SSOL wrote:Because this isn’t fantasy basketball. The Thunder are not trying to move Paul because they “want out.” They are moving him because they are going into a rebuild which is the same reason why Donovan chose not to return to the team. Because they are going into a rebuild, Presti, who is magnificent, is trying to do right by Paul in finding him a destination he likes while acquiring assets that set the team up nicely going forward.
Additionally, can we stop acting like Nash’s skills decreased with age? The guy broke his leg in such a way that it was nearly impossible for him to recover.
Maybe make the playoffs with Paul? Chris Paul, at his current age, is one of the absolutely elite guards in the game. I’m really tired of the same people complaining about this franchise being stuck in mediocrity also complaining about a package for an elite star player is too lucrative.
What does fantasy basketball have to do with what I said? Absolutely nothing. You really can't draw the connection between "wanting out of his contract" and "wanting to rebuild"? That's literally the same thing. They want out so they can actually rebuild. Therefore the pressure is on them to get a deal.
And yes, Nash DID slow down post 2010 season. By his last year here he was averaging 12/10 and had no quickness at all.
And no, I don't think Chris Paul at the moment counts as elite beyond his reputation. He was an all-star level player for sure, but if you want to define his value as a player by "elite" status as a top 30 player then ok, you need to balance his value with his age (35) and contract ($40m+!!).
Why are you drooling over Sam Presti? The guy is a great GM for sure but that doesn't mean we have to lose a trade on purpose because he is a good GM.
Again, if there's no competition, then we don't need to fork out for Paul.