Potential Offseason Moves

[ElectricMayhem]

For the record, I'd take the Detroit deal. There's nobody leaving from Detroit I'd be sorry to see go. I know Conley's contract isn't pretty, but the Pistons seem dead set on getting to the playoffs as much as they can while Blake is under contract, so why not, I guess.

[Whole Truth]

Any potential Knicks trade ideas? Conley+ for the #3. Obviously, this assumes that Kyrie to the Knicks isn't a sure thing.


I absolutely love drafting Ja at #2 and believe he will be a game changer. With that said, rumblings are that the Knicks are offering up the #3 pick to the right bidder. This makes sense on the surface if they are going to acquire Durant and whichever other big name free agent he attracts. Barrett, at only 18 years old, is incredibly underrated. We have never had a 1-2 backcourt punch like Ja-RJ and this would build a healthy nucleus that would contend.


In any other draft, RJ is a top pick imho. If we can make the right offer, we would have the best young team in the league. Ja-RJ-JJ


As for the posts I have seen, I would do a Conley - Mikal Bridges swap if the Knicks do not bite. The rest of the team is expendable.

S.A.Smith stated their was a 95% probability that Durant & Kyrie will end up in NY, unless Durant somehow backs out. That would take Conley off the table for NY. On the jump, they said NO's is not interested in dealing with LA, that's big & why I think this is the reason Memphis came out early to make their intentions known so early as to who their pick will be at #2. Knicks/NO's now know they will be able to swap Davis for Zions best friend RJ amid his threats to return to Duke. As a result LA will have missed out on Durant, Kyrie & Davis forcing their hand on where they take the Lebron era. Do they admit failure & draft youth or do they make a desperation move to land a good vet PG who can actually shoot via trade & target B type FA's with their remaining Cap.

Memphis can get value out of LA but I think they should & would offer up a package for Love first. Question is would the 4th or Ingram headline that deal & or would a deal require both. What I think would be more likely for Memphis would be Ball & a 23m TE for Conley. If Cavs don't ask for both Ingram & the 4th then I'd target Hunter for Conley.

With Morant & potentially Garland off the table, Suns or Chicago might offer the 6th or 7th pick for Ball. His playmaking & defense would be a good fit beside Booker. Then Memphis can use the trade exception on a team looking to shed salary for a pick in the 10-20 range draft a Keldon Johnson or Herro netting them 2 draft picks for Conley.

An Ideal scenario built off of this is, Memphis draft #2 Morant, trade Conley to LA for #4 Hunter or #6/7 Hayes, use the TE to net a pick in te 10-20 range select a SG like Johnson or Hero depending on which team is desperate to dump salary that's not enamored with the draft.

[VCfor3]

Any potential Knicks trade ideas? Conley+ for the #3. Obviously, this assumes that Kyrie to the Knicks isn't a sure thing.


I absolutely love drafting Ja at #2 and believe he will be a game changer. With that said, rumblings are that the Knicks are offering up the #3 pick to the right bidder. This makes sense on the surface if they are going to acquire Durant and whichever other big name free agent he attracts. Barrett, at only 18 years old, is incredibly underrated. We have never had a 1-2 backcourt punch like Ja-RJ and this would build a healthy nucleus that would contend.


In any other draft, RJ is a top pick imho. If we can make the right offer, we would have the best young team in the league. Ja-RJ-JJ


As for the posts I have seen, I would do a Conley - Mikal Bridges swap if the Knicks do not bite. The rest of the team is expendable.

I think us having a shot at #3 would be if KD goes to NYK and they don't get a second star. Even then I don't know what all else we'd add. Anderson? He could be their starting PF and a secondary creator.

[psman2]

Any potential Knicks trade ideas? Conley+ for the #3. Obviously, this assumes that Kyrie to the Knicks isn't a sure thing.


I absolutely love drafting Ja at #2 and believe he will be a game changer. With that said, rumblings are that the Knicks are offering up the #3 pick to the right bidder. This makes sense on the surface if they are going to acquire Durant and whichever other big name free agent he attracts. Barrett, at only 18 years old, is incredibly underrated. We have never had a 1-2 backcourt punch like Ja-RJ and this would build a healthy nucleus that would contend.


In any other draft, RJ is a top pick imho. If we can make the right offer, we would have the best young team in the league. Ja-RJ-JJ


As for the posts I have seen, I would do a Conley - Mikal Bridges swap if the Knicks do not bite. The rest of the team is expendable.

I think us having a shot at #3 would be if KD goes to NYK and they don't get a second star. Even then I don't know what all else we'd add. Anderson? He could be their starting PF and a secondary creator.

You guys are acting like free agency is happening before the draft. The lakers are not going after Conley until they strike out using their cap space. I think either Ball or Ingram would be the best we could hope for, they wouldn’t give up whoever they drafted at 4.

