Official Speculation Thread ‘19-'20 I: Big decisions on the horizon

[ezzzp]

If it’s swapping Mozgov/Fournier for Conley at the cost of the 16th pick, I’m not totally opposed

Conley is a nice 2 way PG that’s a plus shooter with leadership ability.. also I don’t think he would have **** his pants in the playoffs like the rest of the team. I could see Clifford loving Conley

His leadership would be great. But I am going to go moreso for seeing what we have. The experience of clawing their way from the bottom and into the playoffs was already a feat they will use to carry on into the next season. And the anguish found in utter defeat will also do just as much of the same depending on their personalities and how they handle that defeat. The other thing that would be important is how they view Fultz. We are out here throwing spitballs in the wind thinking we are going to hit the target... "Is he still injured?" "Why is he still out?"... "IS HE MENTALLY BROKEN?!?!?!"... and they know what's going on. If they are legit taking their time with him and know their expect projections for him.... there is no use throwing another obstacle in the kids way. I'd rather have DJ as the starter with the knowledge that he can happily slide over if fultz starts budding or blooms.

And if he buds.... this is a totally different team than last year... especially when you throw in a quality and complimentary pick.

getting conley if it is indeed Moz/Fournier and 16 would be a damn good deal... They could realistically hold Fultz out all year and let him "take his time" since DJ would be a very solid 1-2 punch with Conley.

I agree, it totally takes the pressure of Fultz and the FO.

If Fultz is healthy and playable, the FO just flips DJ asap. If Fultz continues to be hurt and things get iffy with him, they ride DJ out and its a solid 1-2 punch that will keep a consistent floor leader on the floor for both units which is good for the young guys.

It even stretches their window to be patient with Fultz for another additional full season.

[ezzzp]

Mozgov and Fournier for Conley? lol Grizz aren't that dumb.

Its their beat writer (equivalent of Robbins) PLUS the trade he states is Fournier, Mozgov AND 16th Pick

In that case, no no no... #16 is gonna be given a chance to be a part of our long term core. Conley is worth more to teams picking at the end of the round.

How do you know that 16 is going to be part of long term core?

Right now the most valuable long term assets the Magic have are Gordon, Isaac, Bamba + Fultz ....they are WAAAAAY more valuable than the 2019 16th pick. Adding more instability and inexperience to their daily activity and developmental context isn't doing them any favors...in fact the evidence shows that too much youth is detrimental to development.

Conley brings tremendous leadership and stability.

Plus it totally takes the pressure of Fultz and the FO.

If Fultz is healthy and playable, the FO just flips DJ asap. If Fultz continues to be hurt and things get iffy with him, they ride DJ out and its a solid 1-2 punch that will keep a consistent floor leader on the floor for both units.

It even stretches their window to be patient with Fultz for another additional full season.

[VFX]

For 2 maybe 3 decent years if he doesn’t get injured? Wouldn’t be the most exciting trade.

Pass. It would be pushing the chips in to compete now, without the roster capable of (more than likely) not getting past the first round. Trading 16, Fultz, Bamba, future firsts, and Moz expiring for an often injured 31 year old point guard is a pretty shortsighted move.

Obviously he's listing possible assets to combine, not all of them for Conley...the trade he's focused on is 16 + Fournier + Mozgov

16, Fournier + Mozgov likely doesn’t get that deal done. There are other teams that could offer more. It would merely be consolidating higher priced assets + whatever picks just to remain “competitive”. The future will be sacrificed in some way (picks, youth, etc.) for 2 years of Conley going into 33 years of age at the end of that contract.

A Conley, Ross, Isaac, AG, and Vuc lineup isn’t winning anything.

[MasterGMer]

Everyone knows Orlando is looking for a PG who can be a floor general and score. Fultz can be the sixth man of the team coming off the bench and I think that is going to be his role next season.

