The Ayton & Doncic Conspiracy Thread

[TeamTragic]

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The Memphis Grizzlies caught a bad break in the NBA Draft Lottery, dropping to No. 4 in the draft order from their projected slot at No. 2.

As that likely means missing out on both of their preferred targets in Deandre Ayton and Luka Doncic, there's a sense around the league that the Grizzlies would be willing to trade the fourth overall pick, according to Sean Deveney of Sporting News.

"If you have someone you like in the first few picks, they're the first call you'd make," a rival general manager told Deveney. "They, obviously, were the most disappointed with the way the lottery went and the options they have now. It seems like they want to try to turn that pick into something else.

"Everyone's going to talk before the draft, of course. But Memphis, I think they're the ones who are going to be more ready to do something than others."

Whether they'd be looking to deal the pick for established NBA talent, or a package of picks or long-term assets, is unclear. But the Grizzlies' reticence is understandable; the draft process has not been at all fruitful for the franchise in recent years. In the past decade, exactly two of their draftees (Dillon Brooks and Jarell Martin) have turned into serviceable rotation players in Memphis, with the jury still out on Deyonta Davis and Ivan Rabb. Seven of their last eight first-round picks lasted less than two full seasons with the club.

In other words, just about any other team would likely make better use of the No. 4 pick than the Grizzlies.

I knew they would be the ones!

See fella's its happening!!!!

[Kerrsed]

Hold up....now if we can somehow trade for Towns, then i'm all in on Luka

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But why? I know the KAT/Booker connection, but Ayton is better than KAT. On top of that, the Wolves are going to want a hell of a lot more than what Memphis would want for #4. They will want Jackson no doubt. Im guessing Bender as well, along with all the same picks that Memphis would be getting.

Draft Doncic #1. Trade Jackson/Bender/#16/2019 1st/2020 Bucks 1st/2021 Suns 1st for KAT.

OR

Draft Ayton #1. Trade Warren/Chandler/#16/2019 1st/2020 Bucks 1st/2021 Suns 1st for #4(Doncic)/Parsons.

I'd rather hold on to Jackson/Bender than Warren/Chandler.

[jcsunsfan]

If KAT wants to be moved. KAT for the #4 pick and something else makes sense. Memphis gets a proven commidity and Thibs can draft Jackson or Bamba and get his defensive center.

[Kerrsed]

Memphis can't trade their pick unless they're getting a first round pick in this draft in return because they traded their top 8 protected 2019 first rounder to the Celtics. I can't tell if Memphis is going to blow it up and rebuild this offseason, or hope they're healthy next year to give it one more shot before the wheels completely fall off in the next year or two. Either way, it'd be wise to bring on a top prospect in a strong draft considering the lack of young talent they have.

I think they'll be a swap target for Orlando and Chicago so they can still get a top prospect while dumping salary or bringing in a contributing player/more picks. Clippers could be an option too, they have 2 late lottery picks in this draft and solid contributing players that'd be available. I don't think we'd be in the running without including #16 and a lightly protected 2019 first round pick, and we don't have a lot to offer as far as contributing players on the table outside of maybe TJ if that's a goal of theirs.

As long as they make the pick, they can trade it afterwards, right? But it has to be either on draft day, after they pick, or afterwards, not before, right?

We would have to make the trade well in advance of the draft, so Duffy would know we have the pick, and they can get word to Kings/Hawks that he will not play there. If Memphis holds the pick still and Doncic is on the board, we would have another Stat for Curry situation where the Grizz just keep Doncic and tell us, "SO SORRY!".

[GeraldsGreenery]

Hold up....now if we can somehow trade for Towns, then i'm all in on Luka

Read on Twitter

But why? I know the KAT/Booker connection, but Ayton is better than KAT. On top of that, the Wolves are going to want a hell of a lot more than what Memphis would want for #4. They will want Jackson no doubt. Im guessing Bender as well, along with all the same picks that Memphis would be getting.

Draft Doncic #1. Trade Jackson/Bender/#16/2019 1st/2020 Bucks 1st/2021 Suns 1st for KAT.

OR

Draft Ayton #1. Trade Warren/Chandler/#16/2019 1st/2020 Bucks 1st/2021 Suns 1st for #4(Doncic)/Parsons.

I'd rather hold on to Jackson/Bender than Warren/Chandler.

I'd be happy getting #4 from Memphis, but if we cant pull that off, Towns and Luka would be a nice consolation prize

[Dr Manute]

Makes sense for both teams. I'm a believer.