[VCfor3]

Any potential Knicks trade ideas? Conley+ for the #3. Obviously, this assumes that Kyrie to the Knicks isn't a sure thing.


I absolutely love drafting Ja at #2 and believe he will be a game changer. With that said, rumblings are that the Knicks are offering up the #3 pick to the right bidder. This makes sense on the surface if they are going to acquire Durant and whichever other big name free agent he attracts. Barrett, at only 18 years old, is incredibly underrated. We have never had a 1-2 backcourt punch like Ja-RJ and this would build a healthy nucleus that would contend.


In any other draft, RJ is a top pick imho. If we can make the right offer, we would have the best young team in the league. Ja-RJ-JJ


As for the posts I have seen, I would do a Conley - Mikal Bridges swap if the Knicks do not bite. The rest of the team is expendable.

I think us having a shot at #3 would be if KD goes to NYK and they don't get a second star. Even then I don't know what all else we'd add. Anderson? He could be their starting PF and a secondary creator.

You guys are acting like free agency is happening before the draft. The lakers are not going after Conley until they strike out using their cap space. I think either Ball or Ingram would be the best we could hope for, they wouldn’t give up whoever they drafted at 4.

In the original post for LAL and NYK I clarified it would only be after those teams struck out in FA in which case I could see them potentially moving their rookies if they are in win now mode. Conley helps Lebron more than Culver does and at that point Conley would likely be the best player available for LAL to acquire.

[psman2]

I think us having a shot at #3 would be if KD goes to NYK and they don't get a second star. Even then I don't know what all else we'd add. Anderson? He could be their starting PF and a secondary creator.

You guys are acting like free agency is happening before the draft. The lakers are not going after Conley until they strike out using their cap space. I think either Ball or Ingram would be the best we could hope for, they wouldn’t give up whoever they drafted at 4.

In the original post for LAL and NYK I clarified it would only be after those teams struck out in FA in which case I could see them potentially moving their rookies if they are in win now mode. Conley helps Lebron more than Culver does and at that point Conley would likely be the best player available for LAL to acquire.

The lakers will likely have a good idea of what the offers out there for Conley are. Just because they could use Conley does not equate to them offering 2 to 3 times more value than the next team. I would be thrilled if it happened but I like to keep my expectations based on probable outcomes.

[jman3134]

Any potential Knicks trade ideas? Conley+ for the #3. Obviously, this assumes that Kyrie to the Knicks isn't a sure thing.


I absolutely love drafting Ja at #2 and believe he will be a game changer. With that said, rumblings are that the Knicks are offering up the #3 pick to the right bidder. This makes sense on the surface if they are going to acquire Durant and whichever other big name free agent he attracts. Barrett, at only 18 years old, is incredibly underrated. We have never had a 1-2 backcourt punch like Ja-RJ and this would build a healthy nucleus that would contend.


In any other draft, RJ is a top pick imho. If we can make the right offer, we would have the best young team in the league. Ja-RJ-JJ


As for the posts I have seen, I would do a Conley - Mikal Bridges swap if the Knicks do not bite. The rest of the team is expendable.

S.A.Smith stated their was a 95% probability that Durant & Kyrie will end up in NY, unless Durant somehow backs out. That would take Conley off the table for NY. On the jump, they said NO's is not interested in dealing with LA, that's big & why I think this is the reason Memphis came out early to make their intentions known so early as to who their pick will be at #2. Knicks/NO's now know they will be able to swap Davis for Zions best friend RJ amid his threats to return to Duke. As a result LA will have missed out on Durant, Kyrie & Davis forcing their hand on where they take the Lebron era. Do they admit failure & draft youth or do they make a desperation move to land a good vet PG who can actually shoot via trade & target B type FA's with their remaining Cap.

Memphis can get value out of LA but I think they should & would offer up a package for Love first. Question is would the 4th or Ingram headline that deal & or would a deal require both. What I think would be more likely for Memphis would be Ball & a 23m TE for Conley. If Cavs don't ask for both Ingram & the 4th then I'd target Hunter for Conley.

With Morant & potentially Garland off the table, Suns or Chicago might offer the 6th or 7th pick for Ball. His playmaking & defense would be a good fit beside Booker. Then Memphis can use the trade exception on a team looking to shed salary for a pick in the 10-20 range draft a Keldon Johnson or Herro netting them 2 draft picks for Conley.

An Ideal scenario built off of this is, Memphis draft #2 Morant, trade Conley to LA for #4 Hunter or #6/7 Hayes, use the TE to net a pick in te 10-20 range select a SG like Johnson or Hero depending on which team is desperate to dump salary that's not enamored with the draft.

