2019 season speculation including trade ideas

[Dual]

I agree with you, I'm always willing to keep all the roster together full season if things are working.
Except if a star up to that 19,5 million contract can come and is the type of player we want in this team (high IQ, willing passer, good guy).
Is something difficult but can happen.

[WeekapaugGroove]

The thing with Tyler is that he is such a good trading piece this year that it will be hard to not trade him to try to improve the roster.

Tyler is only a good trading piece if Jerome is better than him. Otherwise we are too thin a guard to get rid of him. Devon Carter is a rehash of Canaan, Ullis, and all the other point guards we've run over the past three years.

Also, a few people seem (not you) seem to think because Tyler is expiring we can get assets (picks) back for him. We definitely don't want to take on crappy contracts and picks in order to move Johnson. Thank goodness James Jones is the anti-McD and doesn't value picks over decent players.

The only good trade would be moving Tyler for a star player. Making a lateral move doesn't make sense. It likely to be February before any star players hit the market.

Finally, people should start seeing that culture is a huge part of winning. This extends to the front office treating players like humans as opposed to assets. James Jones, as a past player, probably sees this more than most GMs. Letting Chandler and Rivers walk are perfect examples of this. Moving Tyler simply because his contract is up has the potential to disrupt the cultural foundation Monty and Jones are laying.

Yeah I agree with multiple points here.

Really the only way a Johnson deal makes sense is if some forward became available that would be a clear and major upgrade both now and long-term.

I think it's more likely they just keep Johnson, let him expire this summer, and use that cash to bring back some guys or another starting PF.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

[cberry78]

http://www.espn.com/nba/salaries/_/page/2

This is a list of roughly 40 players that are within about $5mil of TJ's salary at #57 (there's some more players +/- a page either way). By giving or taking a small-ish asset, all of these players are technically available via trade under the current salary cap situation.

How many of those players are both:
a) potentially available, and
b) noticeable improvements over TJ?

The only name that jumps out at me as even a maybe, would be Aaron Gordon. And I can't say that I would do that given our current PF situation.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Clippers will re-sign Harrell. Milsap is too old.

That's still cool, I figure they might IF the market doesn't put him( Harrell) out of their price range. Not too sure what the clips will have in the way of cap honestly. But we'd have nothing to lose by making the offer, as there really aren't that many quality options out there for us in the midlevel price range. But again, even if he were to decline our offer or we find he's out of our price range, We still have a few bargain options left:

1- Noah Vonleh ( my favorite pick personally).
2- Patrick Patterson.
3- Harry Giles.
4- Caleb Swanigan.

Basically all really cheap players that can fill a role for us as backup 4s' or 5s'. Can play some solid defense and hit the three if necessary. One year deal candidates who'd allow us to still be players in 2021 free agency. Now I'd still make the offer to Harrell just in case, Or the next most likely quality defensive 4 in Favors. After guaging possible interest of course. But I wouldn't be the slightest bit disappointed If we choose to simply resign both Saric and Baynes. And maybe then use our exceptions for one of the above mentioned power forwards. And then resign Javon Carter using what's left. ( I just like his defense and tenacity). He's like a bargain version of Pat Beverly for us.

Maybe we go cheap on the 4, and just offer the full midlevel to Joe Harris, Then offer the Biannual exception exception to Noah Vonleh or Patrick Patterson? Adding Joe Harris and Vonleh to our current roster would be a pretty nice offseason for us I'd have to think. Joe Harris led the league in three point percentage last season at 47.4%.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nba.com/amp/nets/news/stats/2019/04/26/joe-harris-finishes-season-no-1-in-3-point-shooting-percentage

He'd add yet another lethal outside shooter to our perimeter weaponry. And Vonleh is a tremendous positional defender, can play multiple positions, and is a capable 3 point shooter. So even if we weren't monetarily able to land any big name contributing pieces, We could still add some really nice under the radar contributors. And further strengthen our current roster depth as well.

[NTB]

Read on Twitter

[bwgood77]

Clippers will re-sign Harrell. Milsap is too old.

That's still cool, I figure they might IF the market doesn't put him( Harrell) out of their price range. Not too sure what the clips will have in the way of cap honestly. But we'd have nothing to lose by making the offer, as there really aren't that many quality options out there for us in the midlevel price range. But again, even if he were to decline our offer or we find he's out of our price range, We still have a few bargain options left:

1- Noah Vonleh ( my favorite pick personally).
2- Patrick Patterson.
3- Harry Giles.
4- Caleb Swanigan.

Basically all really cheap players that can fill a role for us as backup 4s' or 5s'. Can play some solid defense and hit the three if necessary. One year deal candidates who'd allow us to still be players in 2021 free agency. Now I'd still make the offer to Harrell just in case, Or the next most likely quality defensive 4 in Favors. After guaging possible interest of course. But I wouldn't be the slightest bit disappointed If we choose to simply resign both Saric and Baynes. And maybe then use our exceptions for one of the above mentioned power forwards. And then resign Javon Carter using what's left. ( I just like his defense and tenacity). He's like a bargain version of Pat Beverly for us.