[RunDogGun]

Memphis can't trade their pick unless they're getting a first round pick in this draft in return because they traded their top 8 protected 2019 first rounder to the Celtics. I can't tell if Memphis is going to blow it up and rebuild this offseason, or hope they're healthy next year to give it one more shot before the wheels completely fall off in the next year or two. Either way, it'd be wise to bring on a top prospect in a strong draft considering the lack of young talent they have.

I think they'll be a swap target for Orlando and Chicago so they can still get a top prospect while dumping salary or bringing in a contributing player/more picks. Clippers could be an option too, they have 2 late lottery picks in this draft and solid contributing players that'd be available. I don't think we'd be in the running without including #16 and a lightly protected 2019 first round pick, and we don't have a lot to offer as far as contributing players on the table outside of maybe TJ if that's a goal of theirs.

As long as they make the pick, they can trade it afterwards, right? But it has to be either on draft day, after they pick, or afterwards, not before, right?

We would have to make the trade well in advance of the draft, so Duffy would know we have the pick, and they can get word to Kings/Hawks that he will not play there. If Memphis holds the pick still and Doncic is on the board, we would have another Stat for Curry situation where the Grizz just keep Doncic and tell us, "SO SORRY!".

The deal can be in place, and the threat of not coming to the NBA by Doncic would still be in effect. If Memphis wants to take on the threat of Doncic staying in Europe, why wouldn’t the Kings or Atlanta pick him?

But it’s a moot argument, we will have to send the 16 to get the 4, so they will have a pick this year in that deal. But there is no guarantee that Sac or Atl won’t take the chance on Doncic.

[0013]

TJ, 16, milwaukee, unprotected 2019 suns first? For
4, bad contract?

Warren/Chandler/#16/2019 1st/2020 Bucks 1st .......and our 2021 1st if need be (We still own Miami's 2021 1st Unprotected) for #4/Parsons

Alright Kerrsed, you knocked me out of lurker mode with this post. If we're going to give up four firsts, just offer them to Vlade for #2 outright. Something like Warren/Chriss/Those 4 Firsts for #2/ZBo should be enough of a godfather offer to get the job done.

[BobbieL]

TJ, 16, milwaukee, unprotected 2019 suns first? For
4, bad contract?

Warren/Chandler/#16/2019 1st/2020 Bucks 1st .......and our 2021 1st if need be (We still own Miami's 2021 1st Unprotected) for #4/Parsons

Alright Kerrsed, you knocked me out of lurker mode with this post. If we're going to give up four firsts, just offer them to Vlade for #2 outright. Something like Warren/Chriss/Those 4 Firsts for #2/ZBo should be enough of a godfather offer to get the job done.

Kerrsed - that just seems like a lot to give up for Luka DOncic. Plus you are basically giving away future first round picks and locking your core team as Booker, Doncic, Ayton and Jackson; hoping that one of either Chriss or Bender shine

Also, that means you have four players; Z-Bo, Knight, Dudley and Chandler - can you count on any of those players. Maybe Knight

I do get three of them are expiring contracts but that is an awful to give up. I am probably going to pass on that and just take Doncic if he is THAT good.

[darealjuice]

I don't wanna rain on anyone's parade, I just sincerely can't see it happening. This is all based on the assumption that Doncic would steer away from the Kings despite the Slavic connection, the Hawks don't call his bluff of staying in Europe, and Memphis can't find a package better than #16, likely #5-10 next year, #20-30 from Milwaukee in 2020, and TJ Warren for Luka Doncic should he happen to fall that far. It's not impossible, but I view it as very unlikely that everything falls into place perfectly for us like that lol.

You are forgetting they are getting out of Parsons $50M over the next 2 seasons. Do you remember Parsons? Thats a huge deal.

I was listing off the pieces of actual value in the trade lol. Tyson Chandler and Chandler Parsons are purely negative contracts right now, and I doubt we'd be the only team that would line up to pay Parson's $50M if it meant up to 9 years of Doncic. The trade comes out to the draft rights for Luka Doncic for TJ Warren, #16, likely #5-10 in what looks like a weaker draft, #20-30 in 2020, and about $14M of cap space for the 2020 offseason when Conley and Gasol are either 32 and 35 or on their way out. I don't think I'd do that from their end. The cap space freed up means nothing if your team is geriatric hot garbage outside of TJ Warren, #16, and whatever our 2019 draft pick ends up being.

The Grizzlies have been a poorly managed team for awhile now, so it's not impossible and I'll praise you to death if it happens. I'm not going to place even a shred of hope in it though.

