2021 Playoff and Offseason Speculation - the playoffs. PLAYOFFS????

[Slim Charless]

Mavs are hiring Kidd and the Nike guy - Nico
per Tim MacMahon of ESPN Dallas

Mavs fan on twitter are already speculating on Lillard to Dallas as :
Lillard is getting "antsy" per reports
he wanted Kidd to coach in Portland
and he likes the Nike guy Nico

Mavs guy on twitter had a trade of KP, Brunson, a few 1st rounders and than pick swaps

For me - that doesn't seem very much for Lillard.

That seems like a complete rebuild. Why not take Simmons back if that is the best offer? They should be able to get Simmons and a pick or 2. Nurkic can already be a stretch 5 having hit the 3 at 40%.

Simmons with CJ, Powell, Covington, and Nurkic is great defensively and surrounds Simmons with shooters.

I was just quoting some Mavs fan on twitter trying to read tea leaves and talk himself into the Mavs getting Dame

I still think CJ McCallum for Simmons could be a trade both teams make. Granted, I am sure the Sixers would also take Lillard .

Dallas isn't getting Dame. If I was them I trade KP for Steven Adams as he gives you defense and some much needed toughness to protect Luka. Then I'd sign Cam to a deal.

Cam
Luka
THJ
Kleiber
Adams

Defense and another shot creator added to the line-up. Cam obviously has no problem preforming on the big stage and is still young enough that he fits with Luka.

[BobbieL]

That seems like a complete rebuild. Why not take Simmons back if that is the best offer? They should be able to get Simmons and a pick or 2. Nurkic can already be a stretch 5 having hit the 3 at 40%.

Simmons with CJ, Powell, Covington, and Nurkic is great defensively and surrounds Simmons with shooters.

I was just quoting some Mavs fan on twitter trying to read tea leaves and talk himself into the Mavs getting Dame

I still think CJ McCallum for Simmons could be a trade both teams make. Granted, I am sure the Sixers would also take Lillard .

Dallas isn't getting Dame. If I was them I trade KP for Steven Adams as he gives you defense and some much needed toughness to protect Luka. Then I'd sign Cam to a deal.

Cam
Luka
THJ
Kleiber
Adams

Defense and another shot creator added to the line-up. Cam obviously has no problem preforming on the big stage and is still young enough that he fits with Luka.

Thats a pretty smart trade - Adams for KP. The Pelicans will probably make some changes this offseason. Who knows, - they made trade Zion though they shouldn't have to be forced into that/ But KP might make sense there. I know Adams would be good in Dallas though.

[Slim Charless]

I was just quoting some Mavs fan on twitter trying to read tea leaves and talk himself into the Mavs getting Dame

I still think CJ McCallum for Simmons could be a trade both teams make. Granted, I am sure the Sixers would also take Lillard .

Dallas isn't getting Dame. If I was them I trade KP for Steven Adams as he gives you defense and some much needed toughness to protect Luka. Then I'd sign Cam to a deal.

Cam
Luka
THJ
Kleiber
Adams

Defense and another shot creator added to the line-up. Cam obviously has no problem preforming on the big stage and is still young enough that he fits with Luka.

Thats a pretty smart trade - Adams for KP. The Pelicans will probably make some changes this offseason. Who knows, - they made trade Zion though they shouldn't have to be forced into that/ But KP might make sense there. I know Adams would be good in Dallas though.

KP could be a stretch 5 or make him the 4 and run point Zion from the center spot.

[AtheJ415]

Wonder if Nerlens Noel would fit for backup C. Might have the quickness to play against small ball playoff lineups.

[AtheJ415]

Also we're maxing Ayton fully if that wasn't painfully obvious. Best player in the entire playoffs for any team. Maybe the only big in basketball (maybe Embiid) who can stay on the court against elite small ball lineups. I think he's the most likely to win finals MVP if we win it all.

[sunsbg]

Also we're maxing Ayton fully if that wasn't painfully obvious. Best player in the entire playoffs for any team. Maybe the only big in basketball (maybe Embiid) who can stay on the court against elite small ball lineups. I think he's the most likely to win finals MVP if we win it all.

We have three different contenders for finals MVP. CP3 would still be given most of the credit for running this team. Maybe he has another series like the Nuggets one. Booker can obviously go off as well. DA is dominating both ends. Him winning a finals MVP would be just the best story for me. First make the finals though.