All of these options are extremely underwhelming, having put my diligence in on Hunter/K Johnson. K Johnson we can acquire for a likely late 1st, which is the equivalent of a 2nd in an ordinary draft. While I like him more than draft prognosticators, his game is eons away from having any impact in the NBA aside from the fact that he guards multiple positions. Still , he is just average laterally, so that isn't much of a standout attribute.

In terms of his game, Johnson is a straight line driver, with minimal wiggle. His three point shooting and form looked good, especially in the tournament. With that said, there are 1,000,000 guys who do the exact same thing as him. Plus, his decision making is below avg for the college level and he hasn't learned how to pass out of doubles. Basically, if he doesn't progress outside his core strength areas, we have a good (not great) spot up shooter with average lateral quickness. A poor man's two way.

I would rather have Keldon Johnson than Hunter. Hunter looked great in the championship game because he finally hit shots. By no means does he have the burst to take players off the dribble at the next level. He can play fundamentally sound defense, but isn't exceptionally quick.

If we are going to draft anyone in the 5-10 range, Culver should be our guy just based on his mental approach to the game, as he will be more than the player he is at the collegiate level. While he isn't enough of a finisher to really make a huge impact immediately imho, his knowledge of defensive schemes will help him to make an instant impact on D. He is a way more versatile defender than Hunter also imo.

I actually prefer Hero, but wouldn't trade Mike Conley for him straight up at his current value. Anything outside of Garland/RJ has too many question marks in this draft class. If we are to trade Conley, we need to do this for an instant impact player. Under normal circumstances, the Knicks would probably ask for more for RJ. However, if KD comes in (and not Kyrie), they will be looking to surround him with the best talent possible. Conley is there on both ends of the floor.

If we can't deal Conley, how else could we create a package worthy to grab #3? 2 future 1sts? Or maybe we do a three team package.

[SD2042]

Any potential Knicks trade ideas? Conley+ for the #3. Obviously, this assumes that Kyrie to the Knicks isn't a sure thing.


I absolutely love drafting Ja at #2 and believe he will be a game changer. With that said, rumblings are that the Knicks are offering up the #3 pick to the right bidder. This makes sense on the surface if they are going to acquire Durant and whichever other big name free agent he attracts. Barrett, at only 18 years old, is incredibly underrated. We have never had a 1-2 backcourt punch like Ja-RJ and this would build a healthy nucleus that would contend.


In any other draft, RJ is a top pick imho. If we can make the right offer, we would have the best young team in the league. Ja-RJ-JJ


As for the posts I have seen, I would do a Conley - Mikal Bridges swap if the Knicks do not bite. The rest of the team is expendable.

S.A.Smith stated their was a 95% probability that Durant & Kyrie will end up in NY, unless Durant somehow backs out. That would take Conley off the table for NY. On the jump, they said NO's is not interested in dealing with LA, that's big & why I think this is the reason Memphis came out early to make their intentions known so early as to who their pick will be at #2. Knicks/NO's now know they will be able to swap Davis for Zions best friend RJ amid his threats to return to Duke. As a result LA will have missed out on Durant, Kyrie & Davis forcing their hand on where they take the Lebron era. Do they admit failure & draft youth or do they make a desperation move to land a good vet PG who can actually shoot via trade & target B type FA's with their remaining Cap.

Memphis can get value out of LA but I think they should & would offer up a package for Love first. Question is would the 4th or Ingram headline that deal & or would a deal require both. What I think would be more likely for Memphis would be Ball & a 23m TE for Conley. If Cavs don't ask for both Ingram & the 4th then I'd target Hunter for Conley.

With Morant & potentially Garland off the table, Suns or Chicago might offer the 6th or 7th pick for Ball. His playmaking & defense would be a good fit beside Booker. Then Memphis can use the trade exception on a team looking to shed salary for a pick in the 10-20 range draft a Keldon Johnson or Herro netting them 2 draft picks for Conley.

An Ideal scenario built off of this is, Memphis draft #2 Morant, trade Conley to LA for #4 Hunter or #6/7 Hayes, use the TE to net a pick in te 10-20 range select a SG like Johnson or Hero depending on which team is desperate to dump salary that's not enamored with the draft.

The conversation about Zion cold return to Duke came from Colin Cowherd. That to me was stupid of him to say. It's true that Zion hasn't sign with an agent as of yet.The new GM David Griffin is at the head of the Pelicans. I'm sure he will not leave Zion hanging as he has a lot of work ahead of him. Keep in mind he's in the drivers seat when it comes down to having leverage with his trade chips in AD23 and Jrue Holiday. He will work something out between now and the offseason.

As for the Knicks getting KD and Kyrie, I'm not all the way convince of this. The Knicks haven't been relevant in a minute. All this false hope of them getting Zion blew up in their faces the other night. When you really think about what's really attracting both players to NYK when they haven't been winning in a minute. The Knicks may have to rebuild their brand the old fashion way if they can't attract major free agents to their team in the summer. The same thing goes for the L.A. Lakers and their tangled webs.

