KNICKS - Houston PG

[Clyde_Style]

serious question. If Lavine is so special, why is Chicago wanting/willing to trade him in all these scenarios.
Because of Coby freakin White?
Shouldn't the Bulls want him around for the next decade?

That's the right question. If they don't think he's a foundational player, why should we pay a role player as if he is a franchise player?

I think with Lavine you have to ask how he projects in two or three years. He's only 25, and his scoring efficiency is Curry/Bron level. The fact that he can maintain that efficiency on high volume suggests that he could become a superstar.

He's not a finished product. Does he need to improve on defense? For damn sure. Does he need to improve his decision-making? Absolutely. But it's worth pointing out how he's never played with a legit point guard so he might be asked to do too much, and that he could thrive in the right role.

It's a gamble. Personally, I would roll that dice.

I understand why. His scoring efficiency is pretty great. Perhaps he can buy in and play good team defense. Randle certainly did.

I'm not vehemently opposed to it. Randle and Lavine at their ages are a long-term core if you resign both, but then you really need to focus on the PG position after that.

If they do trade for him we are probably going to make a playoff run if we stay healthy and with Mitch back.

I'll support anything as a fan since basically we're in an uptrend. It just would be a move I personally would not make yet.

It really comes down to how good you think Lavine is. Could he be the one we need to make us a contender? It is possible. I just wonder like others about how little the Bulls have achieved with him. Is it coaching, the roster or is it partly him? I don't know the answer to that.

[Clyde_Style]

My point is to get him now so we can make it to the playoffs this year. Then we can get better free agents this off season and next year too. If we also make the playoffs now, star players might try to force their way here via trade.

I don't think making the playoffs will move the needle as much as you think it might. The fundamental shift in the organization has already occurred and is well known now throughout the league as we have played almost .500 and beaten good teams multiple times. Every FA knows Thibs has solidified us as a top defensive franchise which means we will be competitive. And if not making the playoffs results in higher draft picks that will do way more to encourage a top FA to come than a first round exit. It's culture and talent that attracts them to an already competitive team which we are whether we make the playoffs or not. Rose is connected and he has built a truly great staff. It's a new organization. That's what matters to a FA.

Also James Dolan

Dolan only mattered as a negative when he continued making the wrong choices about who should run the franchise. He finally got it right. So it doesn't matter now. It is completely overstated. He has the money and if we are competitive then NYC will def be a destination for certain competitive spirits who want the limelight.

[Deeeez Knicks]

What's the timeline for the Knicks taking their time?

The Knicks will have to decide whether to extend Randle and Mitch next summer. RJ the year after. These contracts will eat up a chunk of our capspace.

I'm not saying we need to make a move today, but the Knicks won't stay in cap heaven forever.

If the Knicks want to sign future free agents, they might have to make a trade to acquire their targets before they hit free agency. Seems to be the new norm, partly at least.

There is no specific time line and that can change fast. We have a pretty young team and 2 years is a long time in the NBA. A little over 2 years ago we still had KP. As long as we are smart we will be in position to make these kinds of deals though.

In terms of all this, i expect more players to become available. Especially latley, seems like top guys move pretty often. I do like Lavine, just not sure if he is good enough where I would jump at the first deal to get him. If we use our chips to get him now, just may be tougher to pull off move for a better player later. At this moment, think I would hold out for a bonafide #1 star to push our chips in. Maybe a year from now or in the offseason I would be more willing to push the chips in for more of a #2/#3, depending where we are at.

That's perfectly fair.

Out of curiosity, which players better than Lavine do you expect to be on the market for a trade or in free agency within the the 4-5 years?

I personally think Lavine is one of those guys you invest into and hope he becomes that guy when he reaches his prime. He's already a very efficient scorer, which is more than you can say about most "stars". That means he can have a positive impact on your team in the right role even if he doesn't pan out as a superstar. It's sort of like a security blanket, that more ball-dominant players who are less efficient don't necessarily provide.

But I understand why you or anybody wouldn't be in favor of trading for Lavine, considering he's never won in Chicago or in Minnesota and that he's not a good defender.

I personally think his current perceived value doesn't mirror what his actual value will be in 2-3 years. He's improved every season since he's entered the league. Although he still needs to figure some things out, he's an elite scorer both in terms of volume and efficiency. In the right system, with the right pieces around him, I think he could really thrive and contribute to winning. As always, depends on the price.

We shall see.