Maybe we go cheap on the 4, and just offer the full midlevel to Joe Harris, Then offer the Biannual exception exception to Noah Vonleh or Patrick Patterson? Adding Joe Harris and Vonleh to our current roster would be a pretty nice offseason for us I'd have to think. Joe Harris led the league in three point percentage last season at 47.4%.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nba.com/amp/nets/news/stats/2019/04/26/joe-harris-finishes-season-no-1-in-3-point-shooting-percentage

He'd add yet another lethal outside shooter to our perimeter weaponry. And Vonleh is a tremendous positional defender, can play multiple positions, and is a capable 3 point shooter. So even if we weren't monetarily able to land any big name contributing pieces, We could still add some really nice under the radar contributors. And further strengthen our current roster depth as well.

Not sure if you know who the Clippers owner is, but it's Steve Ballmer, who has a net worth of $55 billion. I don't think Harrell will be out of his price range.

I liked Noah Vonleh for this last season. Which one do you not like, Saric or Kaminsky? We also won't have enough to get Joe Harris. He will get more than the midlevel. Actually we wouldn't have nearly enough to sign Harrell either.

[Jorgeglez7]

I appreciate how much you work on this sort of predictions of a future team. What I still can't understand is why you keep on trying to add players to the 4 position who CAN'T SHOOT THREES.

For the system that Monty is building, is COMPULSORY that the PF shoot threes in a high clip and with good percentages. I mean, our only complaint with Saric is that he is not being a regular shooter, and we miss that ability Hard because we need that kind of player to play around Rubio and Booker, but then we look to acquire Favors, LMA or Harrel. I don' understand that, seriously.

[lilfishi22]

Thoughts on trading Tyler/Frank/1st round pick for LaMarcus Aldridge? Deadline trade if we’re looking playoff bound and Jerome has looked good off the bench.

Why for Suns? LMA is still an above average scorer and rim protector with only this year and next on contract. Helps this team with interior defense, getting to the line, and defensive rebounding - all things we are currently terrible at. Can play 2 positions. Great playoff performer throughout his career and stays relatively healthy/injury free. Insurance and leverage depending on what happens in Baynes & Saric negotiations this summer. He’ll expire the same time as Kelly for the huge 2021 free agency class. We turn our expiring assets into something worthwhile.

Cons for Suns? Not an ideal pairing next to Ayton because he isn’t a willing 3pt shooter (maybe that changes under Monty). Best thing would be to play him as backup 4/5 but would he accept such a role? Probably not. Why mess with what seems to be working? Already 34 years old.

Why for Spurs? They are a fringe playoff team at best and take back expiring salary to clear cap room for a re-tooling next year. Maybe this isn’t enough incentive for them but I’m not sure how to gauge his value. I think he has already expressed some interest in leaving San Antonio.

No, not for me, as you mentioned LMA not a good fit with Ayton...they are too similar. I like Kaminsky anyway. I really don't want to trade any first round picks either. We need to add guys on rookie contracts to keep cheap ones. Plus, being 34 is WAY out of the age range we want players to be at. Don't want to trade with the Spurs anyway, and this is they guy that chose them over us (though at this point that wouldn't be something I cared about if I otherwise liked the trade).

Also I'd rather just use the salary I would pay LMA with to resign Saric and/or Baynes.

I just don't see the point of LMA at this point. He's the type of guy that maybe you'd go for if you're like a Portland but and up and coming team like us should look for someone a little younger and a little more orientated to the long term

[bwgood77]

Thoughts on trading Tyler/Frank/1st round pick for LaMarcus Aldridge? Deadline trade if we’re looking playoff bound and Jerome has looked good off the bench.

Why for Suns? LMA is still an above average scorer and rim protector with only this year and next on contract. Helps this team with interior defense, getting to the line, and defensive rebounding - all things we are currently terrible at. Can play 2 positions. Great playoff performer throughout his career and stays relatively healthy/injury free. Insurance and leverage depending on what happens in Baynes & Saric negotiations this summer. He’ll expire the same time as Kelly for the huge 2021 free agency class. We turn our expiring assets into something worthwhile.

Cons for Suns? Not an ideal pairing next to Ayton because he isn’t a willing 3pt shooter (maybe that changes under Monty). Best thing would be to play him as backup 4/5 but would he accept such a role? Probably not. Why mess with what seems to be working? Already 34 years old.

Why for Spurs? They are a fringe playoff team at best and take back expiring salary to clear cap room for a re-tooling next year. Maybe this isn’t enough incentive for them but I’m not sure how to gauge his value. I think he has already expressed some interest in leaving San Antonio.

No, not for me, as you mentioned LMA not a good fit with Ayton...they are too similar. I like Kaminsky anyway. I really don't want to trade any first round picks either. We need to add guys on rookie contracts to keep cheap ones. Plus, being 34 is WAY out of the age range we want players to be at. Don't want to trade with the Spurs anyway, and this is they guy that chose them over us (though at this point that wouldn't be something I cared about if I otherwise liked the trade).

