Thoughts in General, Rumors, etc 4.0

[Lovetron Joe]

Thanks!

[toooskies]

Any ideas on a 3rd team here?

BOS In: ???
BOS Out: Smart

Utah In: Smart
Utah Out: Clarkson

??? In: Clarkson
??? Out: ???

I don't think Cleveland would do it, but Rubio.

[Texas Chuck]

I know when I posted it several weeks back, loserX didn't like it, but the more I think about it the more I feel like Eric Bledsoe/small incentive for Eric Gordon really should happen. Clippers offense could really use Gordon right now. Unless Houston likes these winning ways and thinks that's better for their kids' development than going for one more really high lotto talent.

I know there is some concern about Thad's wife in Minnesota, but Prince/small incentive for Thad Young just really feels like it should happen.

I know ya'll laugh at me and I know he's like a 9th-10th man on a good team, but a good team with tax concerns should go get Kenrich Williams. He's cheap this year and next and he's playable.

I know Cavs fans don't want to trade any of the rotation guys, but they should really try and go get a legit wing and try and solidify a playoff spot.

Maybe Dallas just needs Luka to get healthy/conditioned and they will be fine, but man does this team feel like it needs a jolt. Bench somebody surprising or make a trade or something.

If the Clippers don't trade for Gordon, they should trade for Horford. Or if the Wolves don't trade for Young, they should trade for Horford. Or Charlotte should be willing to part with Oubre in upgrading Plumlee to Horford(needs a 3rd team). Or Memphis should trade Adams/something for Horford. IT's time for Boston to see what Robert Williams at center really looks like without the Horford safety net and I don't see their season turning around.

[HartfordWhalers]

I wish I had been told in advance it was manifesto day, I would have worn my special occasion hat.

I have inefficient volume scoring with bad defense and questionable playmaking as a net negative.
Teams like
Indy (LeVert 15.5 ppg on 50% TS%),
Minnesota (Dlo 19ppg on 50.5% TS% and honorable mention to this year's Beasley)
Are dragged down by the very players the fans /teams were hoping would pull them up.

While neither name may be controversial now, they both have been at points and certainly there are other names that fit the bill as well.

I have moving on faster than not the right move in both situations.
I asked Is there a good Horford-Dlo trade and still see merits for both. Maybe Washington can be convinced Dlo is an all star worth a S&T Beal in a year, or can be dumped then any. Or Maybe he just helps space the court for Tatum, who btw is having a horrific regression year on offense. Tatum's fall off would scare me if I was Boston enough to look into it, and hope DLo grows into a smaller re-signed contract and a good fit. And there is the case for incentive going around in that deal that could further sweeten it. For Minnesota, they get real defense, real second big next to Towns, and get to see where to go from there while also freeing up possessions for everyone else. I really think a trade could exist.

LeVert I would try and see if Orlando is just far enough down on the rebuild to take a swing at.

Something like:
Indy out: Lamb/Levert/Holiday/2nd
Indy In: Ross/Harris:

Why: Stays under tax. Shaves 6m next offseason. Ross is less upside, but also less likely to hurt you. I hear those wanting no 2nd outgoing, and would want it a late 2nd.

Dallas in: Holiday
Dallas out: 2nd

Why? Gets a flier on Holiday into the TPE to help jolt a team that is sucking.

Orlando out: Ross/Harris
Orlando in: LeVert/Lamb/2 2nds

Why? Okay, so let me start by saying LeVert sucks. But what if he doesn't? You got 2 2nds to take on 6m of his deal instead of watching Ross suck. I have it as the type of move you try, and btw it shaves 5m or so this year in salary, so its pretty salary neutral.

{I know its off by a 2nd to everyone}

Want a what is everyone thinking deal?

Kemba/Knox for LeVert.

Indy gets a stopgap pg and shaves money
Knicks take a flier on a younger guy cause he was viewed as an upcoming star in Brooklyn so maybe it will work?

Some teams feel like they run face first into the same wall each year (lets call it the WolvesKings syndrome or maybe get creatove and King Wolf Syndrome).

The obvious example that we all talk about is that San Antonio sucks, and their best players are all vets. I would be moving White, not just Thad. And realistically, Murray, Poetlt etc.

Want some currently more controversial takes?

Fox might suddenly start to look like a bad contract if his career stays on this current path. I would cash out and fast I think if I could find the right price.

