Post#57 » by DarkXaero » Mon Jan 11, 2021 9:10 pm
I was pretty adamant that we needed to make significant moves before this season started, and unfortunately, what I've seen in our 11 games so far only reinforces that thinking. I think we need to target multiple players to make a move for by deadline. Fortunately, I do think there will be a pretty active trade market (unless season is derailed by covid). The three names that come to mind right now:
1) Zach Lavine
2) Larry Nance Jr.
3) George Hill
I think we should try to get all 3 players, and I do believe that we have the assets to get those players if we're willing. Lavine is the hardest one to get out of the 3 but there's reason to believe why he could be available. Assuming that Bulls continue on a lotto trajectory, Lavine will continue to grow frustrated over there. Bulls FO has a big decision to make soon: whether to re-sign him on a max or sell high. He has one more year left on his deal after this season, and there's a strong argument for Bulls to sell high on him. Looking at the Bulls fans, majority of them seem to think that they should sell high on him, and undergo a proper rebuild as they're going nowhere with this current roster. I've been over the reasons before why I think Lavine is a really good fit for us. He's an excellent off ball shooter, who continues to be an efficient scorer, and is a great fit as 3rd option. He has improved defensively, and I don't think he would be any worse on that end than what we have now.
Larry Nance Jr is another great fit for us as a 4/5 who would improve our defense, rebounding, energy level, and help us get DJ out of the rotation. He can play as a small ball/stretch 5, and he's also capable of starting next to Allen as he can stretch the floor. I don't think that getting him would be easy as Cavs have been playing him more minutes than ever before, due to Love's injury (which is a frequent occurrence). But Cavs are ultimately a lotto team and I don't think it makes much sense for them to keep Nance, if they're committed to rebuilding.
Lastly, George Hill should be the easiest one to get out of the three, as I think that OKC will 100% look to trade him to a contender by deadline. Hill is a great vet for a contender, who fits perfectly as a backup PG on this team. I wouldn't give up too much for him, but I think he can be had for a reasonable price.
It is still relatively early in the season, and we can definitely turn things around with what we have, but I've seen enough to have major doubts about how far we can go in post-season. I think adding pieces like this would go a long way in fixing our existing issues and fortunately, I do believe that we still have the assets to make these trades (I know some here will strongly disagree on that).