GEE wrote:d-train wrote:skoharry wrote:So we have MLE, BAE, and VM.
We also have $7M TPE, $2.34M TPE, $1.8M TPE, bird rights to re-sign Whiteside, and an exception to sign our 1st round pick and every 1st round pick we acquire. We will be hard capped at the Apron if we use our non-taxpayer MLE, BAE, or do a sign & trade.
D .... I have no idea what we do now, but I know we have tons of options.
First, we better resign Whiteside with a Nurkic-like contract. He's easily the best FA if you added him to that list of scrubs previously mentioned. Next is replacing Ariza. Interesting that you mention S&T. I wonder if Ariza is an option for this? Can you combine an S&T, (for instance: to the Lakers for Kuzma), and use a TPE? I would also consider one of, Trent or Little as a trade chip. Likely Little, as Trent seems perfect as a 6th-man. I also like the idea of Melo alot more now with Ariza likely sent packing.
A slimmed-down Kuzma could be that perfect addition, that I hope we add long-term, to the group we already have. If it were up to me, this seems very achievable in the real world. A scary, ferocious pack of Dogs. DOGS I tell ya!
Dame / Simons
CJ / Trent
Hood / Kuzma
Collins / Melo
Nurkic / Whiteside
We can trade Ariza instead of waiving him. A sign and trade isn't likely because that would have to come after free agent signing begin. We wouldn't be able to have a deal in hand when guarantee Ariza's $11M salary. A regular trade would be more possible because the deal can be made then executed after Ariza's salary is guaranteed. I think it's unlikely because who would trade a player worth $12M for Ariza right after he quit his team on a playoff run.
The TPE can be traded in a sign and trade or a regular trade.
I'm hopeful that Olshey will get us some good players. He has more chips than usual, but you never know if we have the right chips until deals are made.
Hood's reported progress is very positive. It's a big break for Blazers if he is ready near the start of next season.