Could go back to the Minnesota well...

Sac out: Fox/Bagley
Sac in: DLo/Prince/Minnesota 1st top 6 protected (then 4/2/1).

Goal here for Sac would be to get a high pick for Fox. And maybe this is awful because I'm so down on Fox, if so, find a better deal and do that one! But also I could see DLo spacing some and running him Hali/Mitchel as a 3 guard rotation with Hield an undersized sf.
Minnesota risks another high draft pick to have a core of Fox/Beasley/Ant/?/Towns. Yes, it still leaves pf unresolved but when you are a young team talking about extending Beverley, pg is a problem too.

Someone should beat that right? Horford and a bunch of picks that you close your eyes and hope work out? Seems meh and I don't see Brown on the table, but maybe you get more upside shots? Not sure who but I would be calling everyone. Tried to make a NOP deal work for Fox, but don't see how.

So, yeah, trade:
All of Sas vets,
LeVert
Russell
Fox

Saving my Siakim blockbusters for another thread and, unless I add more substantial deals here later, it is likely now back to deals for 2nds and meh players.

[Resistance]

Glen Taylor (owner) had a choice to make when Towns talked about wanting the team to bring in Russell. Instead of ordering a complete teardown which would have included moving Towns, he wanted to placate Towns and they eventually acquired Russell. If they had taken the teardown path, they would have bottomed out by now and be poised to start moving up.

Taylor is exiting the stage and it will be interesting to see which direction the new owners want the team to go.

[babyjax13]

The Pelicans have been pretty clear for a while that they want to get Zion into the playoffs.

You can debate whether that's the right course of action or not, but it seems to be the course they have chosen. So I doubt they trade their second best player for draft picks.

That said:
1) things can change
2) I am quite often wrong
so we'll see

They have been, but they are not going to be able to make it this year.

[shangrila]

Glen Taylor (owner) had a choice to make when Towns talked about wanting the team to bring in Russell. Instead of ordering a complete teardown which would have included moving Towns, he wanted to placate Towns and they eventually acquired Russell. If they had taken the teardown path, they would have bottomed out by now and be poised to start moving up.

Taylor is exiting the stage and it will be interesting to see which direction the new owners want the team to go.

Not exactly.

Rosas apparently was infatuated with DLo for years, believing he could be a Harden-esque player in the right situation ( I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he was thinking stylistically). So it wasn’t like Towns was making demands. I assume it played a factor but it wasn’t the franchise crossroads you’re making it out to be.

Not to mention, honestly, the team is better with DLo playing these days. I don’t know what it is but even with his inefficiency we’re still far better off with him than moving him for Horford or whoever. He’s definitely improved his defence, for example.

[Resistance]

Glen Taylor (owner) had a choice to make when Towns talked about wanting the team to bring in Russell. Instead of ordering a complete teardown which would have included moving Towns, he wanted to placate Towns and they eventually acquired Russell. If they had taken the teardown path, they would have bottomed out by now and be poised to start moving up.

Taylor is exiting the stage and it will be interesting to see which direction the new owners want the team to go.

Not exactly.

Rosas apparently was infatuated with DLo for years, believing he could be a Harden-esque player in the right situation ( I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he was thinking stylistically). So it wasn’t like Towns was making demands. I assume it played a factor but it wasn’t the franchise crossroads you’re making it out to be.

Not to mention, honestly, the team is better with DLo playing these days. I don’t know what it is but even with his inefficiency we’re still far better off with him than moving him for Horford or whoever. He’s definitely improved his defence, for example.

Then assign more blame to Rosas and less to Taylor. I still have not doing the complete teardown (including Towns) as the mistake.

[Resistance]

Karl-Anthony Towns Is ‘Yelling From A Microphone’ To Get D’Angelo Russell To Minnesota (June 2019)

Making a splash in free agency would go a long way to helping Towns turn those words into action, and he’s hot on the heels of D’Angelo Russell, who is currently a restricted free agent with Brooklyn Nets. With less than two weeks to go until the official start of free agency, KAT took some time to talk with UPROXX courtesy of Gillette about his recruiting efforts, his bond with Saunders and how he’s preparing to have the best season of his career.
You’ve been vocal about the Timberwolves having a chance to make major improvements via free agency. You’ve done some D’Angelo Russell whispering on Instagram. Have you paid attention to all the player movement and rumors this summer?