[Skin]

Its their beat writer (equivalent of Robbins) PLUS the trade he states is Fournier, Mozgov AND 16th Pick

In that case, no no no... #16 is gonna be given a chance to be a part of our long term core. Conley is worth more to teams picking at the end of the round.

How do you know that 16 is going to be part of long term core?

Right now the most valuable long term assets the Magic have are Gordon, Isaac, Bamba + Fultz ....they are WAAAAAY more valuable than the 2019 16th pick. Adding more instability and inexperience to their daily activity and developmental context isn't doing them any favors...in fact the evidence shows that too much youth is detrimental to development.

Conley brings tremendous leadership and stability.

Plus it totally takes the pressure of Fultz and the FO.

If Fultz is healthy and playable, the FO just flips DJ asap. If Fultz continues to be hurt and things get iffy with him, they ride DJ out and its a solid 1-2 punch that will keep a consistent floor leader on the floor for both units.

It even stretches their window to be patient with Fultz for another additional full season.

How does "is gonna be given a chance to be a part of our long term core" turn into a definitive that he is gonna be? Jeez, you're difficult.

He could be the next Andrew Nicholson for all we know... all I meant was that #16 is an asset that could (not will) turn into a long term piece.

Conley does bring tremendous leadership and stability. But he's also only played in 80+ games in a season 4 times in his 12 years as a pro. So how much can we really rely on him? We don't know. Same as the #16 pick. We don't know.

What do you trust more? Conley's health or WeHam's ability to scout players? I trust the latter more, but I admit it would be hella nice to get rid of Fournier and have a real PG. There are pros and cons here.

Problem then becomes... what do we do at SG? Won't have #16 to draft and develop one. Won't have cap space for Ross. Won't have Fournier. Won't have any more trade assets. Get some holdover vet? Or some UDFA, Euro or G League project? Move Wes Iwundu? Melvin Frazier? I dunno.

It's not the worst scenario, but it detracts from a long term vision where we are continuing to develop through the draft. To me, that's where our focus needs to stay.

[ezzzp]

Pass. It would be pushing the chips in to compete now, without the roster capable of (more than likely) not getting past the first round. Trading 16, Fultz, Bamba, future firsts, and Moz expiring for an often injured 31 year old point guard is a pretty shortsighted move.

Obviously he's listing possible assets to combine, not all of them for Conley...the trade he's focused on is 16 + Fournier + Mozgov

16, Fournier + Mozgov likely doesn’t get that deal done. There are other teams that could offer more. It would merely be consolidating higher priced assets + whatever picks just to remain “competitive”. The future will be sacrificed in some way (picks, youth, etc.) for 2 years of Conley going into 33 years of age at the end of that contract.

A Conley, Ross, Isaac, AG, and Vuc lineup isn’t winning anything.

The Memphis Grizzly's beat writer thinks it gets the deal done. In fact his exact words about all the trades from various teams he proposed:

"Mozgov/Fournier/16 pick for Conley seems like one of the cleanest potential deals out there"

He's their beat writer and he goes into what he's heard is out there for them and complications with cap etc and says the above quote about the Magic trade he proposed.

The future isn't sacrificed by trading away a 16th pick...the Magic have Fultz, Isaac, Frazier, Gordon, and Bamba all under 23 + have Iwundu and Fournier both in prime ascent AND have all their 1st and 2nd round picks moving forward. Conley is an excellent leader and stabilizer for the youth. If anything you are inserting someone who'll improve the youth's development.

...and a lineup with DJ at helm just made playoffs and won a game vs elite D and EC finalist Toronto...Conley is exponentially better than DJ and the young guys will all be a year more developed + Fultz

[MartinsIzAfraud]

In that case, no no no... #16 is gonna be given a chance to be a part of our long term core. Conley is worth more to teams picking at the end of the round.

How do you know that 16 is going to be part of long term core?