You never really know who can become available...maybe someone like Lilliard, Booker, Mitchell, Embiid

Lavine is putting up some pretty crazy numbers though. It really comes down to cost and then just making sure we can resign him.

[Chanel Bomber]

That's the right question. If they don't think he's a foundational player, why should we pay a role player as if he is a franchise player?

I think with Lavine you have to ask how he projects in two or three years. He's only 25, and his scoring efficiency is Curry/Bron level. The fact that he can maintain that efficiency on high volume suggests that he could become a superstar.

He's not a finished product. Does he need to improve on defense? For damn sure. Does he need to improve his decision-making? Absolutely. But it's worth pointing out how he's never played with a legit point guard so he might be asked to do too much, and that he could thrive in the right role.

It's a gamble. Personally, I would roll that dice.

I understand why. His scoring efficiency is pretty great. Perhaps he can buy in and play good team defense. Randle certainly did.

I'm not vehemently opposed to it. Randle and Lavine at their ages are a long-term core if you resign both, but then you really need to focus on the PG position after that.

If they do trade for him we are probably going to make a playoff run if we stay healthy and with Mitch back.

I'll support anything as a fan since basically we're in an uptrend. It just would be a move I personally would not make yet.

It really comes down to how good you think Lavine is. Could he be the one we need to make us a contender? It is possible. I just wonder like others about how little the Bulls have achieved with him. Is it coaching, the roster or is it partly him? I don't know the answer to that.

I think it's a combination of all those factors.

[thebuzzardman]

Knicks need to sweeten the pot for LaVine:

• Obi Toppin
• Immanuel Quickley
• RJ Barrett
• Frank Ntilikina (restricted free agent)
• Kevin Knox
• 2021 Detroit Pistons 2nd (#31)
• 2022 New York Knicks 1st
• 2023 Dallas Mavericks 1st (Top 10 Protected)
• 2024 New York Knicks 1st round pick
• 2026 New York Knicks 1st round pick
• 2028 New York Knicks 1st round pick

There. That might get it done.

Knicks will be so good in 2024-2030 that their picks will be like 2nd rounders.

See this is my nightmare scenario....

I could see this though

• Obi Toppin
• Immanuel Quickley or RJ Barrett
• Frank Ntilikina (restricted free agent)
• Kevin Knox
• 2021 Detroit Pistons 2nd (#31)
• 2022 New York Knicks 1st
• 2023 Dallas Mavericks 1st (Top 10 Protected)
• 2024 New York Knicks 1st round pick

And while I would be mad I would understand it could be worse

It would be mine too.

Fortunately, I was just busting 3totheheadmelo's balls.

His trade isn't THAT bad, as it retains the 2021 picks.
My scenario is (hopefully) get lucky with one of the 2021 picks in terms of draft order, draft two good guys, then Knicks could spare a couple of decent players to get LaVine, where Bulls take a slightly lesser package because he's expiring.

[3toheadmelo]

Free Agency. We're a better destination already so if he wants to be a Knick let him show it by signing in the off-season.

My point is to get him now so we can make it to the playoffs this year. Then we can get better free agents this off season and next year too. If we also make the playoffs now, star players might try to force their way here via trade.

I don't think making the playoffs will move the needle as much as you think it might. The fundamental shift in the organization has already occurred and is well known now throughout the league as we have played almost .500 and beaten good teams multiple times. Every FA knows Thibs has solidified us as a top defensive franchise which means we will be competitive. And if not making the playoffs results in higher draft picks that will do way more to encourage a top FA to come than a first round exit. It's culture and talent that attracts them to an already competitive team which we are whether we make the playoffs or not. Rose is connected and he has built a truly great staff. It's a new organization. That's what matters to a FA.

I think star players would be more attracted to us making the playoffs along with a strong core of IQ, Lavine, Randle, Mitch versus missing the playoffs and just draft picks imo.

I think your argument is fair though. I just rather go for Lavine now. But waiting for him isn’t a bad idea either.

[Chanel Bomber]

One thing to remember:

The Knicks have the 2021 and 2023 Dallas picks to offer today. After 2023, our list of assets will not be a strong as it is now, unless the team trades for more draft capital, which seems unlikely since we're trying to compete.

We can put together an enticing package with multiple picks for a star now. That probably won't be the case in two years.

[god shammgod]

it's not gonna happen, but what are lavine's overall 4th quarter and last 2 minutes stats ? because that's when you really need "stars".

