture got them to a very good level. Steve Kerr came in and unlocked some more potential.
The players that got them there, 4 of them had been drafted by the franchise: Curry, Thompson, Barnes, Green. And in letting those players develop, the Warriors not only kept winning at a very high rate, but also got a glimpse of what the roster lacked, although they already had a VERY bright future.

So when the opportunity came, they got Kevin Durant. He's taking 10 million per year less than his max just to be in a good situation.
And it just so happens he is the RIGHT player to make them contenders for another 4 years.

[Kobe System]

I'm actually rooting for them not to get 2 max free agents, but rather 1.
Paul George is the best fit because of playing style and age.
Why? Because Paul George + current roster, with improving players + 1 or 2 players to fill needs are the best bet that the Lakers:
1. Improve
2. Keep the culture
3. Stay flexible going forward

Again, WHY would this be better than using ALL the cap space on 2 players?
Because there is no guarantee that the pieces will fit, nor that the young guys "grow" in the right direction.

To give some perspective, take the Warriors' development: Internal growth and a steady culture got them to a very good level. Steve Kerr came in and unlocked some more potential.
The players that got them there, 4 of them had been drafted by the franchise: Curry, Thompson, Barnes, Green. And in letting those players develop, the Warriors not only kept winning at a very high rate, but also got a glimpse of what the roster lacked, although they already had a VERY bright future.

So when the opportunity came, they got Kevin Durant. He's taking 10 million per year less than his max just to be in a good situation.
And it just so happens he is the RIGHT player to make them contenders for another 4 years.

Ball won't be Curry.
Kuzma won't be Thompson.
Randle won't be Green.
Ingram won't be Durant.

If a max caliber player wants to play for the Lakers, you sign him. Worry about fit later. Beggars can't be choosers.

[LeCalinou]

I'm actually rooting for them not to get 2 max free agents, but rather 1.
Paul George is the best fit because of playing style and age.
Why? Because Paul George + current roster, with improving players + 1 or 2 players to fill needs are the best bet that the Lakers:
1. Improve
2. Keep the culture
3. Stay flexible going forward

Again, WHY would this be better than using ALL the cap space on 2 players?
Because there is no guarantee that the pieces will fit, nor that the young guys "grow" in the right direction.

To give some perspective, take the Warriors' development: Internal growth and a steady culture got them to a very good level. Steve Kerr came in and unlocked some more potential.
The players that got them there, 4 of them had been drafted by the franchise: Curry, Thompson, Barnes, Green. And in letting those players develop, the Warriors not only kept winning at a very high rate, but also got a glimpse of what the roster lacked, although they already had a VERY bright future.

So when the opportunity came, they got Kevin Durant. He's taking 10 million per year less than his max just to be in a good situation.
And it just so happens he is the RIGHT player to make them contenders for another 4 years.

Ball won't be Curry.
Kuzma won't be Thompson.
Randle won't be Green.
Ingram won't be Durant.

If a max caliber player wants to play for the Lakers, you sign him. Worry about fit later. Beggars can't be choosers.

You're missing the point.
Ball + Hart + Ingram + Kuzma are worse NOW than they will be AFTER 1 more year. Can we agree on that ?
A growing core, and a more established culture, make a BIGGER difference in FA's decisions.

What I'm advocating is actually investing FA max money in very good players (Paul George is one I really like) that are on the good side of 30.
I've been watching NBA games for 20 years, and have never seen a more over-rated player than LeBron. He can never fir into a system, the system needs to fit him.

And as a general rule, new teams incorporating Super-stars need time to gel. LeBron, for example, even if we admit he's a very very good player, will be 35 the year after that.
No way I want cap-space tied into him when he's that old. He has enjoyed very good health, but his defense has slipped and he's a very bad influence on other players on that end.

[LeCalinou]

G Lonzo Ball, (Vet min) Devin Harris, (2-way) Alex Caruso
G (FA full max) Paul George, Josh Hart, (Vet min) Joe Johnson
F Brandon Ingram, (room) Trevor Ariza, (2nd via Den) Keita Bates-Diop
F (FA KD discount to keep Randle) LeBron James, Kyle Kuzma, (min) Kevon Looney
C (re-sign discount) Julius Randle, (1st #25) Chimezie Metu, (2-way) Ivica Zubac

Coach: Luke Walton

Hi TyCobb.
While I believe your idea make sense, money-wise, I do have a different perspective on things.
I just don't like sacrificing everything for getting the "BEST" money can buy. The Warriors are one example. It's not a direct comparison, but an analogy.

The Warriors used the draft (Curry, Thompson, Barnes, Green, Ezeli), patience, smart trades (Ellis for Bogut) and good FA fits (Iguodala) in order to build and develop these important things:
- Talent
- Chemistry
- Culture
So since the Lakers have gotten this far along, maybe they can look at the bigger picture: If you're building a team to win right away, you're still running into the Golden State Warriors.
Curry, Thompson, Durant and Green will still improve or at least be just as good for another 2-3 years.
So follow your own arc. Make sure that when Lonzo Ball will be less injured, Ingram less skinny etc., everything else is in place for them to succeed.

To me, Paul George is the best fit this year. We'll see about next year, when other guys will have improved, on one hand, and so team needs will be more obvious.

[LeCalinou]

Anyone thinking both of Lebron and George leaving multiple millions on the board for Randle to get the scraps is insane in my book.
Lebron doesn't need the money, sure...but it's Julius **** Randle, not some All-Star/Superstar here.

Him and George are both getting the max. When they do, the Randle pipe dream falls through no matter how much you really want it to not.

I prefer reality over fantasy. Especially THIS reality I was talking about in the OP. It's enough for me.

There's more to the fact that we traded Nance instead of Randle... It wasn't just about Randle needing a contract, or that Nance was 'more valuable' or some nonsense... Randle and PG are relatively tight off the court since Randle's injury... They share the same Agent, too... And judging from what I've seen of Randle and LeBron together, it seems like those 2 are tight as well...

Don't discount the idea that Randle wasn't traded because PG and LeBron didn't want him traded...

Who knows what's going to happen there... It could certainly go either way, but Randle is already one of the best Small Ball C's in the league and he young and getting better, while the other guys are getting older... He's also a damn good defensive 4 next to an offensive 5, like Brook...
He's not as easy to replace as a lot of people think.
And who knows how much of a paycut we're talking about right now, it may only be a couple mil for those guys... So I'm in the "We're likely to keep Randle" camp...

Julius Randle is a good 3rd offensive option on a team with a smart point guard. And I think Lonzo Ball fills that bill.
I noticed that he needs his minutes to stay engaged on both ends. It's understandable. It's part of the learning process for him, and a step in the right direction. Nance is a better defensive big individually, but Randle has more potential in situations in which the big switches onto the small.

But to be honest, I'm not convinced LeBron is that good of a fit on the future Lakers. Beyond his individual habits and the culture he brings, he isn't on the same arc as the current core players.
I'm not saying any of the group featuring Ball, Hart, Ingram, Kuzma will be top 10 talent, but I like their fit together, in the mold of 2004 Pistons.
And the upside here is that you can add 1-2 players this year and the next, and then another difference-maker once Luol Deng's contract comes off the books.

[Rosque]

So best player in this era is overrated? Yeah...

[stan francisco]

Summer 2017-18 low profile free agents that I'd consider pursuing to stabilize and/or add to this young core:

Centers:
Monroe

Power forwards:
Speights
West

Small forwards:
Ariza
Jefferson

Shooting guards:
Tyreke Evans
Bradley
Ellington
Tony Allen

Point guards:
Alex Caruso (a must!)
Briante Weber
P.J. Dozier