Right now the most valuable long term assets the Magic have are Gordon, Isaac, Bamba + Fultz ....they are WAAAAAY more valuable than the 2019 16th pick. Adding more instability and inexperience to their daily activity and developmental context isn't doing them any favors...in fact the evidence shows that too much youth is detrimental to development.

Conley brings tremendous leadership and stability.

Plus it totally takes the pressure of Fultz and the FO.

If Fultz is healthy and playable, the FO just flips DJ asap. If Fultz continues to be hurt and things get iffy with him, they ride DJ out and its a solid 1-2 punch that will keep a consistent floor leader on the floor for both units.

It even stretches their window to be patient with Fultz for another additional full season.

How does "is gonna be given a chance to be a part of our long term core" turn into a definitive that he is gonna be? Jeez, you're difficult.

He could be the next Andrew Nicholson for all we know... all I meant was that #16 is an asset that could (not will) turn into a long term piece.

Conley does bring tremendous leadership and stability. But he's also only played in 80+ games in a season 4 times in his 12 years as a pro. So how much can we really rely on him? We don't know. Same as the #16 pick. We don't know.

What do you trust more? Conley's health or WeHam's ability to scout players? I trust the latter more, but I admit it would be hella nice to get rid of Fournier and have a real PG. There are pros and cons here.

Problem then becomes... what do we do at SG? Won't have #16 to draft and develop one. Won't have cap space for Ross. Won't have Fournier. Won't have any more trade assets. Get some holdover vet? Or some UDFA, Euro or G League project? Move Wes Iwundu? Melvin Frazier? I dunno.

It's not the worst scenario, but it detracts from a long term vision where we are continuing to develop through the draft. To me, that's where our focus needs to stay.

Magic would take the 20-22M saved by renouncing Vuc and TRoss to throw at a SG and backup 4 in FA. This would actually be a home run off-season IMO. Clear Cap now and future, grab a solid starting PG who can open Isaac and AG's game since he's a threat.

Starting 5 would look like

Conley
FA SG - Jeremy lamb, Justin Holiday, Jamal Crawford ( really want him regardless as a bench Vet), Reggie Bullock
Isaac
AG
Birch or Bamba

Bench - DJ, FA Backup 4, Iwundu, whoever doesn't start at C and X random Euro player like Birch or Briscoe.

[Skin]

Everyone knows Orlando is looking for a PG who can be a floor general and score. Fultz can be the sixth man of the team coming off the bench and I think that is going to be his role next season.

I want to give Fultz every opportunity to succeed.

This means, I'm not drafting a PG at 16.
This means, I'm not signing or trading for another young PG.
This means, I'm not signing or trading for a big named PG.

Older aged... understands his role... could mentor Fultz... still has gas in the tank to help us chase playoffs... won't cost more than $10M per year...

Guys I would look at in FA are:
Patrick Beverley
Rajon Rondo
Derrick Rose - Fultz could learn a lot from Rose who has a similar game and history of injury
Michael Carter Williams - on the list cause he played surprisingly well last year

[Skin]

How do you know that 16 is going to be part of long term core?

Right now the most valuable long term assets the Magic have are Gordon, Isaac, Bamba + Fultz ....they are WAAAAAY more valuable than the 2019 16th pick. Adding more instability and inexperience to their daily activity and developmental context isn't doing them any favors...in fact the evidence shows that too much youth is detrimental to development.

Conley brings tremendous leadership and stability.

Plus it totally takes the pressure of Fultz and the FO.

If Fultz is healthy and playable, the FO just flips DJ asap. If Fultz continues to be hurt and things get iffy with him, they ride DJ out and its a solid 1-2 punch that will keep a consistent floor leader on the floor for both units.

It even stretches their window to be patient with Fultz for another additional full season.

How does "is gonna be given a chance to be a part of our long term core" turn into a definitive that he is gonna be? Jeez, you're difficult.

He could be the next Andrew Nicholson for all we know... all I meant was that #16 is an asset that could (not will) turn into a long term piece.