As for Conley trades, teams I still see may have a legit chance of acquiring Conley based on VC's post

Bos-
Chi-albeit slim as I don't see them giving up OPJ
Den- This deal might have some legs
Orl-I'm thinking they will hold on to Gordon. However the deal might involve Fournier potentially
Minn-
Phx-

[SD2042]

Any potential Knicks trade ideas? Conley+ for the #3. Obviously, this assumes that Kyrie to the Knicks isn't a sure thing.


I absolutely love drafting Ja at #2 and believe he will be a game changer. With that said, rumblings are that the Knicks are offering up the #3 pick to the right bidder. This makes sense on the surface if they are going to acquire Durant and whichever other big name free agent he attracts. Barrett, at only 18 years old, is incredibly underrated. We have never had a 1-2 backcourt punch like Ja-RJ and this would build a healthy nucleus that would contend.


In any other draft, RJ is a top pick imho. If we can make the right offer, we would have the best young team in the league. Ja-RJ-JJ


As for the posts I have seen, I would do a Conley - Mikal Bridges swap if the Knicks do not bite. The rest of the team is expendable.

S.A.Smith stated their was a 95% probability that Durant & Kyrie will end up in NY, unless Durant somehow backs out. That would take Conley off the table for NY. On the jump, they said NO's is not interested in dealing with LA, that's big & why I think this is the reason Memphis came out early to make their intentions known so early as to who their pick will be at #2. Knicks/NO's now know they will be able to swap Davis for Zions best friend RJ amid his threats to return to Duke. As a result LA will have missed out on Durant, Kyrie & Davis forcing their hand on where they take the Lebron era. Do they admit failure & draft youth or do they make a desperation move to land a good vet PG who can actually shoot via trade & target B type FA's with their remaining Cap.

Memphis can get value out of LA but I think they should & would offer up a package for Love first. Question is would the 4th or Ingram headline that deal & or would a deal require both. What I think would be more likely for Memphis would be Ball & a 23m TE for Conley. If Cavs don't ask for both Ingram & the 4th then I'd target Hunter for Conley.

With Morant & potentially Garland off the table, Suns or Chicago might offer the 6th or 7th pick for Ball. His playmaking & defense would be a good fit beside Booker. Then Memphis can use the trade exception on a team looking to shed salary for a pick in the 10-20 range draft a Keldon Johnson or Herro netting them 2 draft picks for Conley.

An Ideal scenario built off of this is, Memphis draft #2 Morant, trade Conley to LA for #4 Hunter or #6/7 Hayes, use the TE to net a pick in te 10-20 range select a SG like Johnson or Hero depending on which team is desperate to dump salary that's not enamored with the draft.

All of these options are extremely underwhelming, having put my diligence in on Hunter/K Johnson. K Johnson we can acquire for a likely late 1st, which is the equivalent of a 2nd in an ordinary draft. While I like him more than draft prognosticators, his game is eons away from having any impact in the NBA aside from the fact that he guards multiple positions.

J-man, what are your thoughts on Tyus Battle of Syracuse?

[VCfor3]

You guys are acting like free agency is happening before the draft. The lakers are not going after Conley until they strike out using their cap space. I think either Ball or Ingram would be the best we could hope for, they wouldn’t give up whoever they drafted at 4.

In the original post for LAL and NYK I clarified it would only be after those teams struck out in FA in which case I could see them potentially moving their rookies if they are in win now mode. Conley helps Lebron more than Culver does and at that point Conley would likely be the best player available for LAL to acquire.

The lakers will likely have a good idea of what the offers out there for Conley are. Just because they could use Conley does not equate to them offering 2 to 3 times more value than the next team. I would be thrilled if it happened but I like to keep my expectations based on probable outcomes.

I think 7+Felicio is an option the Bulls will at least consider seeing how they are supposedly listening to offers on 7 for vet PG help. 6+Tyler Johnson has a small chance as well due to PHX wanting a high end PG to hopefully take them over the top and get them to start winning. And once you use a pick it generally loses some value. The player the Lakers select at 4 could very well have been a player Memphis/others wouldn't have taken till 8 in this draft. So the player picked at #4 for Conley is not 2-3 times more value than what another team may offer. Ball also won't be as tempting to Memphis since they have Ja and maybe Wright (you'd know by this point) so moving Conley to help at another position will be given heavier consideration if you can't reroute Ball.

I think Conley will be moved prior to the Lakers knowing how FA shakes out though.

[Whole Truth]

Any potential Knicks trade ideas? Conley+ for the #3. Obviously, this assumes that Kyrie to the Knicks isn't a sure thing.