[cberry78]

First ever three way tie for MVP?

Sent from my SM-N960U using RealGM mobile app

[Ghost of Kleine]

First ever three way tie for MVP?

Sent from my SM-N960U using RealGM mobile app

DA would likely get it based upon consistency throughout the playoffs I'd think, Because unfortunately, Both Booker and Paul have struggled in this series.

[suns12345]

First ever three way tie for MVP?

Sent from my SM-N960U using RealGM mobile app

DA would likely get it based upon consistency throughout the playoffs I'd think, Because unfortunately, Both Booker and Paul have struggled in this series.

Finals MVP is only for the finals, not the rest of the playoffs

[Ghost of Kleine]

First ever three way tie for MVP?

Sent from my SM-N960U using RealGM mobile app

DA would likely get it based upon consistency throughout the playoffs I'd think, Because unfortunately, Both Booker and Paul have struggled in this series.

Finals MVP is only for the finals, not the rest of the playoffs

Yes of course! But if we go off the premise of consistency/ production so far, Then the pattern favors Ayton, As again, Neither Book nor Paul have honestly been on point in their games. Hopefully though Book and Paul do in fact stdp up their games So that Ayton won't need to carry the bulk of the load for the team!

[AtheJ415]

With Bagley liking his own tweet asking out of Sac, here's a question. Would you trade our 1st this year and something minor for him? I don't think his value is high leaguewide. He's been injured and largely a nonfactor.

[Flying Colors]

With Bagley liking his own tweet asking out of Sac, here's a question. Would you trade our 1st this year and something minor for him? I don't think his value is high leaguewide. He's been injured and largely a nonfactor.

Yeah, I think i’d do it.

[dmastro32]

With Bagley liking his own tweet asking out of Sac, here's a question. Would you trade our 1st this year and something minor for him? I don't think his value is high leaguewide. He's been injured and largely a nonfactor.

Yeah, I think i’d do it.

His salary is to high you would need to give Dario and carter to match salary. I would wait until he is a free agent.

[AtheJ415]

With Bagley liking his own tweet asking out of Sac, here's a question. Would you trade our 1st this year and something minor for him? I don't think his value is high leaguewide. He's been injured and largely a nonfactor.

Yeah, I think i’d do it.

A part of me prefers Stix's tools over his but reality is the fact that Stix couldn't beat out Kaminsky makes me really question whether he'll be a difference maker down the line. Bagley's handles are way better than Stix but his shooting and size are worse. More of a four than Stix though. And then maybe they'd actually move Stix to backup 5 which imo is where he should be.

[SunsRback4Good]

With Bagley liking his own tweet asking out of Sac, here's a question. Would you trade our 1st this year and something minor for him? I don't think his value is high leaguewide. He's been injured and largely a nonfactor.

Yeah, I think i’d do it.

A part of me prefers Stix's tools over his but reality is the fact that Stix couldn't beat out Kaminsky makes me really question whether he'll be a difference maker down the line. Bagley's handles are way better than Stix but his shooting and size are worse. More of a four than Stix though. And then maybe they'd actually move Stix to backup 5 which imo is where he should be.

Stix couldn't beat out Kaminsky because one has played in the league for six years while other is 21 who barely played 5 minutes on a championship contending team. As for Bagley no need in acquiring him since he's injury prone already missing 100+ games in his first three seasons. Bridges also didn't produce much in his 1st NBA season. We need to give Stix 2-3 years at least before thinking of trading him.

[AtheJ415]

Yeah, I think i’d do it.

A part of me prefers Stix's tools over his but reality is the fact that Stix couldn't beat out Kaminsky makes me really question whether he'll be a difference maker down the line. Bagley's handles are way better than Stix but his shooting and size are worse. More of a four than Stix though. And then maybe they'd actually move Stix to backup 5 which imo is where he should be.

Stix couldn't beat out Kaminsky because one has played in the league for six years while other is 21 who barely played 5 minutes on a championship contending team. As for Bagley no need in acquiring him since he's injury prone already missing 100+ games in his first three seasons. Bridges also didn't produce much in his 1st NBA season. We need to give Stix 2-3 years at least before thinking of trading him.

Kaminsky is literally one of the worst players in the NBA. He's only on this team because he remembers the plays from the prior season. Remember, we chose not to keep him and he then got cut by an awful team that needs players. A lottery pick in a decent draft ought to be able to beat him out. Kaminsky is not some average NBA player that you'd expect a lottery pick to struggle to get PT over. Citing years of service doesn't change that. He's below replacement level as a player.