Also I'd rather just use the salary I would pay LMA with to resign Saric and/or Baynes.

I just don't see the point of LMA at this point. He's the type of guy that maybe you'd go for if you're like a Portland but and up and coming team like us should look for someone a little younger and a little more orientated to the long term

I'd rather keep the cap relatively clean for now overall. That's why I don't want to trade Tyler. People mention trading him because he is an expiring but if someone wants an expiring contract that means they want to dump a bad contract. I'm tired of those.

Keep our cap space. Bad FA class this year. Keep our guys unless someone like Saric regresses or gets vastly overpaid by someone else. I like our PF rotation for once in a long while. Saric is currently the better 3 pt shooter but Frank has been the better rebounder, assist guy and inside scorer...plus he just had a bad stretch from 3 so I think his current season % is a bit misleading (as far as how good of a 3 pt shooter he really is).

I can understand spending our cap space the summer before we have to sign Ayton/Bridges...maybe next summer....and maybe it's just on Oubre again, though if he feels he settled at $15, I don't know if I'd want to give him near or over $20, and I really like his play this season most of the time and mostly the energy he brings.

[lilfishi22]

The thing with Tyler is that he is such a good trading piece this year that it will be hard to not trade him to try to improve the roster.

Tyler is only a good trading piece if Jerome is better than him. Otherwise we are too thin a guard to get rid of him. Devon Carter is a rehash of Canaan, Ullis, and all the other point guards we've run over the past three years.

Also, a few people seem (not you) seem to think because Tyler is expiring we can get assets (picks) back for him. We definitely don't want to take on crappy contracts and picks in order to move Johnson. Thank goodness James Jones is the anti-McD and doesn't value picks over decent players.

The only good trade would be moving Tyler for a star player. Making a lateral move doesn't make sense. It likely to be February before any star players hit the market.

Finally, people should start seeing that culture is a huge part of winning. This extends to the front office treating players like humans as opposed to assets. James Jones, as a past player, probably sees this more than most GMs. Letting Chandler and Rivers walk are perfect examples of this. Moving Tyler simply because his contract is up has the potential to disrupt the cultural foundation Monty and Jones are laying.

I get what you're saying but I think you have to consider that Tyler is essentially an expiring contract in a time when most teams won't have much salary cap space and that makes him valuable. With our own salary situation, we're not exactly in line for much (if any) cap space to sign anyone of note so our best way to add to this team (which isn't a finished product yet) is via a trade.

I wouldn't move Tyler just to move him but that shouldn't be the basis for any trade anyway. Ultimately, it comes down to adding to this team now and for the future and unless you want to keep Tyler around post-2020, we shouldn't just sit on our hands in regards to a Tyler trade

[Crives]

I really think Tyler’s contract only becomes useful if a youngish star gets upset and forces a trade, no Klove/Griffin.. Tyler is a guy we want to resign to a cheap long term deal if possible.

[lilfishi22]

I really think Tyler’s contract only becomes useful if a youngish star gets upset and forces a trade, no Klove/Griffin.. Tyler is a guy we want to resign to a cheap long term deal if possible.

My mindset might change as the season goes on but my current thoughts is that we have a good situation right now with us playing competitive ball, our floor dramatically raised and with us possibly competing for a playoff spot as soon as this season after a decade on the outside looking in and the last 5 being in the absolute lowest of cellars there could be. But I'm not sure someone like Tyler is a guy that we just stick with just because we're scared to change the chemistry of this team.

We (should) have learnt from the last time we played around with the chemistry and added IT to a Bledsoe/Dragic backcourt which worked well so I'm certainly not saying we should just add another guy just to add another guy but certainly I feel like we're losing a major opportunity if we do nothing with Tyler's contract and just keep him around long term. I mean he's an OK player who sometimes has good games and is shooting fairly well from range but I just feel like we're not raising the ceiling by just keeping Tyler around. My mindset is that Tyler has helped us raise the floor but are we just hoping that our ceiling gets raised organically with what we have or do we use this opportunity to raise it further with Tyler's contract?

[Ghost of Kleine]

Clippers will re-sign Harrell. Milsap is too old.

That's still cool, I figure they might IF the market doesn't put him( Harrell) out of their price range. Not too sure what the clips will have in the way of cap honestly. But we'd have nothing to lose by making the offer, as there really aren't that many quality options out there for us in the midlevel price range. But again, even if he were to decline our offer or we find he's out of our price range, We still have a few bargain options left:

1- Noah Vonleh ( my favorite pick personally).
2- Patrick Patterson.
3- Harry Giles.
4- Caleb Swanigan.