[3toheadmelo]

The Sixers have gotten out of the first round every year but last year when Simmons was out, we're not beating them and neither are the Pacers. The point is that our team with LaVine would be a lot like the Pacers, nobody would pick us over teams with top 10 guys and everyone would be able to see that we'd still need the guy. The only way LaVine makes sense is if we sign him in free agency.

7th seed is under .500, I can divide that's a 1 hot record every 10 year average.

Sixers ain’t schit. They’ll be a first or second round exit once again.

I don’t mind waiting for Lavine in free agency, but I rather go for him now and make the playoffs this season. Then we can attract better players in free agency this year AND next year.

Sixers are better than us, and would beat us with LaVine, not even really debatable.


What free agents? There's nothing this summer or next, Kawhi isn't coming here and he's the only one that moves needle. Trading for LaVine this year would be a bad move and I'd lose all confidence in the front office, because it would be a repeat of what happened with Melo. If we had signed Melo, could have gotten more with those same players we used to trade for him, the same would happen with LaVine except he's nowhere near as good.

It is debatable. Besides Embiid, who is really that good on the Sixers? Ben gets exposed in the playoffs every single year. So it’s just Embiid and Tobias Harris. Yeah I’ll take my chances.

Wasn’t Melo an expiring? Lavine isnt. We’d have 1.5 years with him before resigning him.

There are some good free agents such as Jrue Holiday, Trent Jr, THT, Norman Powell, etc.

[thebuzzardman]

Get ready, folks. Free Agency is gonna be so slim and dry this year that teams are going to be desperate. With no top tier FA's available, it's gonna take opening up the bank and rolling up the Brinks truck just to begin the conversation. If you thought we overpaid before, you ain't seen nothing yet.

I think 99% of the board knows FA is bad next year.

I mean, it got discussed pretty heavily during the run up to this past FA and the draft.

It's why, assuming some crazy trade, everyone figures the Knicks will pick up Randle's option and he's on the team next year. I mean besides the fact he's playing well.

So, in this case, Knicks could hunt a lesser guy or two, in Trent Jr or Horton-Tucker (THT), sign or resign a couple of Rivers/Bullocks/Burks/Noel level guys - not all, but one or two, draft two or three players in the draft (I figure the Detroit 2nd rounder might be used to push the Mavs pick up a couple of slots) and wait for the next FA or "disgruntled star"

I don't mind the Knicks treading water for a couple of years if it means there were smart with their cap space and drafts. On the other hand, I don't mind them making good trades etc, but on the third hand (or leg) I'm not in hurry for some sustained mediocrity either.

All in all, teams should manage their cap space, retain their picks, get extra picks, can trade their own picks or picks they get in the right move, but should always have at least a pick a year left over, and they should cap out only for a couple of years and only when the team is VERY strong playoff team.

Easy to type, apparently harder to do.

[Clyde_Style]

My point is to get him now so we can make it to the playoffs this year. Then we can get better free agents this off season and next year too. If we also make the playoffs now, star players might try to force their way here via trade.

I don't think making the playoffs will move the needle as much as you think it might. The fundamental shift in the organization has already occurred and is well known now throughout the league as we have played almost .500 and beaten good teams multiple times. Every FA knows Thibs has solidified us as a top defensive franchise which means we will be competitive. And if not making the playoffs results in higher draft picks that will do way more to encourage a top FA to come than a first round exit. It's culture and talent that attracts them to an already competitive team which we are whether we make the playoffs or not. Rose is connected and he has built a truly great staff. It's a new organization. That's what matters to a FA.

I think star players would be more attracted to us making the playoffs along with a strong core of IQ, Lavine, Randle, Mitch versus missing the playoffs and just draft picks imo.

I think your argument is fair though. I just rather go for Lavine now. But waiting for him isn’t a bad idea either.

Actually, if we got Lavine what are we paying him on his new deal? $35M a year? And then Randle?

You can see where that would be headed if you kept both. You wouldn't have any cap left to sign another big free agent.

I think the reason you sign Lavine is not to attract anyone, but because you really think he is going to be your # 1 option.

IMO it is better to decide if Lavine is a # 1 option or not and then advocate for that. Making the franchise a better attraction is not really a viable reason if the cap is already locked in to those two.