I absolutely love drafting Ja at #2 and believe he will be a game changer. With that said, rumblings are that the Knicks are offering up the #3 pick to the right bidder. This makes sense on the surface if they are going to acquire Durant and whichever other big name free agent he attracts. Barrett, at only 18 years old, is incredibly underrated. We have never had a 1-2 backcourt punch like Ja-RJ and this would build a healthy nucleus that would contend.


In any other draft, RJ is a top pick imho. If we can make the right offer, we would have the best young team in the league. Ja-RJ-JJ


As for the posts I have seen, I would do a Conley - Mikal Bridges swap if the Knicks do not bite. The rest of the team is expendable.

S.A.Smith stated their was a 95% probability that Durant & Kyrie will end up in NY, unless Durant somehow backs out. That would take Conley off the table for NY. On the jump, they said NO's is not interested in dealing with LA, that's big & why I think this is the reason Memphis came out early to make their intentions known so early as to who their pick will be at #2. Knicks/NO's now know they will be able to swap Davis for Zions best friend RJ amid his threats to return to Duke. As a result LA will have missed out on Durant, Kyrie & Davis forcing their hand on where they take the Lebron era. Do they admit failure & draft youth or do they make a desperation move to land a good vet PG who can actually shoot via trade & target B type FA's with their remaining Cap.

Memphis can get value out of LA but I think they should & would offer up a package for Love first. Question is would the 4th or Ingram headline that deal & or would a deal require both. What I think would be more likely for Memphis would be Ball & a 23m TE for Conley. If Cavs don't ask for both Ingram & the 4th then I'd target Hunter for Conley.

With Morant & potentially Garland off the table, Suns or Chicago might offer the 6th or 7th pick for Ball. His playmaking & defense would be a good fit beside Booker. Then Memphis can use the trade exception on a team looking to shed salary for a pick in the 10-20 range draft a Keldon Johnson or Herro netting them 2 draft picks for Conley.

An Ideal scenario built off of this is, Memphis draft #2 Morant, trade Conley to LA for #4 Hunter or #6/7 Hayes, use the TE to net a pick in te 10-20 range select a SG like Johnson or Hero depending on which team is desperate to dump salary that's not enamored with the draft.

All of these options are extremely underwhelming, having put my diligence in on Hunter/K Johnson. K Johnson we can acquire for a likely late 1st, which is the equivalent of a 2nd in an ordinary draft. While I like him more than draft prognosticators, his game is eons away from having any impact in the NBA aside from the fact that he guards multiple positions.

I think both Hunter & Johnson will come in & be versatile 3d wings out the gate, if anything translates well it's defense but do agree Keldon more than Hunter needs offensive refinement. Draft express has a good scouting video out on him.

I'm a Raptor fan who has watched Jonas for the past 7 seasons. Lowry, Jonas pnr was our most effective, efficient offensive option. Derozan was a high usage defensive liability that was incompatible with a slow footed big which is why Casey limited his play. Reason I've suggested these players is with Jackson, Hunter & Johnson complimenting a Jonas, Ja pnr Memphis will be better than any formation Raptors had up to acquiring Kawhi.

Ja's playmaking ability, Jonas screening ability to create space for his athleticism surrounded by length & 3pt shooting, this team will be top 5 in offense & defense under refinement.

Jonas
Jackson
Hunter
Johnson
Ja

I like the option to draft Hayes as well because I think it's important to have quality depth at both C & PG. It's what elevates bench production, protects aginst injury & fatigue that adds additional wins over 82 games. So despite these picks not looking like stars as a collective unit, the style of play, they will be perfect, IMO. An efficient pnr offense with versatile defensive players stretching the paint for it, the versatility to play big with Jonas, small with Jackson, all of them including Jonas still growing as players.

The best part is that if they're not ready & Memphis trade Conley to give the reigns to Ja Memphis could end up top 6 next year & address any potential failure in choice or if no failure improve upon what's lready good. Build trade assets if theres a need for a future trade.

[psman2]

In the original post for LAL and NYK I clarified it would only be after those teams struck out in FA in which case I could see them potentially moving their rookies if they are in win now mode. Conley helps Lebron more than Culver does and at that point Conley would likely be the best player available for LAL to acquire.

The lakers will likely have a good idea of what the offers out there for Conley are. Just because they could use Conley does not equate to them offering 2 to 3 times more value than the next team. I would be thrilled if it happened but I like to keep my expectations based on probable outcomes.