Yes. I pay very close attention to free agency. And D’Angelo is not getting whispers, he’s getting more of a yell from a microphone. This is a big free agency period for us as an organization, so we’re taking every step and exploring every avenue.

How long have you known Russell?

Forever. Me and D’Angelo have known each other for a very long time. We’ve talked about how much we want to play with each other, not even just in the NBA or college, but in high school. Who would’ve thought we’re at this moment now.

[toooskies]

I know Cavs fans don't want to trade any of the rotation guys, but they should really try and go get a legit wing and try and solidify a playoff spot.

Plenty of Cavs fans want to see an upgrade there, but we also have the luxury of waiting since we're playing with house money right now.

The "legit wing" has to be a solution going forward (and better than just staying committed to Sexton). Most trades involve treating Love/Osman as filler when they're playing really well this year. Getting a SG while killing the bench doesn't make sense when the team won't have much flexibility this off-season to improve.

My favorite option right now is Dort or Kenrich Williams for a deep rotation guy and picks so that Sexton coming back is still on the table.

My second favorite options are guys who can get their own bucket like McCollum. Swapping Love with picks for him is a wait-and-see option.

[shangrila]

Karl-Anthony Towns Is ‘Yelling From A Microphone’ To Get D’Angelo Russell To Minnesota (June 2019)

Making a splash in free agency would go a long way to helping Towns turn those words into action, and he’s hot on the heels of D’Angelo Russell, who is currently a restricted free agent with Brooklyn Nets. With less than two weeks to go until the official start of free agency, KAT took some time to talk with UPROXX courtesy of Gillette about his recruiting efforts, his bond with Saunders and how he’s preparing to have the best season of his career.
You’ve been vocal about the Timberwolves having a chance to make major improvements via free agency. You’ve done some D’Angelo Russell whispering on Instagram. Have you paid attention to all the player movement and rumors this summer?

Yes. I pay very close attention to free agency. And D’Angelo is not getting whispers, he’s getting more of a yell from a microphone. This is a big free agency period for us as an organization, so we’re taking every step and exploring every avenue.

How long have you known Russell?

Forever. Me and D’Angelo have known each other for a very long time. We’ve talked about how much we want to play with each other, not even just in the NBA or college, but in high school. Who would’ve thought we’re at this moment now.

…that was free agency. It’s literally in the first sentence of your quote.

He was recruiting his friend, not demanding the team trade for him.

[Resistance]

Karl-Anthony Towns Is ‘Yelling From A Microphone’ To Get D’Angelo Russell To Minnesota (June 2019)

Making a splash in free agency would go a long way to helping Towns turn those words into action, and he’s hot on the heels of D’Angelo Russell, who is currently a restricted free agent with Brooklyn Nets. With less than two weeks to go until the official start of free agency, KAT took some time to talk with UPROXX courtesy of Gillette about his recruiting efforts, his bond with Saunders and how he’s preparing to have the best season of his career.
You’ve been vocal about the Timberwolves having a chance to make major improvements via free agency. You’ve done some D’Angelo Russell whispering on Instagram. Have you paid attention to all the player movement and rumors this summer?

Yes. I pay very close attention to free agency. And D’Angelo is not getting whispers, he’s getting more of a yell from a microphone. This is a big free agency period for us as an organization, so we’re taking every step and exploring every avenue.

How long have you known Russell?

Forever. Me and D’Angelo have known each other for a very long time. We’ve talked about how much we want to play with each other, not even just in the NBA or college, but in high school. Who would’ve thought we’re at this moment now.

…that was free agency. It’s literally in the first sentence of your quote.

He was recruiting his friend, not demanding the team trade for him.

In my earlier post, I didn't distinguish between trade and Free Agency.

Glen Taylor (owner) had a choice to make when Towns talked about wanting the team to bring in Russell.

[MoneyTalks41890]

I don’t see what’s particularly controversial about:

1. DLo was brought in, in large part to placate Towns, sure they may have liked him, but can’t ignore that element.

2. It was a mistake ultimately. The team needed to step back further, and gave up a good lotto pick for the worse player.

3. DLo is shooting horribly this year.

[Domejandro]

I don’t see what’s particularly controversial about:

1. DLo was brought in, in large part to placate Towns, sure they may have liked him, but can’t ignore that element.

2. It was a mistake ultimately. The team needed to step back further, and gave up a good lotto pick for the worse player.