Basically all really cheap players that can fill a role for us as backup 4s' or 5s'. Can play some solid defense and hit the three if necessary. One year deal candidates who'd allow us to still be players in 2021 free agency. Now I'd still make the offer to Harrell just in case, Or the next most likely quality defensive 4 in Favors. After guaging possible interest of course. But I wouldn't be the slightest bit disappointed If we choose to simply resign both Saric and Baynes. And maybe then use our exceptions for one of the above mentioned power forwards. And then resign Javon Carter using what's left. ( I just like his defense and tenacity). He's like a bargain version of Pat Beverly for us.

Maybe we go cheap on the 4, and just offer the full midlevel to Joe Harris, Then offer the Biannual exception exception to Noah Vonleh or Patrick Patterson? Adding Joe Harris and Vonleh to our current roster would be a pretty nice offseason for us I'd have to think. Joe Harris led the league in three point percentage last season at 47.4%.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nba.com/amp/nets/news/stats/2019/04/26/joe-harris-finishes-season-no-1-in-3-point-shooting-percentage

He'd add yet another lethal outside shooter to our perimeter weaponry. And Vonleh is a tremendous positional defender, can play multiple positions, and is a capable 3 point shooter. So even if we weren't monetarily able to land any big name contributing pieces, We could still add some really nice under the radar contributors. And further strengthen our current roster depth as well.

Not sure if you know who the Clippers owner is, but it's Steve Ballmer, who has a net worth of $55 billion. I don't think Harrell will be out of his price range.

I liked Noah Vonleh for this last season. Which one do you not like, Saric or Kaminsky? We also won't have enough to get Joe Harris. He will get more than the midlevel. Actually we wouldn't have nearly enough to sign Harrell either.

Yeah, I know that he's a billionaire( Microsoft). But I wasn't sure if they were willing to tie up more cap with having the huge contracts of Leonard, George, and Pat Bevs' 15 million/3. I was hoping that with respectto that, they'd have a set number at which they'd let him walk. Because they had plans towards 2021 free agency or were keeping it to possibly try and pry Davis away from the Flakers. I'd love to see them lose him after only one season....lol. Overall I suppose that it was wishful thinking, however unrealistic.

But again, I'm not too concerned if we couldn't end up signing either of Harrell or Joe Harris because their would still likely cheaper options that could be available in Vonleh and for backup shooting guard to spell Booker for periods of rest. Furkan Korkmaz who's really a bargain version of Joe harris anyways. All in all, I'd be quite content with one of Vonleh or Patterson, and Korkmaz or even possibly Alec Burks( I really prefer korkmaz though). And out of the two( ifI had to choose), I'd prefer Saric for his defense, But I do also like Kaminsky in his "Channing Frye" role for us too. I guess don't really dislike either of them to be honest. But I my two concerns for the team is frontcourt defense ( rim protection) and rebounding, And closing out the other team in close games( not being passive at times and trying to coast or exchange buckets). Which is why I had interest in those two players for their specific skills that they'd bring. With respect to Harrell, I liked the possability of another intense and tenacious defensive big man to throw out there in the event that Baynes would get in foul trouble.

Also, the intensity and tough attitude that he'd bring would help sustain our tenacity and hopefully keep us from being passive and letting other teams control the tempo and level of physicality of the game, again when/if Baynes was out for whatever reason. Lastly, because he's another physical big man that could help punish and wear down the opposing teams players. In turn leading to more open shots and easier scoring opportunities for us do to their being fatigued and beat up. And with respect to Joe Harris , My interest in him was in his knockdown shooting in the hopes that he could add another big perimeter weapon for us from three, to help us build and maintain our leads, and in turn help get Booker more rest, Leaving him fresh in the 4th quarter to help put the other team away. And to help eliminate those close battles that we lack the killer instinct to put away currently.

But again, I do feel that even with only those exceptions, We can still address those two areas cost effectively. Whilst keeping our primary roster together and maintaining continuity. Vonleh would be a nice compliment defensively next to Ayton/Saric/ Kaminsky. and Korkmaz is to me at least a bargain version of Joe Harris and could still add another 40% 3 point shooter to our perimeter. and he's got a good basketball i.q, So he should be able to cover things offensively whilst Booker rests alongside of Cam Johnson, Jerome and Rubio. I really don't want to change our lineup, Other than maybe letting Diallo, and Okobo walk. And resigning Carter, Baynes, and Saric are key to me. Ultimately, I just hope that they resign both Baynes and Saric. And that they can add two bargain vets that will address our frontcourt defensive issues, and possibly help carry the offensive load and build and maintain bigger leads whilst Booker is out/ resting.

[bwgood77]

That's still cool, I figure they might IF the market doesn't put him( Harrell) out of their price range. Not too sure what the clips will have in the way of cap honestly. But we'd have nothing to lose by making the offer, as there really aren't that many quality options out there for us in the midlevel price range. But again, even if he were to decline our offer or we find he's out of our price range, We still have a few bargain options left:

1- Noah Vonleh ( my favorite pick personally).
2- Patrick Patterson.
3- Harry Giles.
4- Caleb Swanigan.