Conley does bring tremendous leadership and stability. But he's also only played in 80+ games in a season 4 times in his 12 years as a pro. So how much can we really rely on him? We don't know. Same as the #16 pick. We don't know.

What do you trust more? Conley's health or WeHam's ability to scout players? I trust the latter more, but I admit it would be hella nice to get rid of Fournier and have a real PG. There are pros and cons here.

Problem then becomes... what do we do at SG? Won't have #16 to draft and develop one. Won't have cap space for Ross. Won't have Fournier. Won't have any more trade assets. Get some holdover vet? Or some UDFA, Euro or G League project? Move Wes Iwundu? Melvin Frazier? I dunno.

It's not the worst scenario, but it detracts from a long term vision where we are continuing to develop through the draft. To me, that's where our focus needs to stay.

Magic would take the 20-22M saved by renouncing Vuc and TRoss to throw at a SG and backup 4 in FA. This would actually be a home run off-season IMO. Clear Cap now and future, grab a solid starting PG who can open Isaac and AG's game since he's a threat.

Starting 5 would look like

Conley
FA SG - Jeremy lamb, Justin Holiday, Jamal Crawford ( really want him regardless as a bench Vet), Reggie Bullock
Isaac
AG
Birch or Bamba

Bench - DJ, FA Backup 4, Iwundu, whoever doesn't start at C and X random Euro player like Birch or Briscoe.

If this gets us to let Vuc walk... HELLLL YEAH.

Don't think that is what ezzzp is thinking though. lol

[Blue_and_Whte]

How do you know that 16 is going to be part of long term core?

Right now the most valuable long term assets the Magic have are Gordon, Isaac, Bamba + Fultz ....they are WAAAAAY more valuable than the 2019 16th pick. Adding more instability and inexperience to their daily activity and developmental context isn't doing them any favors...in fact the evidence shows that too much youth is detrimental to development.

Conley brings tremendous leadership and stability.

Plus it totally takes the pressure of Fultz and the FO.

If Fultz is healthy and playable, the FO just flips DJ asap. If Fultz continues to be hurt and things get iffy with him, they ride DJ out and its a solid 1-2 punch that will keep a consistent floor leader on the floor for both units.

It even stretches their window to be patient with Fultz for another additional full season.

How does "is gonna be given a chance to be a part of our long term core" turn into a definitive that he is gonna be? Jeez, you're difficult.

He could be the next Andrew Nicholson for all we know... all I meant was that #16 is an asset that could (not will) turn into a long term piece.

Conley does bring tremendous leadership and stability. But he's also only played in 80+ games in a season 4 times in his 12 years as a pro. So how much can we really rely on him? We don't know. Same as the #16 pick. We don't know.

What do you trust more? Conley's health or WeHam's ability to scout players? I trust the latter more, but I admit it would be hella nice to get rid of Fournier and have a real PG. There are pros and cons here.

Problem then becomes... what do we do at SG? Won't have #16 to draft and develop one. Won't have cap space for Ross. Won't have Fournier. Won't have any more trade assets. Get some holdover vet? Or some UDFA, Euro or G League project? Move Wes Iwundu? Melvin Frazier? I dunno.

It's not the worst scenario, but it detracts from a long term vision where we are continuing to develop through the draft. To me, that's where our focus needs to stay.

Magic would take the 20-22M saved by renouncing Vuc and TRoss to throw at a SG and backup 4 in FA. This would actually be a home run off-season IMO. Clear Cap now and future, grab a solid starting PG who can open Isaac and AG's game since he's a threat.

Starting 5 would look like

Conley
FA SG - Jeremy lamb, Justin Holiday, Jamal Crawford ( really want him regardless as a bench Vet), Reggie Bullock
Isaac
AG
Birch or Bamba

Bench - DJ, FA Backup 4, Iwundu, whoever doesn't start at C and X random Euro player like Birch or Briscoe.

i wouldn’t call plummeting to depths of mediocrity again a homerun offseason.