[3toheadmelo]

I don't think making the playoffs will move the needle as much as you think it might. The fundamental shift in the organization has already occurred and is well known now throughout the league as we have played almost .500 and beaten good teams multiple times. Every FA knows Thibs has solidified us as a top defensive franchise which means we will be competitive. And if not making the playoffs results in higher draft picks that will do way more to encourage a top FA to come than a first round exit. It's culture and talent that attracts them to an already competitive team which we are whether we make the playoffs or not. Rose is connected and he has built a truly great staff. It's a new organization. That's what matters to a FA.

I think star players would be more attracted to us making the playoffs along with a strong core of IQ, Lavine, Randle, Mitch versus missing the playoffs and just draft picks imo.

I think your argument is fair though. I just rather go for Lavine now. But waiting for him isn’t a bad idea either.

Actually, if we got Lavine what are we paying him on his new deal? $35M a year? And then Randle?

You can see where that would be headed if you kept both. You wouldn't have any cap left to sign another big free agent.

I think the reason you sign Lavine is not to attract anyone, but because you really think he is going to be your # 1 option.

IMO it is better to decide if Lavine is a # 1 option or not and then advocate for that. Making the franchise a better attraction is not really a viable reason if the cap is already locked in to those two.

I don't think we'd max Randle. Should be able to afford Lavine and Randle with another good free agent. But I am no cap expert so I can be off.

I think Lavine can def be a #1 option. I mean he's averaging 28 PPG on insane effiency. The bigger question surrounding him is his defense, which I think would be a lot better under Thibs imo.

[Chanel Bomber]

I don't think making the playoffs will move the needle as much as you think it might. The fundamental shift in the organization has already occurred and is well known now throughout the league as we have played almost .500 and beaten good teams multiple times. Every FA knows Thibs has solidified us as a top defensive franchise which means we will be competitive. And if not making the playoffs results in higher draft picks that will do way more to encourage a top FA to come than a first round exit. It's culture and talent that attracts them to an already competitive team which we are whether we make the playoffs or not. Rose is connected and he has built a truly great staff. It's a new organization. That's what matters to a FA.

I think star players would be more attracted to us making the playoffs along with a strong core of IQ, Lavine, Randle, Mitch versus missing the playoffs and just draft picks imo.

I think your argument is fair though. I just rather go for Lavine now. But waiting for him isn’t a bad idea either.

Actually, if we got Lavine what are we paying him on his new deal? $35M a year? And then Randle?

You can see where that would be headed if you kept both. You wouldn't have any cap left to sign another big free agent.

I think the reason you sign Lavine is not to attract anyone, but because you really think he is going to be your # 1 option.

IMO it is better to decide if Lavine is a # 1 option or not and then advocate for that. Making the franchise a better attraction is not really a viable reason if the cap is already locked in to those two.

The only other big FAs the next two years are Beal and Kawhi if I'm not mistaken. Kawhi is where he wants to be and unlikely to leave, and Beal presents the same question marks as Lavine, not to mention he might get traded to where he wants to be before he even hits free agency.

By 2023, Randle and Mitch's extensions will have kicked in, and RJ will be due. That probably leaves enough room for one max, but you'd also have to bet that this core is a solid playoff team to attract said free agent in the first place.

I'm not sure how realistic that is tbh. I'm a little skeptical.

[thebuzzardman]

In



we trust

[Clyde_Style]

I think star players would be more attracted to us making the playoffs along with a strong core of IQ, Lavine, Randle, Mitch versus missing the playoffs and just draft picks imo.

I think your argument is fair though. I just rather go for Lavine now. But waiting for him isn’t a bad idea either.

Actually, if we got Lavine what are we paying him on his new deal? $35M a year? And then Randle?

You can see where that would be headed if you kept both. You wouldn't have any cap left to sign another big free agent.

I think the reason you sign Lavine is not to attract anyone, but because you really think he is going to be your # 1 option.

IMO it is better to decide if Lavine is a # 1 option or not and then advocate for that. Making the franchise a better attraction is not really a viable reason if the cap is already locked in to those two.

I don't think we'd max Randle. Should be able to afford Lavine and Randle with another good free agent. But I am no cap expert so I can be off.

I think Lavine can def be a #1 option. I mean he's averaging 28 PPG on insane effiency. The bigger question surrounding him is his defense, which I think would be a lot better under Thibs imo.

We don't know what his efficiency will be if Thibs makes him play defense and he is expending energy on both ends of the floor. Julius is doing it on both ends so until Lavine can show that he can play boths with efficiency too then Randle is the better player.

