Rapsfan07 wrote:Merit wrote:Rapsfan07 wrote:
Not that I want him back but DeMar is unrestricted so there's no possible way to trade for him unless it's a sign and trade and I'm sure the Spurs can do better than that for him.
As for Ball, I've long been an advocate for trading for him but it's going to take a lot more than that on a value basis alone, never mind the fact that he's an RFA. NOLA has his matching rights and doesn't need to take a bad deal for him. You'll have to pony up. Something around Vanvleet makes sense for both sides.
As for moving up the draft, I can't imagine it would be worth what Cleveland would ask for. Even if all it takes is the two second rounders, we're going to be in desperate need of cheap talent this season and beyond. I'm quite comfortable taking whoever of Green, Suggs or Mobley is there at 4
I don’t think FVV would be traded for ball. The reason you trade for ball is to put him beside Fred. I think that trading for Ball could work if Boucher is involved - as he would be in a trade for aggregated salaries. Perhaps we could include a 2nd if we really wanted to sweeten things.
I agree. I don't think FVV would be traded for Ball either. But he should be for a few reasons.
1. This team is still a ways away from being a contender again. After this season, he has one more year with us before his contract expires. So unless you think we can acquire a star and contend in the next two years then chances are he expires before and real progress can be made.
2. I've said this before but he has significant weaknesses. He's very poor shooter from anywhere that is not the 3pt line. Like he isn't even shooting 40% from the floor. That's not good and he's quite handsomely paid.
I like me some Fred, don't get me wrong but I don't think he's a starting PG on a championship team UNLESS you have a superstar creator on the wing. That's not going to be OG, Siakam or GTJ and I haven't seen a C lead a team to a chip in a very long time.
So unless you think Suggs or Ball are going to be superstars within the next two years, then yes, we should be trading Fred. I like Suggs/Ball for the future more than I like Fred/Suggs or Fred/Ball.
Oh and lastly I can promise you, NOLA isn't moving Ball for Boucher and 2nds. He's an RFA. They can match offer sheets and trade him down the road if he really isn't part of their future plans. But letting him go for that is horrible asset management.
Fair enough on our valuations of Lonzo ball being different. Of course a bigger group of guards who can switch more easily makes sense. However, you’ve got to account for continuity and a team concept. That’s where we are definitely keeping Fred. He’s a (the?) leader and that’s something difficult to put a price on.
I think that if NOP are choosing between matching an overpriced RFA offer or signing and trading their asset for some return, they would choose the return I suggested earlier - even if it isn’t their ideal option. If nothing else it gives them flexibility. Frankly, I think you’re undervaluing Boucher. The pelicans don’t have anyone like him, whereas they do have Kira Lewis and NAW looking for more playing time, and they also have Eric Bledsoe on their roster.

























