pepe1991 wrote:Bensational wrote:If we're gonna be mediocre, let's at least be a competitive mediocre team. Trade for Chris Paul.
Fournier + Bamba + Aminu + filler
for
Paul
Sign TLC to the MLE.
Draft Pok
Vuc/Pok
Gordon/Clark
Ennis/Okeke
TLC/Ross
Paul/Fultz
Does nothing for the long term but in the short term we could fight for a top 4 seed in the East. Maybe steal a first round series. Look how much Butler helped bring all of Miami's pieces together. We need that kind of influence. Paul already did it in OKC.
Are you ready to pay $44M for 38 yeras old Paul in year where salary will decline?
I'd make it so we're spending the same money, but on one player rather than 3. Spend a little extra to replace bodies where needed, and use the ones we already have more.
Paul would still be the best player on this team. He'll be 36 in his final year, where he's paid $44M in 21-22. I think he's good enough to still lead a team to a top 4 Eastern Conf seed in 20-21.
Then, if Giannis is considering other teams, we show him a team of:
Vuc
Gordon
Okeke
MLE/Ross
Paul
Plus a couple rookies added to the mix.
We'd be negotiating contracts with Fultz and Isaac as well. Chances are we'd do some kind of sign and trade of Gordon + Ross, possibly Isaac s&t + Ross. If we use the MLE to fill out the backcourt next season they'll probably need to be included. If Okeke or the 2020 rookie look any good they might be included. Definitely not if they're too good.
So we try to sell Giannis on trying to contend with a team of:
Vuc/?
Giannis/
(Gordon/Isaac)/Okeke
?
Paul/Fultz
Paul has a couple good years left in him. Old Kidd and old Terry helped Dirk win a ring. Then Fultz is there being groomed to take over, hopefully developing his edge again being surrounded by competitors.
But I feel that team above needs another wing playmaker to sell Giannis. Another player who can carry the load down the stretch. Paul is your main sell, and maybe Fultz is that other playmaker, playing off guard? It could just be a cheap ring chasing signing, like JJ. Or maybe Okeke/our 2020 rookie comes though and it's one of them?
But who knows, maybe the cap contracts so much over the next two seasons that the $120-40M expense of the roster will be too much?
This is all just another option to consider in terms of paths forward. I'd have thought you'd be all over it, since we'd be adding the biggest upgrade the team has had since Dwight, even if he is in his twilight.