His PPG would probably be lower here due to point distribution as well.

[Reign23]

Knicks need to sweeten the pot for LaVine:

• Obi Toppin
• Immanuel Quickley
• RJ Barrett
• Frank Ntilikina (restricted free agent)
• Kevin Knox
• 2021 Detroit Pistons 2nd (#31)
• 2022 New York Knicks 1st
• 2023 Dallas Mavericks 1st (Top 10 Protected)
• 2024 New York Knicks 1st round pick
• 2026 New York Knicks 1st round pick
• 2028 New York Knicks 1st round pick

There. That might get it done.

Knicks will be so good in 2024-2030 that their picks will be like 2nd rounders.

[Clyde_Style]

I think star players would be more attracted to us making the playoffs along with a strong core of IQ, Lavine, Randle, Mitch versus missing the playoffs and just draft picks imo.

I think your argument is fair though. I just rather go for Lavine now. But waiting for him isn’t a bad idea either.

Actually, if we got Lavine what are we paying him on his new deal? $35M a year? And then Randle?

You can see where that would be headed if you kept both. You wouldn't have any cap left to sign another big free agent.

I think the reason you sign Lavine is not to attract anyone, but because you really think he is going to be your # 1 option.

IMO it is better to decide if Lavine is a # 1 option or not and then advocate for that. Making the franchise a better attraction is not really a viable reason if the cap is already locked in to those two.

The only other big FAs the next two years are Beal and Kawhi if I'm not mistaken. Kawhi is where he wants to be and unlikely to leave, and Beal presents the same question marks as Lavine, not to mention he might get traded to where he wants to be before he even hits free agency.

By 2023, Randle and Mitch's extensions will have kicked in, and RJ will be due. That probably leaves enough room for one max, but you'd also have to bet that this core is a solid playoff team to attract said free agent in the first place.

I'm not sure how realistic that is tbh. I'm a little skeptical.

I'm guessing Lavine will be a better long-term bet than Beal, but that's just a hunch.

[newyorker4ever]

Some Disappointing Top10 drafted players by unlucky tanking teams in last decade:

Magic (Gordon, Payton, Mario, Injured Isaac, Bamba) Exception: Oladipo
Kings (Fridette, Thomas Robinson, Ben Mclemore, Nik Stauskas, WCS, Bagley) Exception: Fox
Charlotte (Byombo, MKG, Zeller, Vonleh, Kaminsky) Exception: Kemba
Suns (Len, Bender, Marquese, Josh Jackson). Exception: Ayton and Mikal.
Sixers (Noel, Okafor and Fultz). Exception: Simmons and Embiid.
Cavs (Waiters, Benett, Wiggins). Exception: Irving, Tristan and Sexton. Maybe Garland.
Wolves (Derrick Williams, Dunn, Culver).
Utah (Kanter, Burke, Exum)
Detroit (Knight, Stanley Johnson) Exception: Drumond
Bucks (Jabari, Thon Maker)
Pelicans (Rivers, Hayes). Exception: Zion
Knicks (Frank, Knox) Exception: KP. Maybe RJ

A Top 10 pick does not guarantee talent. Only a few teams like Lakers (Randle, DLo, Ingram, Lonzo), Boston (Smart, Brown, Tatum), Portland (CJ, Lillard), Atlanta (Trae, Hunter and maybe Cam), Memphis (JJJ and Morant), Dallas (Doncic despite DSJr) and Wizards (Beal, maybe Rui, despite Vasey) had a positive retrospective in drafting Top 10 past decade.

We don't need to rush to make a team better. We can delay major trades and can wait for injured players to get 100% before use them. But making the team worse just to pick higher picks can be a bad move.

So having lottery picks are worthless because a lot of them end up as busts....got it. I'll go ahead and take my chances that we hit with a S.Curry or K.Durant or P.Pierce or Dirk or B.Simmons or Zion or Ja or Kyrie or J.Wall or AD or P.Ewing or T.Duncan or...................................................

I did not say that. I said we can't put all the eggs in lottery picks. It's a very risky strategy to tank all the time. Especially if we cant guarantee a Top5 draft pick (it's very tough with the current odds,).

We have to try to build a team and keep improving our roster. But I am against trading for a star or rushinf injured players recovery. We might guarantee a good pick (who knows a top4 if strike luck in the lottery). And at the same time, we can build a team, develop players, gain respectability, improve the value of our players, and attract FAs.