I think 7+Felicio is an option the Bulls will at least consider seeing how they are supposedly listening to offers on 7 for vet PG help. 6+Tyler Johnson has a small chance as well due to PHX wanting a high end PG to hopefully take them over the top and get them to start winning. And once you use a pick it generally loses some value. The player the Lakers select at 4 could very well have been a player Memphis/others wouldn't have taken till 8 in this draft. So the player picked at #4 for Conley is not 2-3 times more value than what another team may offer. Ball also won't be as tempting to Memphis since they have Ja and maybe Wright (you'd know by this point) so moving Conley to help at another position will be given heavier consideration if you can't reroute Ball.

I think Conley will be moved prior to the Lakers knowing how FA shakes out though.

If the Suns and Bulls are going to make those trades for Conley it will be before the draft or during the draft. It is highly unlikely after the draft passes those teams turn around and decide to then make a Conley offer including those just draft players. Neither team has the cap space or expectation to sign a big name free agent PG that they would weigh against trading for Conley before free agency started.

Those offers are not what the Lakers will be competing against after free agency has started. It will be the Det and the Utahs of the world more than likely with a protect lottery pick and expiring contracts.

[VCfor3]

The lakers will likely have a good idea of what the offers out there for Conley are. Just because they could use Conley does not equate to them offering 2 to 3 times more value than the next team. I would be thrilled if it happened but I like to keep my expectations based on probable outcomes.

I think 7+Felicio is an option the Bulls will at least consider seeing how they are supposedly listening to offers on 7 for vet PG help. 6+Tyler Johnson has a small chance as well due to PHX wanting a high end PG to hopefully take them over the top and get them to start winning. And once you use a pick it generally loses some value. The player the Lakers select at 4 could very well have been a player Memphis/others wouldn't have taken till 8 in this draft. So the player picked at #4 for Conley is not 2-3 times more value than what another team may offer. Ball also won't be as tempting to Memphis since they have Ja and maybe Wright (you'd know by this point) so moving Conley to help at another position will be given heavier consideration if you can't reroute Ball.

I think Conley will be moved prior to the Lakers knowing how FA shakes out though.

If the Suns and Bulls are going to make those trades for Conley it will be before the draft or during the draft. It is highly unlikely after the draft passes those teams turn around and decide to then make a Conley offer including those just draft players. Neither team has the cap space or expectation to sign a big name free agent PG that they would weigh against trading for Conley before free agency started.

Those offers are not what the Lakers will be competing against after free agency has started. It will be the Det and the Utahs of the world more than likely with a protect lottery pick and expiring contracts.

Or Indy or Denver. If Indy offers up Sabonis or Denver offers Gary Harris that would be a much better route than Ball. Heck it may even be better than #4 depending on who LAL takes. I also would probably prefer future picks over Ball depending on the picks. Memphis may also keep Conley to mentor Ja for a few months and move him at the deadline if the best offer is just Ball. So unless LAL sweetens the deal or makes a package based around different youth (youth that would likely contribute more than a rookie) I think they may be forced to use the player drafted at #4. They can definitely try to have Memphis throw in something more since they are certainly overpaying but their situation may force them into such a deal unless they want to waste LBJ's window waiting for their young guys to develop.

[Whole Truth]

I would rather have Keldon Johnson than Hunter. Hunter looked great in the championship game because he finally hit shots. By no means does he have the burst to take players off the dribble at the next level. He can play fundamentally sound defense, but isn't exceptionally quick.

If we are going to draft anyone in the 5-10 range, Culver should be our guy just based on his mental approach to the game, as he will be more than the player he is at the collegiate level. While he isn't enough of a finisher to really make a huge impact immediately imho, his knowledge of defensive schemes will help him to make an instant impact on D. He is a way more versatile defender than Hunter also imo.

I actually prefer Hero, but wouldn't trade Mike Conley for him straight up at his current value. Anything outside of Garland/RJ has too many question marks in this draft class. If we are to trade Conley, we need to do this for an instant impact player. Under normal circumstances, the Knicks would probably ask for more for RJ. However, if KD comes in (and not Kyrie), they will be looking to surround him with the best talent possible. Conley is there on both ends of the floor.

If we can't deal Conley, how else could we create a package worthy to grab #3? 2 future 1sts? Or maybe we do a three team package.

I like Johnson more than Hunter & Culver but with him projected 11 in mock drafts, it's why I had him picked after Hunter who's mocked higher. I also like the idea of drafting Hayes in that 5-10 range. Think it would solidify your teams front court for years. I hope Memphis doesn't pigeon hold Jackson as a modern day 5. So after 3yrs when Jonas is 30, Hayes could slip in as the starting 5 to be potentially the best defensive front court in the league. (I question his BBIQ though).

Concerning Hero I wasn't suggesting trading Conley straight up for him. The trade was Conley to LA for Ball & a 23m TE. Ball was flipped to either Suns or Chicago for the 6th or 7th pick. It's with the trade exception that I had Memphis taking back some unwanted salary to land a mid to late pick for Johnson or Hero depending on how much salary they take back & position of the pick. Hero is mocked late lotto

I'm convinced that 3rd pick is earmarked for a Davis trade. Knicks land Davis, it will help them entice/sell Durant & Kyrie who's aready rumored to be interested despite Knicks track record & current state.