3. DLo is shooting horribly this year.

He wasn't brought in just to placate Karl-Anthony Towns, though. Minnesota desperately needed a second high-volume scorer to compliment Karl-Anthony Towns (the team understandably did not see Andrew Wiggins as the right person), and D'Angelo Russell was the only realistic free-agent that would consider Minnesota. The entire reason he was an option was because of the human element of him and Karl-Anthony Towns being close friends.

I never liked it, but given that Minnesota (at the time) had prime Robert Covington to compliment Karl-Anthony Towns and D'Angelo Russell, the move made some sense, during that free-agency period. Gersson Rosas was obsessed with recreating the James Harden Rockets, and he stupidly thought that D'Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns could be paired to accomplish that.

[psman2]

I don’t see what’s particularly controversial about:

1. DLo was brought in, in large part to placate Towns, sure they may have liked him, but can’t ignore that element.

2. It was a mistake ultimately. The team needed to step back further, and gave up a good lotto pick for the worse player.

3. DLo is shooting horribly this year.

He wasn't brought in just to placate Karl-Anthony Towns, though. Minnesota desperately needed a second high-volume scorer to compliment Karl-Anthony Towns (the team understandably did not see Andrew Wiggins as the right person), and D'Angelo Russell was the only realistic free-agent that would consider Minnesota. The entire reason he was an option was because of the human element of him and Karl-Anthony Towns being close friends.

I never liked it, but given that Minnesota (at the time) had prime Robert Covington to compliment Karl-Anthony Towns and D'Angelo Russell, the move made some sense, during that free-agency period. Gersson Rosas was obsessed with recreating the James Harden Rockets, and he stupidly thought that D'Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns could be paired to accomplish that.

You traded for Russell, so him choosing you would be nice but not really necessary.

[Texas Chuck]

I wish I had been told in advance it was manifesto day,

Yeah that was just some random stuff in my head that didn't need a thread. You definitely do not want to see my trade board manifesto.

[shangrila]

I don’t see what’s particularly controversial about:

1. DLo was brought in, in large part to placate Towns, sure they may have liked him, but can’t ignore that element.

2. It was a mistake ultimately. The team needed to step back further, and gave up a good lotto pick for the worse player.

3. DLo is shooting horribly this year.

1. Nothing controversial, just correcting what I thought was a mistake.

2. I still prefer him to Wiggins, but regardless the team couldn't afford to "step back further". Towns would have been gone.

3. Not sure what that has to do with anything or who was disputing that, but sure.

[MoneyTalks41890]

I don’t see what’s particularly controversial about:

1. DLo was brought in, in large part to placate Towns, sure they may have liked him, but can’t ignore that element.

2. It was a mistake ultimately. The team needed to step back further, and gave up a good lotto pick for the worse player.

3. DLo is shooting horribly this year.

1. Nothing controversial, just correcting what I thought was a mistake.

2. I still prefer him to Wiggins, but regardless the team couldn't afford to "step back further". Towns would have been gone.

3. Not sure what that has to do with anything or who was disputing that, but sure.

I guess this is my issue with rebuilds generally. Why would Towns have been gone on a tank versus the result which was being one of the leagues worst teams? Is it the appearance of trying?

Hindsight is 20/20 but Wiggins is a good player now and DLo isn’t

[shangrila]

I don’t see what’s particularly controversial about:

1. DLo was brought in, in large part to placate Towns, sure they may have liked him, but can’t ignore that element.

2. It was a mistake ultimately. The team needed to step back further, and gave up a good lotto pick for the worse player.

3. DLo is shooting horribly this year.

1. Nothing controversial, just correcting what I thought was a mistake.

2. I still prefer him to Wiggins, but regardless the team couldn't afford to "step back further". Towns would have been gone.

3. Not sure what that has to do with anything or who was disputing that, but sure.

I guess this is my issue with rebuilds generally. Why would Towns have been gone on a tank versus the result which was being one of the leagues worst teams? Is it the appearance of trying?

Obviously, yeah.

These guys are competitive, especially when you start getting older and your reputation (hell, your character) is brought into question when your team loses. Nobody would or should be content with losing just to maybe, hopefully, occasionally get a good prospect.