I never said we should tank, even though tanking is not a thing with players and coaches, i said we shouldn't be trading for players to try to make a low seed in the playoffs only to get bounced out in the 1st round.

I want to get in the lottery and then hope the balls bounce our way for once. Getting in the top 5 would be a bonus that would be huge for us. I think getting in the lottery is more important than making the playoffs. I'm still gonna be happy if we do make the playoffs cause i'm a Knicks fan but i'll be more happy to get in the lottery and if we can get in that top 5, and really top 3 cause i really want J.Suggs, then that's even better.

Sounds like we actually mostly agree and maybe i read your post wrong.

[newyorker4ever]

You are reaching hard with a lot of "If's". "If's" are irrelevant when they are hypothetical. Yes GS did it for a season before Durant. Those other teams haven't won anything. And as I said rookie deals don't last forever so how do you keep those rooks while maintaining flexibility for FA's??. There is a window between drafting and signing FA's. We have a nice young core already thats going to continue to develop. You make moves that will help that process and further our progress. Counting on "Luck" to build a contender is not smart basketball management.

It's not a lot of "If's" it's a lot of truth. What's it matter how many seasons GSW did it when the fact is they did it and they did it through the draft. A "If" would be that we don't know if they would of won another without KD or not. I would lean towards a yes that they would of. Adding KD just made it an easier path for them.

I never said any of those teams won a championship besides GSW, i was simply saying that those are all good teams that have built through the draft. Only one team wins the championship every year.

We have a few good young players and only a few and to trade for a star or super star level player we'll need a hell of a lot more than a few good young players. You think a super star will want to come play with K.Knox, Frank and whatever other bench type players we have after we trade Randle, RJ, Obi and draft picks to get him here?

We don't have to re-sign every young player we have. Right now we have Mitch, RJ, Obi, IQ and Randle that are really worth keeping and then a bunch of bench pieces that can be replaced easily. Adding two more good young pieces in next years draft will do nothing but help whther that's help our future in winning games or if it's to help with more valuable assets to use in a trade.

Sometimes the Pics are more valuable than the players you use them on. Your overrating our ability to draft well. Like when you said "if we drafted him instead of him 2 different times". We dont know if the two pics next year will help or be busters. We could just as easily end up with a couple Franks or Knox's when those pics could have lead to something more stable in a trade. And you exaggerate the amount we have to trade in order to get another solid piece. We are competitive night in and night out. We dont need to sell the whole store to get what we need. Obi, Knox and some pics are a good starting point for a player wanting out of a crappy situation.

Randle, Mitch, Quick, RJ dont have to go anywhere.

I can't overrate our ability to draft well cause we have a whole new team in our front office that does our drafting and after their first draft together with Obi and getting IQ at #25 i'm thinking/hoping our drafting will be much better then we're used to, and then handing these players we draft to Thibs and his coaching staff also makes me feel better about how these kids will get developed.

Yeah if you want us to trade for a V.Oladipo level player then Obi, Knox and some pics might work but not to get a star or super star type player. That package would get the phone hung up on us for the type of player that would give us a chance to make some noise in the playoffs.

[NoDopeOnSundays]

Sixers ain’t schit. They’ll be a first or second round exit once again.

I don’t mind waiting for Lavine in free agency, but I rather go for him now and make the playoffs this season. Then we can attract better players in free agency this year AND next year.

Sixers are better than us, and would beat us with LaVine, not even really debatable.


What free agents? There's nothing this summer or next, Kawhi isn't coming here and he's the only one that moves needle. Trading for LaVine this year would be a bad move and I'd lose all confidence in the front office, because it would be a repeat of what happened with Melo. If we had signed Melo, could have gotten more with those same players we used to trade for him, the same would happen with LaVine except he's nowhere near as good.

It is debatable. Besides Embiid, who is really that good on the Sixers? Ben gets exposed in the playoffs every single year. So it’s just Embiid and Tobias Harris. Yeah I’ll take my chances.

Wasn’t Melo an expiring? Lavine isnt. We’d have 1.5 years with him before resigning him.

There are some good free agents such as Jrue Holiday, Trent Jr, THT, Norman Powell, etc.

Come on man, the Sixers have playoff experience, there isn't a single player in your theoretical lineup that has played in them and they'd have the best player in the series by a wide margin.

You named 4 free agents, 3 of them play the same exact position as LaVine without the ability to really play up or down a position