[psman2]

I think 7+Felicio is an option the Bulls will at least consider seeing how they are supposedly listening to offers on 7 for vet PG help. 6+Tyler Johnson has a small chance as well due to PHX wanting a high end PG to hopefully take them over the top and get them to start winning. And once you use a pick it generally loses some value. The player the Lakers select at 4 could very well have been a player Memphis/others wouldn't have taken till 8 in this draft. So the player picked at #4 for Conley is not 2-3 times more value than what another team may offer. Ball also won't be as tempting to Memphis since they have Ja and maybe Wright (you'd know by this point) so moving Conley to help at another position will be given heavier consideration if you can't reroute Ball.

I think Conley will be moved prior to the Lakers knowing how FA shakes out though.

If the Suns and Bulls are going to make those trades for Conley it will be before the draft or during the draft. It is highly unlikely after the draft passes those teams turn around and decide to then make a Conley offer including those just draft players. Neither team has the cap space or expectation to sign a big name free agent PG that they would weigh against trading for Conley before free agency started.

Those offers are not what the Lakers will be competing against after free agency has started. It will be the Det and the Utahs of the world more than likely with a protect lottery pick and expiring contracts.

Or Indy or Denver. If Indy offers up Sabonis or Denver offers Gary Harris that would be a much better route than Ball. Heck it may even be better than #4 depending on who LAL takes. I also would probably prefer future picks over Ball depending on the picks. Memphis may also keep Conley to mentor Ja for a few months and move him at the deadline if the best offer is just Ball. So unless LAL sweetens the deal or makes a package based around different youth (youth that would likely contribute more than a rookie) I think they may be forced to use the player drafted at #4. They can definitely try to have Memphis throw in something more since they are certainly overpaying but their situation may force them into such a deal unless they want to waste LBJ's window waiting for their young guys to develop.

Harris is overrated. Somehow the notion that he is a good defender has spread. He is at best a average defender with a short wingspan coming off a disastrous year. I don't think he is worth his contract as of right now. Having said that he is not bad player overall.. just at 20 million a year he is not worth forgoing other assets. I would take a gamble on MPJ, but I doubt they would move him.

The Indy trade is higher unlikely, they just don't have the cap space or deadweight contracts to make it work. The would have to say goodbye to too much depth to just make the numbers work. Plus I doubt they would give up Sabonis.

I wouldn't want Ball with Ja in hand, but I would consider Ingram from the Lakers if we get some more clarity on his medical issues. Ingram (or Kuz/ or 1st(s)) and a giant TPE that we could likely squeeze another 1st out of is nothing to scoff at.

[Whole Truth]

As for Conley trades, teams I still see may have a legit chance of acquiring Conley based on VC's post

Bos-
Chi-albeit slim as I don't see them giving up OPJ
Den- This deal might have some legs
Orl-I'm thinking they will hold on to Gordon. However the deal might involve Fournier potentially
Minn-
Phx-

The Gordon suggestion was based off an article suggesting your team wanted to make room for Isaac & his contract was made specifically to deal him but things change, he was good in his first playoff appearance. I'm not a fan of Fournier, I'd decline that option. Not a good enough defender & too much tunnel vision.

Rumor out of Chicago was the 5th pick & how the draft would pan out for Ball. Chicago fell to 7th. If LA have interest in Conley for Ball I'd flip him for the 7th pick. Lakers have no salaries to match so Memphis would get a large trade exception as well if they fail to land Kyrie

What's the Denver deal?

[VCfor3]

As for Conley trades, teams I still see may have a legit chance of acquiring Conley based on VC's post

Bos-
Chi-albeit slim as I don't see them giving up OPJ
Den- This deal might have some legs
Orl-I'm thinking they will hold on to Gordon. However the deal might involve Fournier potentially
Minn-
Phx-

The Gordon suggestion was based off an article suggesting your team wanted to make room for Isaac & his contract was made specifically to deal him but things change, he was good in his first playoff appearance. I'm not a fan of Fournier, I'd decline that option. Not a good enough defender & too much tunnel vision.

Rumor out of Chicago was the 5th pick & how the draft would pan out for Ball. Chicago fell to 7th. If LA have interest in Conley for Ball I'd flip him for the 7th pick. Lakers have no salaries to match so Memphis would get a large trade exception as well if Lakers fail to land Kyrie

What's the Denver deal?