[MartinsIzAfraud]

How does "is gonna be given a chance to be a part of our long term core" turn into a definitive that he is gonna be? Jeez, you're difficult.

He could be the next Andrew Nicholson for all we know... all I meant was that #16 is an asset that could (not will) turn into a long term piece.

Conley does bring tremendous leadership and stability. But he's also only played in 80+ games in a season 4 times in his 12 years as a pro. So how much can we really rely on him? We don't know. Same as the #16 pick. We don't know.

What do you trust more? Conley's health or WeHam's ability to scout players? I trust the latter more, but I admit it would be hella nice to get rid of Fournier and have a real PG. There are pros and cons here.

Problem then becomes... what do we do at SG? Won't have #16 to draft and develop one. Won't have cap space for Ross. Won't have Fournier. Won't have any more trade assets. Get some holdover vet? Or some UDFA, Euro or G League project? Move Wes Iwundu? Melvin Frazier? I dunno.

It's not the worst scenario, but it detracts from a long term vision where we are continuing to develop through the draft. To me, that's where our focus needs to stay.

Magic would take the 20-22M saved by renouncing Vuc and TRoss to throw at a SG and backup 4 in FA. This would actually be a home run off-season IMO. Clear Cap now and future, grab a solid starting PG who can open Isaac and AG's game since he's a threat.

Starting 5 would look like

Conley
FA SG - Jeremy lamb, Justin Holiday, Jamal Crawford ( really want him regardless as a bench Vet), Reggie Bullock
Isaac
AG
Birch or Bamba

Bench - DJ, FA Backup 4, Iwundu, whoever doesn't start at C and X random Euro player like Birch or Briscoe.

i wouldn’t call plummeting to depths of mediocrity again a homerun offseason.

If anything we barely made it to the mediocrity level.

[MartinsIzAfraud]

Everyone knows Orlando is looking for a PG who can be a floor general and score. Fultz can be the sixth man of the team coming off the bench and I think that is going to be his role next season.

I want to give Fultz every opportunity to succeed.

This means, I'm not drafting a PG at 16.
This means, I'm not signing or trading for another young PG.
This means, I'm not signing or trading for a big named PG.

Older aged... understands his role... could mentor Fultz... still has gas in the tank to help us chase playoffs... won't cost more than $10M per year...

Guys I would look at in FA are:
Patrick Beverley
Rajon Rondo
Derrick Rose - Fultz could learn a lot from Rose who has a similar game and history of injury
Michael Carter Williams - on the list cause he played surprisingly well last year

If Fultz isn’t cleared or ready for Summer League I’m not sitting around waiting for him to figure it out. I’m making moves (Draft or FA) to better my team with or without him. If that means taking or trading for a guard so be it.

DJ only has 1 year left on his contract. If Fultz doesn’t work out we have 0 PGs on this team at an NBA level.

[ezzzp]

In that case, no no no... #16 is gonna be given a chance to be a part of our long term core. Conley is worth more to teams picking at the end of the round.

How do you know that 16 is going to be part of long term core?

Right now the most valuable long term assets the Magic have are Gordon, Isaac, Bamba + Fultz ....they are WAAAAAY more valuable than the 2019 16th pick. Adding more instability and inexperience to their daily activity and developmental context isn't doing them any favors...in fact the evidence shows that too much youth is detrimental to development.

Conley brings tremendous leadership and stability.

Plus it totally takes the pressure of Fultz and the FO.

If Fultz is healthy and playable, the FO just flips DJ asap. If Fultz continues to be hurt and things get iffy with him, they ride DJ out and its a solid 1-2 punch that will keep a consistent floor leader on the floor for both units.

It even stretches their window to be patient with Fultz for another additional full season.

How does "is gonna be given a chance to be a part of our long term core" turn into a definitive that he is gonna be? Jeez, you're difficult.