Basically all really cheap players that can fill a role for us as backup 4s' or 5s'. Can play some solid defense and hit the three if necessary. One year deal candidates who'd allow us to still be players in 2021 free agency. Now I'd still make the offer to Harrell just in case, Or the next most likely quality defensive 4 in Favors. After guaging possible interest of course. But I wouldn't be the slightest bit disappointed If we choose to simply resign both Saric and Baynes. And maybe then use our exceptions for one of the above mentioned power forwards. And then resign Javon Carter using what's left. ( I just like his defense and tenacity). He's like a bargain version of Pat Beverly for us.

Maybe we go cheap on the 4, and just offer the full midlevel to Joe Harris, Then offer the Biannual exception exception to Noah Vonleh or Patrick Patterson? Adding Joe Harris and Vonleh to our current roster would be a pretty nice offseason for us I'd have to think. Joe Harris led the league in three point percentage last season at 47.4%.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nba.com/amp/nets/news/stats/2019/04/26/joe-harris-finishes-season-no-1-in-3-point-shooting-percentage

He'd add yet another lethal outside shooter to our perimeter weaponry. And Vonleh is a tremendous positional defender, can play multiple positions, and is a capable 3 point shooter. So even if we weren't monetarily able to land any big name contributing pieces, We could still add some really nice under the radar contributors. And further strengthen our current roster depth as well.

Not sure if you know who the Clippers owner is, but it's Steve Ballmer, who has a net worth of $55 billion. I don't think Harrell will be out of his price range.

I liked Noah Vonleh for this last season. Which one do you not like, Saric or Kaminsky? We also won't have enough to get Joe Harris. He will get more than the midlevel. Actually we wouldn't have nearly enough to sign Harrell either.

Yeah, I know that he's a billionaire( Microsoft). But I wasn't sure if they were willing to tie up more cap with having the huge contracts of Leonard, George, and Pat Bevs' 15 million/3. I was hoping that with respectto that, they'd have a set number at which they'd let him walk. Because they had plans towards 2021 free agency or were keeping it to possibly try and pry Davis away from the Flakers. I'd love to see them lose him after only one season....lol. Overall I suppose that it was wishful thinking, however unrealistic.

But again, I'm not too concerned if we couldn't end up signing either of Harrell or Joe Harris because their would still likely cheaper options that could be available in Vonleh and for backup shooting guard to spell Booker for periods of rest. Furkan Korkmaz who's really a bargain version of Joe harris anyways. All in all, I'd be quite content with one of Vonleh or Patterson, and Korkmaz or even possibly Alec Burks( I really prefer korkmaz though). And out of the two( ifI had to choose), I'd prefer Saric for his defense, But I do also like Kaminsky in his "Channing Frye" role for us too. I guess don't really dislike either of them to be honest. But I my two concerns for the team is frontcourt defense ( rim protection) and rebounding, And closing out the other team in close games( not being passive at times and trying to coast or exchange buckets). Which is why I had interest in those two players for their specific skills that they'd bring. With respect to Harrell, I liked the possability of another intense and tenacious defensive big man to throw out there in the event that Baynes would get in foul trouble.

Also, the intensity and tough attitude that he'd bring would help sustain our tenacity and hopefully keep us from being passive and letting other teams control the tempo and level of physicality of the game, again when/if Baynes was out for whatever reason. Lastly, because he's another physical big man that could help punish and wear down the opposing teams players. In turn leading to more open shots and easier scoring opportunities for us do to their being fatigued and beat up. And with respect to Joe Harris , My interest in him was in his knockdown shooting in the hopes that he could add another big perimeter weapon for us from three, to help us build and maintain our leads, and in turn help get Booker more rest, Leaving him fresh in the 4th quarter to help put the other team away. And to help eliminate those close battles that we lack the killer instinct to put away currently.

But again, I do feel that even with only those exceptions, We can still address those two areas cost effectively. Whilst keeping our primary roster together and maintaining continuity. Vonleh would be a nice compliment defensively next to Ayton/Saric/ Kaminsky. and Korkmaz is to me at least a bargain version of Joe Harris and could still add another 40% 3 point shooter to our perimeter. and he's got a good basketball i.q, So he should be able to cover things offensively whilst Booker rests alongside of Cam Johnson, Jerome and Rubio. I really don't want to change our lineup, Other than maybe letting Diallo, and Okobo walk. And resigning Carter, Baynes, and Saric are key to me. Ultimately, I just hope that they resign both Baynes and Saric. And that they can add two bargain vets that will address our frontcourt defensive issues, and possibly help carry the offensive load and build and maintain bigger leads whilst Booker is out/ resting.

I don't think the Clips have nearly the cap space to add anyone, so they likely keep their core intact. Harrell is very important to them. They won't have money for AD. Also, FA is 8 months away? Why concerned now? We don't know what we will need after 11 games and no Ayton or Jerome.

[NapoleonII]

Harrell is seriously not a good defender. He's showy, plays with energy and gets flashy blocks.