Hindsight is 20/20 but Wiggins is a good player now and DLo isn’t

Meh, I'll wait until Wiggins does something outside of a resurgent GS team. I mean, he looked awfully similar to how he always had last year and given he really never improved in Minnesota I'm not going to give him the benefit of the doubt.

[shangrila]

Spoiler:

I wish I had been told in advance it was manifesto day, I would have worn my special occasion hat.

I have inefficient volume scoring with bad defense and questionable playmaking as a net negative.
Teams like
Indy (LeVert 15.5 ppg on 50% TS%),
Minnesota (Dlo 19ppg on 50.5% TS% and honorable mention to this year's Beasley)
Are dragged down by the very players the fans /teams were hoping would pull them up.

While neither name may be controversial now, they both have been at points and certainly there are other names that fit the bill as well.

I have moving on faster than not the right move in both situations.
I asked Is there a good Horford-Dlo trade and still see merits for both. Maybe Washington can be convinced Dlo is an all star worth a S&T Beal in a year, or can be dumped then any. Or Maybe he just helps space the court for Tatum, who btw is having a horrific regression year on offense. Tatum's fall off would scare me if I was Boston enough to look into it, and hope DLo grows into a smaller re-signed contract and a good fit. And there is the case for incentive going around in that deal that could further sweeten it. For Minnesota, they get real defense, real second big next to Towns, and get to see where to go from there while also freeing up possessions for everyone else. I really think a trade could exist.

LeVert I would try and see if Orlando is just far enough down on the rebuild to take a swing at.

Something like:
Indy out: Lamb/Levert/Holiday/2nd
Indy In: Ross/Harris:

Why: Stays under tax. Shaves 6m next offseason. Ross is less upside, but also less likely to hurt you. I hear those wanting no 2nd outgoing, and would want it a late 2nd.

Dallas in: Holiday
Dallas out: 2nd

Why? Gets a flier on Holiday into the TPE to help jolt a team that is sucking.

Orlando out: Ross/Harris
Orlando in: LeVert/Lamb/2 2nds

Why? Okay, so let me start by saying LeVert sucks. But what if he doesn't? You got 2 2nds to take on 6m of his deal instead of watching Ross suck. I have it as the type of move you try, and btw it shaves 5m or so this year in salary, so its pretty salary neutral.

{I know its off by a 2nd to everyone}

Want a what is everyone thinking deal?

Kemba/Knox for LeVert.

Indy gets a stopgap pg and shaves money
Knicks take a flier on a younger guy cause he was viewed as an upcoming star in Brooklyn so maybe it will work?

Some teams feel like they run face first into the same wall each year (lets call it the WolvesKings syndrome or maybe get creatove and King Wolf Syndrome).

The obvious example that we all talk about is that San Antonio sucks, and their best players are all vets. I would be moving White, not just Thad. And realistically, Murray, Poetlt etc.

Want some currently more controversial takes?

Fox might suddenly start to look like a bad contract if his career stays on this current path. I would cash out and fast I think if I could find the right price.

Could go back to the Minnesota well...

Sac out: Fox/Bagley
Sac in: DLo/Prince/Minnesota 1st top 6 protected (then 4/2/1).

Goal here for Sac would be to get a high pick for Fox. And maybe this is awful because I'm so down on Fox, if so, find a better deal and do that one! But also I could see DLo spacing some and running him Hali/Mitchel as a 3 guard rotation with Hield an undersized sf.
Minnesota risks another high draft pick to have a core of Fox/Beasley/Ant/?/Towns. Yes, it still leaves pf unresolved but when you are a young team talking about extending Beverley, pg is a problem too.

Someone should beat that right? Horford and a bunch of picks that you close your eyes and hope work out? Seems meh and I don't see Brown on the table, but maybe you get more upside shots? Not sure who but I would be calling everyone. Tried to make a NOP deal work for Fox, but don't see how.

So, yeah, trade:
All of Sas vets,
LeVert
Russell
Fox

Saving my Siakim blockbusters for another thread and, unless I add more substantial deals here later, it is likely now back to deals for 2nds and meh players.

Good post, but just to clarify Russell has actually been pretty good in other areas this season.

His playmaking is fine, barring the occasional heat check, and while he'll never be a lockdown defender his added focus this season is paying off. If his efficiency were to raise even just a couple of points to his career %, let alone what he's done the last couple of years, I doubt there'd be many if any complaints about him.