He could be the next Andrew Nicholson for all we know... all I meant was that #16 is an asset that could (not will) turn into a long term piece.

Conley does bring tremendous leadership and stability. But he's also only played in 80+ games in a season 4 times in his 12 years as a pro. So how much can we really rely on him? We don't know. Same as the #16 pick. We don't know.

What do you trust more? Conley's health or WeHam's ability to scout players? I trust the latter more, but I admit it would be hella nice to get rid of Fournier and have a real PG. There are pros and cons here.

Problem then becomes... what do we do at SG? Won't have #16 to draft and develop one. Won't have cap space for Ross. Won't have Fournier. Won't have any more trade assets. Get some holdover vet? Or some UDFA, Euro or G League project? Move Wes Iwundu? Melvin Frazier? I dunno.

It's not the worst scenario, but it detracts from a long term vision where we are continuing to develop through the draft. To me, that's where our focus needs to stay.

That calculated disclaimer isn't convincing to anyone who knows your agenda to have the Magic be the first NBA franchise to have an all under 23 roster, lol.

We know Conley brings a career long highly efficient 15p/6a + is a floor general with excellent defense and elite floor management + .375 3p%...last season he put up 21p/6a (.569 TS%).

From what I understand Conley's health issues were all related to a foot issue that he kept choosing not to have surgery on because it was going to knock him out for a full year...this was while they were trying to contend. He finally chose to do the surgery and after sitting out a full year he came back and had one of his best seasons. I think its worth the gamble.

That long term vision of only building through the draft is only yours...its not mine and its absolutely not the FO's as they have built their prior rosters through ALL three methods of improvement: trades, free agency and the draft.

[Def Swami]

Everyone knows Orlando is looking for a PG who can be a floor general and score. Fultz can be the sixth man of the team coming off the bench and I think that is going to be his role next season.

I want to give Fultz every opportunity to succeed.

This means, I'm not drafting a PG at 16.
This means, I'm not signing or trading for another young PG.
This means, I'm not signing or trading for a big named PG.

Older aged... understands his role... could mentor Fultz... still has gas in the tank to help us chase playoffs... won't cost more than $10M per year...

Guys I would look at in FA are:
Patrick Beverley
Rajon Rondo
Derrick Rose - Fultz could learn a lot from Rose who has a similar game and history of injury
Michael Carter Williams - on the list cause he played surprisingly well last year

Putting all our eggs in the Fultz basket would be a mistake. I'm pretending he's not even on the team until I actually see him take a jumper. I also think it's possible to develop two young guards at the same time without them stepping on each others' toes. We should still be in the market for any talented scoring/playmaking guards available. I like Fultz because he's a low risk play that could pan out; similar to how Spencer Dinwiddie did for the Nets, and Dinwiddie's development didn't seem to hinder D'Angelo Russell's or vice versa. Even Caris Levert excelled with those guys. We just need all the talent we could get. So I wouldn't rule out obtaining another PG. If Fultz is good enough, he'll earn his spot. There's such a dearth for what Fultz could theoretically provide, there's room for more than one young, talented PG.

[ezzzp]

Don't think that is what ezzzp is thinking though. lol

It isn't...but I'd be much more comfortable letting Vucevic walk if Conley was here as there would be an actual player that you could construct an offense around.

I'm more interested in staying competitive and having the young core play in 82+ meaningful games over the next few crucial seasons of their development. To me the best scenario for that is with both Vucevic and Conley as I don't trust free agency yet except for filling in back half of roster

Conley / DJ or Fultz / Briscoe or MCW or Fultz if not ready
Ross /
Gordon / Iwundu / Frazier
Isaac
Vucevic / Bamba

Its very doable financially:

[Def Swami]

Daily Memphian: The Mike Conley Trade Speculation Column (Summer Edition)

Orlando Magic: D.J. Augustin had a nice playoff series but he’s no Conley and maybe the Magic, after being bad for so long, should tap the gas to get a little better right now. If they re-sign center Nikola Vucevic, Conley would pair nicely with him and could also both play with and be a kind of bridge for trade acquisition Markelle Fultz. How could Orlando get a deal done?