[Kerrsed]

Warren/Chandler/#16/2019 1st/2020 Bucks 1st .......and our 2021 1st if need be (We still own Miami's 2021 1st Unprotected) for #4/Parsons

Alright Kerrsed, you knocked me out of lurker mode with this post. If we're going to give up four firsts, just offer them to Vlade for #2 outright. Something like Warren/Chriss/Those 4 Firsts for #2/ZBo should be enough of a godfather offer to get the job done.

Kerrsed - that just seems like a lot to give up for Luka DOncic. Plus you are basically giving away future first round picks and locking your core team as Booker, Doncic, Ayton and Jackson; hoping that one of either Chriss or Bender shine

Also, that means you have four players; Z-Bo, Knight, Dudley and Chandler - can you count on any of those players. Maybe Knight

I do get three of them are expiring contracts but that is an awful to give up. I am probably going to pass on that and just take Doncic if he is THAT good.

Dont get my idea/deal mixed up with 0013's. He is the one that changed mine with one that involves the Kings. I for one dont think the Kings would deal with us, and if they did it would end up costing us way way way more.

But yeah, its a lot to give up for Doncic, but you have to look at it as not just a lot to give up for Doncic, but is it a lot to walk away from the draft with Ayton AND Doncic? Not really. I would rather have a 2nd pick in this draft than in next years. I could care less about the Bucks pick, its an asset and should be used as one. Our 2021 pick? Im hoping we would be good enough by then where it would maybe be a late lotto (Remember we are trying to win now and no longer tanking).

So would i give that up for a core of Booker/Jackson/Doncic/Ayton? Hell yes i would.

[WeekapaugGroove]

Hold up....now if we can somehow trade for Towns, then i'm all in on Luka

Read on Twitter

But why? I know the KAT/Booker connection,but Ayton is better than KAT. On top of that, the Wolves are going to want a hell of a lot more than what Memphis would want for #4. They will want Jackson no doubt. Im guessing Bender as well, along with all the same picks that Memphis would be getting.

Draft Doncic #1. Trade Jackson/Bender/#16/2019 1st/2020 Bucks 1st/2021 Suns 1st for KAT.

OR

Draft Ayton #1. Trade Warren/Chandler/#16/2019 1st/2020 Bucks 1st/2021 Suns 1st for #4(Doncic)/Parsons.

I'd rather hold on to Jackson/Bender than Warren/Chandler.

Ayton being better than KAT is a stretch. KAT is a hell of a player and in some ways if you draft Ayton you're hoping he can become KAT. IMO if there is any way short of trading Booker (yes that includes dealing Jackson) where the Suns could take Luka and trade for KAT you absolutely do it. Hell I would think long and hard about trading #1 for KAT straight up.

[Kerrsed]

I don't wanna rain on anyone's parade, I just sincerely can't see it happening. This is all based on the assumption that Doncic would steer away from the Kings despite the Slavic connection, the Hawks don't call his bluff of staying in Europe, and Memphis can't find a package better than #16, likely #5-10 next year, #20-30 from Milwaukee in 2020, and TJ Warren for Luka Doncic should he happen to fall that far. It's not impossible, but I view it as very unlikely that everything falls into place perfectly for us like that lol.

You are forgetting they are getting out of Parsons $50M over the next 2 seasons. Do you remember Parsons? Thats a huge deal.

I was listing off the pieces of actual value in the trade lol. Tyson Chandler and Chandler Parsons are purely negative contracts right now, and I doubt we'd be the only team that would line up to pay Parson's $50M if it meant up to 9 years of Doncic. The trade comes out to the draft rights for Luka Doncic for TJ Warren, #16, likely #5-10 in what looks like a weaker draft, #20-30 in 2020, and about $14M of cap space for the 2020 offseason when Conley and Gasol are either 32 and 35 or on their way out. I don't think I'd do that from their end. The cap space freed up means nothing if your team is geriatric hot garbage outside of TJ Warren, #16, and whatever our 2019 draft pick ends up being.

The Grizzlies have been a poorly managed team for awhile now, so it's not impossible and I'll praise you to death if it happens. I'm not going to place even a shred of hope in it though.

Getting rid of a $50M dead contract and replacing him with a solid usable player and future cap savings has plenty of actual value in a trade. If cap savings like that didnt have value you wouldnt have teams offering up draft picks straight up for cap space.

[darealjuice]

You are forgetting they are getting out of Parsons $50M over the next 2 seasons. Do you remember Parsons? Thats a huge deal.