But I would contend that Saric is the better defender at the 4 spot.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Not sure if you know who the Clippers owner is, but it's Steve Ballmer, who has a net worth of $55 billion. I don't think Harrell will be out of his price range.

I liked Noah Vonleh for this last season. Which one do you not like, Saric or Kaminsky? We also won't have enough to get Joe Harris. He will get more than the midlevel. Actually we wouldn't have nearly enough to sign Harrell either.

Yeah, I know that he's a billionaire( Microsoft). But I wasn't sure if they were willing to tie up more cap with having the huge contracts of Leonard, George, and Pat Bevs' 15 million/3. I was hoping that with respectto that, they'd have a set number at which they'd let him walk. Because they had plans towards 2021 free agency or were keeping it to possibly try and pry Davis away from the Flakers. I'd love to see them lose him after only one season....lol. Overall I suppose that it was wishful thinking, however unrealistic.

But again, I'm not too concerned if we couldn't end up signing either of Harrell or Joe Harris because their would still likely cheaper options that could be available in Vonleh and for backup shooting guard to spell Booker for periods of rest. Furkan Korkmaz who's really a bargain version of Joe harris anyways. All in all, I'd be quite content with one of Vonleh or Patterson, and Korkmaz or even possibly Alec Burks( I really prefer korkmaz though). And out of the two( ifI had to choose), I'd prefer Saric for his defense, But I do also like Kaminsky in his "Channing Frye" role for us too. I guess don't really dislike either of them to be honest. But I my two concerns for the team is frontcourt defense ( rim protection) and rebounding, And closing out the other team in close games( not being passive at times and trying to coast or exchange buckets). Which is why I had interest in those two players for their specific skills that they'd bring. With respect to Harrell, I liked the possability of another intense and tenacious defensive big man to throw out there in the event that Baynes would get in foul trouble.

Also, the intensity and tough attitude that he'd bring would help sustain our tenacity and hopefully keep us from being passive and letting other teams control the tempo and level of physicality of the game, again when/if Baynes was out for whatever reason. Lastly, because he's another physical big man that could help punish and wear down the opposing teams players. In turn leading to more open shots and easier scoring opportunities for us do to their being fatigued and beat up. And with respect to Joe Harris , My interest in him was in his knockdown shooting in the hopes that he could add another big perimeter weapon for us from three, to help us build and maintain our leads, and in turn help get Booker more rest, Leaving him fresh in the 4th quarter to help put the other team away. And to help eliminate those close battles that we lack the killer instinct to put away currently.

But again, I do feel that even with only those exceptions, We can still address those two areas cost effectively. Whilst keeping our primary roster together and maintaining continuity. Vonleh would be a nice compliment defensively next to Ayton/Saric/ Kaminsky. and Korkmaz is to me at least a bargain version of Joe Harris and could still add another 40% 3 point shooter to our perimeter. and he's got a good basketball i.q, So he should be able to cover things offensively whilst Booker rests alongside of Cam Johnson, Jerome and Rubio. I really don't want to change our lineup, Other than maybe letting Diallo, and Okobo walk. And resigning Carter, Baynes, and Saric are key to me. Ultimately, I just hope that they resign both Baynes and Saric. And that they can add two bargain vets that will address our frontcourt defensive issues, and possibly help carry the offensive load and build and maintain bigger leads whilst Booker is out/ resting.

I don't think the Clips have nearly the cap space to add anyone, so they likely keep their core intact. Harrell is very important to them. They won't have money for AD. Also, FA is 8 months away? Why concerned now? We don't know what we will need after 11 games and no Ayton or Jerome.

Yeah, I hear ya, and you're definitely right that it's still pretty early to have such considerations. I guess that I'm still slightly skeptical about our playoff chances considering how tight the positioning gets and how bloodthirsty teams have been in securing their playoff chances near the end of the season. Couple that with our poor luck right off the bat with losing Ayton for 25 games, And the reality that we have yet to really secure a real legitimate winning streak, and I guess I'm concerned by our close losses and pattern of not closing out those close games due to the propensity to try and coast to a win on the back of our three point shooting.

And I do realize that it's only 11 games into the season. And we are without Ayton and Jerome too. But I guess it's just the pattern of those losses that was concerning me, As it seemed ( at least to me) that we were starting to get away from our tough, tenacious defensive style that we began the season with and helped us to beat a team as good as the Clippers. As recently I had noticed that for whatever reason we had not been defending as much, and were just trading baskets with opposing teams, and getting passive on defense, Which was allowing the opposing teams to get back into the games as a result of our sloppy play.

So that along with this extended break between games got me looking ahead out of partial paranoia admittedly and partial boredom. Maybe I'm just really desperate for us to be confirmed legitimate to the rest of the NBA. And even moreso, desperate for us to secure our return to the playoffs after a decade long absence. And this pattern of close losses early in the season or not, does honestly weigh heavily upon me as I know how easily a team can miss the playoffs by a mere game or two as things really heat up and teams get cutthroat near season's end. So again, given the history of Western conference teams missing the playoffs by merely one or two games,
I'm however unrealistic, trying to create plausible cushioning to those concerns admittedly too early. I apologize for my paranoia, and hope that I can foster more faith in our newfound success. Hopefully, Our team will go on a decent run starting Monday and put any potential fears to rest, whilst also providing more of a cushion in case of any future unforeseen obstacles to our playoff hopes.