Backup center Timofey Mozgov ($16.7 million expiring) is the financial starting point and Orlando’s No. 16 pick in this summer’s draft the primary value piece. What rounds out the deal? There are some options. Swingman Evan Fournier ($17 million each of the next two seasons) would be a tidy concluding piece. Otherwise, other possible pieces would include D.J. Augustin ($7.3 million expiring) or perhaps even Markelle Fultz ($9.7 million in last guaranteed year of rookie deal) or even rising second-year center Mo Bamba if Orlando wants to ditch that plan. Mozgov/Fournier/16 pick for Conley seems like one of the cleanest potential deals out there.

This comes down to how much you value the #16 pick. Mozgov is essentially deadweight. Fournier had such a lackluster year; I came away feeling like he can be replaced. Albeit, I was hoping to replace him with someone we drafted and developed over time with the #16 pick.

I'm pretty down on this draft and would probably lean toward doing this deal. Wouldn't be surprised to see a Conley-led Magic team with Ross/Isaac/Gordon/Vucevic hit 50 wins. But I can understand why others would hedge against sacrificing a pick that could potentially grow with this team for maybe 2-3 years more of a good Mike Conley.

[MartinsIzAfraud]

Don't think that is what ezzzp is thinking though. lol

It isn't...but I'd be much more comfortable letting Vucevic walk if Conley was here as there would be an actual player that you could construct an offense around.

I'm more interested in staying competitive and having the young core play in 82+ meaningful games over the next few crucial seasons of their development. To me the best scenario for that is with both Vucevic and Conley as I don't trust free agency yet except for filling in back half of roster

Conley / DJ or Fultz / Briscoe or MCW or Fultz if not ready
Ross /
Gordon / Iwundu / Frazier
Isaac
Vucevic / Bamba

Its very doable financially:

That bench unit would be murdered night in night out. We’d likely have to grab another FA who can shoot/play minutes which could push us into Tax Bracket.

[MasterGMer]

Always remember Mike Conley's 30+ million contract can be expiring contract 2 years from today. That could help us in the free agent market.

I am all in for getting Conley while resigning Vuc and Ross. We'd be a solid 50+ win team

[ezzzp]

Don't think that is what ezzzp is thinking though. lol

It isn't...but I'd be much more comfortable letting Vucevic walk if Conley was here as there would be an actual player that you could construct an offense around.

I'm more interested in staying competitive and having the young core play in 82+ meaningful games over the next few crucial seasons of their development. To me the best scenario for that is with both Vucevic and Conley as I don't trust free agency yet except for filling in back half of roster

Conley / DJ or Fultz / Briscoe or MCW or Fultz if not ready
Ross /
Gordon / Iwundu / Frazier
Isaac
Vucevic / Bamba

Its very doable financially:

That bench unit would be murdered night in night out. We’d likely have to grab another FA who can shoot/play minutes which could push us into Tax Bracket.

Yea, the Magic would have to add FA with MLE/BAE or if Fultz is ready flip DJ into a decent back up wing.

Once you have a quality PG like Conley, its a lot easier to find and play someone at wing that doesn't need to be a volume creator for himself and others.

[BadMofoPimp]

Very cryptic.

We just have to have hope with Markelle Fultz. I do think everything will work out though.

His 21st birthday is the 29th, so I believe the 30th is most likely related.

I'm pretty sure everyone here will be on his account that day hoping to see him throwing down windmills dunks and going through shooting drills. And if he does... we'll have a bunch of giddy little school girls ... including the pessimists. lol

I am one of the pessimists, but I pray like hell to the basketball gods that he proves me all wrong!!!