I was listing off the pieces of actual value in the trade lol. Tyson Chandler and Chandler Parsons are purely negative contracts right now, and I doubt we'd be the only team that would line up to pay Parson's $50M if it meant up to 9 years of Doncic. The trade comes out to the draft rights for Luka Doncic for TJ Warren, #16, likely #5-10 in what looks like a weaker draft, #20-30 in 2020, and about $14M of cap space for the 2020 offseason when Conley and Gasol are either 32 and 35 or on their way out. I don't think I'd do that from their end. The cap space freed up means nothing if your team is geriatric hot garbage outside of TJ Warren, #16, and whatever our 2019 draft pick ends up being.

The Grizzlies have been a poorly managed team for awhile now, so it's not impossible and I'll praise you to death if it happens. I'm not going to place even a shred of hope in it though.

Getting rid of a $50M dead contract and replacing him with a solid usable player and future cap savings has plenty of actual value in a trade. If cap savings like that didnt have value you wouldnt have teams offering up draft picks straight up for cap space.

They offer late first round picks for it when they're good teams, not the #4 pick. I completely understand your point and logistically it all makes sense. I still don't think it happens.

[sunsbum]

Alright Kerrsed, you knocked me out of lurker mode with this post

[0013]

Warren/Chandler/#16/2019 1st/2020 Bucks 1st .......and our 2021 1st if need be (We still own Miami's 2021 1st Unprotected) for #4/Parsons

Alright Kerrsed, you knocked me out of lurker mode with this post. If we're going to give up four firsts, just offer them to Vlade for #2 outright. Something like Warren/Chriss/Those 4 Firsts for #2/ZBo should be enough of a godfather offer to get the job done.

Kerrsed - that just seems like a lot to give up for Luka DOncic. Plus you are basically giving away future first round picks and locking your core team as Booker, Doncic, Ayton and Jackson; hoping that one of either Chriss or Bender shine

Also, that means you have four players; Z-Bo, Knight, Dudley and Chandler - can you count on any of those players. Maybe Knight

I do get three of them are expiring contracts but that is an awful to give up. I am probably going to pass on that and just take Doncic if he is THAT good.

In a vacuum, Luka isn't worth that much. However, we'll have Ayton and Igor to synergize with him. Imagine, if you will, having an XL sized version of the Nash / Amare pick and roll combo under reasonable contracts for the next nine years with Jackson as the cutter and Booker spotting up...

[TeamTragic]

Sounds like Memphis may be interested in dealing their pick. But only because Ayton and Doncic would have already been taken.

https://www.thescore.com/nba/news/1546339

Yup, thats why you trade for the pick well before the draft. They think Doncic wont be there, but he forces himself to be passed by the Kings and Hawks, and then he is all ours!

[bwgood77]

Hold up....now if we can somehow trade for Towns, then i'm all in on Luka

Read on Twitter

But why? I know the KAT/Booker connection, but Ayton is better than KAT. On top of that, the Wolves are going to want a hell of a lot more than what Memphis would want for #4. They will want Jackson no doubt. Im guessing Bender as well, along with all the same picks that Memphis would be getting.

Draft Doncic #1. Trade Jackson/Bender/#16/2019 1st/2020 Bucks 1st/2021 Suns 1st for KAT.

OR

Draft Ayton #1. Trade Warren/Chandler/#16/2019 1st/2020 Bucks 1st/2021 Suns 1st for #4(Doncic)/Parsons.

I'd rather hold on to Jackson/Bender than Warren/Chandler.

I'd be happy getting #4 from Memphis, but if we cant pull that off, Towns and Luka would be a nice consolation prize

Wow, I don't know what it would take to get Towns, but probably something we wouldn't be willing to give up for him.

[TeamTragic]

But why? I know the KAT/Booker connection, but Ayton is better than KAT. On top of that, the Wolves are going to want a hell of a lot more than what Memphis would want for #4. They will want Jackson no doubt. Im guessing Bender as well, along with all the same picks that Memphis would be getting.

Draft Doncic #1. Trade Jackson/Bender/#16/2019 1st/2020 Bucks 1st/2021 Suns 1st for KAT.

OR

Draft Ayton #1. Trade Warren/Chandler/#16/2019 1st/2020 Bucks 1st/2021 Suns 1st for #4(Doncic)/Parsons.

I'd rather hold on to Jackson/Bender than Warren/Chandler.

I'd be happy getting #4 from Memphis, but if we cant pull that off, Towns and Luka would be a nice consolation prize

Wow, I don't know what it would take to get Towns, but probably something we wouldn't be willing to give up for him.

Pass on Towns. We are not gutting our roster.

[sunsbum]

I can only wonder what the people coming into our sub for the first time think when they see some of our fans talk about getting the 1st and 2nd pick or the 1st pick and KAT. I cant come back here. Good luck.