Gary Harris+Plumlee
or
Plumlee+Barton+MPJ+Juan?/additional asset potentially

[Whole Truth]

As for Conley trades, teams I still see may have a legit chance of acquiring Conley based on VC's post

Bos-
Chi-albeit slim as I don't see them giving up OPJ
Den- This deal might have some legs
Orl-I'm thinking they will hold on to Gordon. However the deal might involve Fournier potentially
Minn-
Phx-

The Gordon suggestion was based off an article suggesting your team wanted to make room for Isaac & his contract was made specifically to deal him but things change, he was good in his first playoff appearance. I'm not a fan of Fournier, I'd decline that option. Not a good enough defender & too much tunnel vision.

Rumor out of Chicago was the 5th pick & how the draft would pan out for Ball. Chicago fell to 7th. If LA have interest in Conley for Ball I'd flip him for the 7th pick. Lakers have no salaries to match so Memphis would get a large trade exception as well if Lakers fail to land Kyrie

What's the Denver deal?

Gary Harris+Plumlee
or
Plumlee+Barton+MPJ+Juan?/additional asset potentially

I'm all for buying low but didn't watch much Denver games to know why Harris production this season regressed past his sophmore season?.

Why are they selling low on this young player?.

[Whole Truth]

If the Suns and Bulls are going to make those trades for Conley it will be before the draft or during the draft. It is highly unlikely after the draft passes those teams turn around and decide to then make a Conley offer including those just draft players. Neither team has the cap space or expectation to sign a big name free agent PG that they would weigh against trading for Conley before free agency started.

Those offers are not what the Lakers will be competing against after free agency has started. It will be the Det and the Utahs of the world more than likely with a protect lottery pick and expiring contracts.

Or Indy or Denver. If Indy offers up Sabonis or Denver offers Gary Harris that would be a much better route than Ball. Heck it may even be better than #4 depending on who LAL takes. I also would probably prefer future picks over Ball depending on the picks. Memphis may also keep Conley to mentor Ja for a few months and move him at the deadline if the best offer is just Ball. So unless LAL sweetens the deal or makes a package based around different youth (youth that would likely contribute more than a rookie) I think they may be forced to use the player drafted at #4. They can definitely try to have Memphis throw in something more since they are certainly overpaying but their situation may force them into such a deal unless they want to waste LBJ's window waiting for their young guys to develop.

Harris is overrated. Somehow the notion that he is a good defender has spread. He is at best a average defender with a short wingspan coming off a disastrous year. I don't think he is worth his contract as of right now. Having said that he is not bad player overall.. just at 20 million a year he is not worth forgoing other assets. I would take a gamble on MPJ, but I doubt they would move him.

The Indy trade is higher unlikely, they just don't have the cap space or deadweight contracts to make it work. The would have to say goodbye to too much depth to just make the numbers work. Plus I doubt they would give up Sabonis.

I wouldn't want Ball with Ja in hand, but I would consider Ingram from the Lakers if we get some more clarity on his medical issues. Ingram (or Kuz/ or 1st(s)) and a giant TPE that we could likely squeeze another 1st out of is nothing to scoff at.

If Ingram were healthy, no way they would trade him for an ageing PG, while giving up 20 something m in cap space. If Lakers agree to that deal it would be because they think he's damaged goods.

Suns want to pair Booker with a defensive PG, Ball fits that description, need for them. If Morant & Garland are off the table when Suns pick & Conley can net Ball from the Lakers, they should be able to flip him for the 6th pick.

[VCfor3]

The Gordon suggestion was based off an article suggesting your team wanted to make room for Isaac & his contract was made specifically to deal him but things change, he was good in his first playoff appearance. I'm not a fan of Fournier, I'd decline that option. Not a good enough defender & too much tunnel vision.

Rumor out of Chicago was the 5th pick & how the draft would pan out for Ball. Chicago fell to 7th. If LA have interest in Conley for Ball I'd flip him for the 7th pick. Lakers have no salaries to match so Memphis would get a large trade exception as well if Lakers fail to land Kyrie

What's the Denver deal?

Gary Harris+Plumlee
or
Plumlee+Barton+MPJ+Juan?/additional asset potentially

I'm all for buying low but didn't watch much Denver games to know why Harris production this season regressed past his sophmore season?.

Why are they selling low on this young player?.

I think Harris is a bit of a long shot, but the thought would be the Denver FO convinces themselves Conley would put them over the top. Murray could move to SG and split ball handling duties with Conley. Harris also had a down year due to coming back from injury. The hope would be he bounces back to his former self. psman2's point about Harris's defense being overrated has a ton of merit and I hope out FO would fully dissect out where he actually stands in that regard, but he is a young 3&D type of SG to put next to Ja. I'd be ok with MPJ. Matches our timeline and if he busts it doesn't really hurt us too bad since we are rebuilding anyway and need a couple swing-for-the fence types to raise our potential ceiling. Someone like Harris raises our floor more than our ceiling.