[bwgood77]

Spoiler:

Yeah, I know that he's a billionaire( Microsoft). But I wasn't sure if they were willing to tie up more cap with having the huge contracts of Leonard, George, and Pat Bevs' 15 million/3. I was hoping that with respectto that, they'd have a set number at which they'd let him walk. Because they had plans towards 2021 free agency or were keeping it to possibly try and pry Davis away from the Flakers. I'd love to see them lose him after only one season....lol. Overall I suppose that it was wishful thinking, however unrealistic.

But again, I'm not too concerned if we couldn't end up signing either of Harrell or Joe Harris because their would still likely cheaper options that could be available in Vonleh and for backup shooting guard to spell Booker for periods of rest. Furkan Korkmaz who's really a bargain version of Joe harris anyways. All in all, I'd be quite content with one of Vonleh or Patterson, and Korkmaz or even possibly Alec Burks( I really prefer korkmaz though). And out of the two( ifI had to choose), I'd prefer Saric for his defense, But I do also like Kaminsky in his "Channing Frye" role for us too. I guess don't really dislike either of them to be honest. But I my two concerns for the team is frontcourt defense ( rim protection) and rebounding, And closing out the other team in close games( not being passive at times and trying to coast or exchange buckets). Which is why I had interest in those two players for their specific skills that they'd bring. With respect to Harrell, I liked the possability of another intense and tenacious defensive big man to throw out there in the event that Baynes would get in foul trouble.

Also, the intensity and tough attitude that he'd bring would help sustain our tenacity and hopefully keep us from being passive and letting other teams control the tempo and level of physicality of the game, again when/if Baynes was out for whatever reason. Lastly, because he's another physical big man that could help punish and wear down the opposing teams players. In turn leading to more open shots and easier scoring opportunities for us do to their being fatigued and beat up. And with respect to Joe Harris , My interest in him was in his knockdown shooting in the hopes that he could add another big perimeter weapon for us from three, to help us build and maintain our leads, and in turn help get Booker more rest, Leaving him fresh in the 4th quarter to help put the other team away. And to help eliminate those close battles that we lack the killer instinct to put away currently.

But again, I do feel that even with only those exceptions, We can still address those two areas cost effectively. Whilst keeping our primary roster together and maintaining continuity. Vonleh would be a nice compliment defensively next to Ayton/Saric/ Kaminsky. and Korkmaz is to me at least a bargain version of Joe Harris and could still add another 40% 3 point shooter to our perimeter. and he's got a good basketball i.q, So he should be able to cover things offensively whilst Booker rests alongside of Cam Johnson, Jerome and Rubio. I really don't want to change our lineup, Other than maybe letting Diallo, and Okobo walk. And resigning Carter, Baynes, and Saric are key to me. Ultimately, I just hope that they resign both Baynes and Saric. And that they can add two bargain vets that will address our frontcourt defensive issues, and possibly help carry the offensive load and build and maintain bigger leads whilst Booker is out/ resting.

I don't think the Clips have nearly the cap space to add anyone, so they likely keep their core intact. Harrell is very important to them. They won't have money for AD. Also, FA is 8 months away? Why concerned now? We don't know what we will need after 11 games and no Ayton or Jerome.

Yeah, I hear ya, and you're definitely right that it's still pretty early to have such considerations. I guess that I'm still slightly skeptical about our playoff chances considering how tight the positioning gets and how bloodthirsty teams have been in securing their playoff chances near the end of the season. Couple that with our poor luck right off the bat with losing Ayton for 25 games, And the reality that we have yet to really secure a real legitimate winning streak, and I guess I'm concerned by our close losses and pattern of not closing out those close games due to the propensity to try and coast to a win on the back of our three point shooting.

And I do realize that it's only 11 games into the season. And we are without Ayton and Jerome too. But I guess it's just the pattern of those losses that was concerning me, As it seemed ( at least to me) that we were starting to get away from our tough, tenacious defensive style that we began the season with and helped us to beat a team as good as the Clippers. As recently I had noticed that for whatever reason we had not been defending as much, and were just trading baskets with opposing teams, and getting passive on defense, Which was allowing the opposing teams to get back into the games as a result of our sloppy play.

So that along with this extended break between games got me looking ahead out of partial paranoia admittedly and partial boredom. Maybe I'm just really desperate for us to be confirmed legitimate to the rest of the NBA. And even moreso, desperate for us to secure our return to the playoffs after a decade long absence. And this pattern of close losses early in the season or not, does honestly weigh heavily upon me as I know how easily a team can miss the playoffs by a mere game or two as things really heat up and teams get cutthroat near season's end. So again, given the history of Western conference teams missing the playoffs by merely one or two games,
I'm however unrealistic, trying to create plausible cushioning to those concerns admittedly too early. I apologize for my paranoia, and hope that I can foster more faith in our newfound success. Hopefully, Our team will go on a decent run starting Monday and put any potential fears to rest, whilst also providing more of a cushion in case of any future unforeseen obstacles to our playoff hopes.

Heck, you are already looking at the 2021 draft. It's early enough to look at the 2020 draft...and I imagine you will want to add like 4 guys in the draft by trading for picks even though we only have 1.

I think adding one 1st round player a year at this point is nice. I THINK Jones is a decent drafter. I didn't love the pick and obviously wanted Clarke and to a lesser extent, Washington, and both would have been good for different reasons (Clarke for defensive purposes and could fill in a bit at PF since Baynes can hit 3s and Kaminsky can back up the 5 with Ayton out) and PJ just because he looks like a great pick who can hit 3s as well.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Harrell is seriously not a good defender. He's showy, plays with energy and gets flashy blocks.

But I would contend that Saric is the better defender at the 4 spot.

I will agree with you man that he may not be a top notch defender and shotblocker in the league. But his inherent value comes in his relentless play, intensity, toughness, and overall flashy plays that DO get his team energized. Also, he's above average in terms of boxing out, contesting shots and being a physical post presence. All things that could help our frontcourt maintain that aggressiveness and killer instinct, when/if Baynes goes to the bench for rest or fouls. My interest also lied in his ability to wear down opposing teams frontcourt players and in that resulting fatigue, could essentially lead to more open looks and easier scoring opportunities, less chances of Baynes fouling out do to being the only physically imposing frontcourt player sans Ayton.

But ultimately it doesn't matter much as Bgood is right in his assertion that he would likely be beyond our affordability, and moreover isn't that likely to not be retained by Ballmer in any circumstance.

And you're not wrong in the capacity that Saric is currently showing very impressive defense. But again, my interest is in the additional toughness and tenacity that Harrell would've provided when Baynes would be off the floor. That and the gravity that he'd provide to our shooters due to him still being a physically imposing post player and roll man for Rubio. And finally the concept of his relentless physical play wearing down the opposing team, So that we could have easier scoring opportunities and thusly a hopefully easier time building and maintaining a large lead. And then closing out those close games more often.

But if we can find a cheaper quality option to help maintain toughness, and intensity whilst not really affecting our core starters, I'm all for it man.

[Blonde]

At some point (not this season) just being in the playoff race isn’t going to be enough. If we’re not upgrading our long term talent then we should be planning for max capspace in 2021. Extending all our role players for multi year deals does neither of those things. Only reason I suggested LMA is because he expires that summer of 2021 while also making us a threat to win a playoff series this year. If we sit on our hands this year we also run the risk of losing Tyler, Saric, and Baynes for nothing and taking a huge step back.

[lilfishi22]

Harrell is seriously not a good defender. He's showy, plays with energy and gets flashy blocks.

But I would contend that Saric is the better defender at the 4 spot.

I will agree with you man that he may not be a top notch defender and shotblocker in the league. But his inherent value comes in his relentless play, intensity, toughness, and overall flashy plays that DO get his team energized. Also, he's above average in terms of boxing out, contesting shots and being a physical post presence. All things that could help our frontcourt maintain that aggressiveness and killer instinct, when/if Baynes goes to the bench for rest or fouls. My interest also lied in his ability to wear down opposing teams frontcourt players and in that resulting fatigue, could essentially lead to more open looks and easier scoring opportunities, less chances of Baynes fouling out do to being the only physically imposing frontcourt player sans Ayton.

But ultimately it doesn't matter much as Bgood is right in his assertion that he would likely be beyond our affordability, and moreover isn't that likely to not be retained by Ballmer in any circumstance.

And you're not wrong in the capacity that Saric is currently showing very impressive defense. But again, my interest is in the additional toughness and tenacity that Harrell would've provided when Baynes would be off the floor. That and the gravity that he'd provide to our shooters due to him still being a physically imposing post player and roll man for Rubio. And finally the concept of his relentless physical play wearing down the opposing team, So that we could have easier scoring opportunities and thusly a hopefully easier time building and maintaining a large lead. And then closing out those close games more often.

But if we can find a cheaper quality option to help maintain toughness, and intensity whilst not really affecting our core starters, I'm all for it man.

I'm sure at some point there's diminishing returns with relentless play, intensity and toughness type of player. I don't know how much it cost bring Harrell in (but it would have to be at least enough to get the Clips to back off) but these types of players are dime a dozen in the NBA. Harrell might be the best of this breed of player but guys who aren't necessarily super skilled but always hustles hard and makes those high effort plays just aren't that expensive. I mean Richaun Holmes last season was a 17/10 per36 guy and has a $4m a year deal now and probably gives you damn near 90%(?) of what Harrell does.

I like Harrell but he's likely too expensive and it's questionable whether we'll get full value for bringing him on board.