Also, nobody here mentioned trading Stix so I'm not sure what you are referring to. The odds of him being successful (and thus of warranting taking another prospect while he's on the team) after not playing at all as a rookie while getting beaten out by one of the worst players in basketball are not high. Christian Wood & Fred Van Vleet are incredibly rare stories. Even the terrible version of Cam Payne saw minutes on a loaded OKC team.

That doesn't just apply for him, it applies for others like Mo Bamba, for instance, who has struggled and not managed to get PT. Those stories rarely turn out with the player being a difference maker.

[AtheJ415]

Yeah, I think i’d do it.

A part of me prefers Stix's tools over his but reality is the fact that Stix couldn't beat out Kaminsky makes me really question whether he'll be a difference maker down the line. Bagley's handles are way better than Stix but his shooting and size are worse. More of a four than Stix though. And then maybe they'd actually move Stix to backup 5 which imo is where he should be.

Stix couldn't beat out Kaminsky because one has played in the league for six years while other is 21 who barely played 5 minutes on a championship contending team. As for Bagley no need in acquiring him since he's injury prone already missing 100+ games in his first three seasons. Bridges also didn't produce much in his 1st NBA season. We need to give Stix 2-3 years at least before thinking of trading him.

I'll also say this, we took Frank because we bungled the offseason big man market and needed a guy who knew the plays after another team cut him for sucking. He then proceeded to play well for maybe 3 weeks of this entire season. He's garbage, and if we keep him into next season (when we would have had an offseason to get another more capable big up to speed on the playbook) without upgrading his spot it will be a failure of James Jones to improve the roster. You can get a large number of vet min bigs who are better for the same amount. Frank does nothing well on the court. He's a bad rebounder, misses more shots near the basket than any big I can remember, is a terrible defender, and is still living off his college career / reputation as a shooter. Teams leave him wide the F open when he plays for a reason and they isolate him on D for a reason. He's a disaster and we're lucky other teams have gone so small in the playoffs and that Saric has rounded a little bit back into form so that Stanky Franky doesn't have to see the court.

[BobbieL]

A part of me prefers Stix's tools over his but reality is the fact that Stix couldn't beat out Kaminsky makes me really question whether he'll be a difference maker down the line. Bagley's handles are way better than Stix but his shooting and size are worse. More of a four than Stix though. And then maybe they'd actually move Stix to backup 5 which imo is where he should be.

Stix couldn't beat out Kaminsky because one has played in the league for six years while other is 21 who barely played 5 minutes on a championship contending team. As for Bagley no need in acquiring him since he's injury prone already missing 100+ games in his first three seasons. Bridges also didn't produce much in his 1st NBA season. We need to give Stix 2-3 years at least before thinking of trading him.

I'll also say this, we took Frank because we bungled the offseason big man market and needed a guy who knew the plays after another team cut him for sucking. He then proceeded to play well for maybe 3 weeks of this entire season. He's garbage, and if we keep him into next season (when we would have had an offseason to get another more capable big up to speed on the playbook) without upgrading his spot it will be a failure of James Jones to improve the roster. You can get a large number of vet min bigs who are better for the same amount. Frank does nothing well on the court. He's a bad rebounder, misses more shots near the basket than any big I can remember, is a terrible defender, and is still living off his college career / reputation as a shooter. Teams leave him wide the F open when he plays for a reason and they isolate him on D for a reason. He's a disaster and we're lucky other teams have gone so small in the playoffs and that Saric has rounded a little bit back into form so that Stanky Franky doesn't have to see the court.

I don't think Frank is back next year - there will be better options at the back up 5 spot - especially if the Suns make it to the Finals and more so if they win

As for the Bagley for the 1st and Saric - not too sure about that one. Saric has been balling this series -- and Denver. Playing very well.

But hopefully - a bit more time to ponder FA and trade questions!

[suns12345]

A part of me prefers Stix's tools over his but reality is the fact that Stix couldn't beat out Kaminsky makes me really question whether he'll be a difference maker down the line. Bagley's handles are way better than Stix but his shooting and size are worse. More of a four than Stix though. And then maybe they'd actually move Stix to backup 5 which imo is where he should be.

Stix couldn't beat out Kaminsky because one has played in the league for six years while other is 21 who barely played 5 minutes on a championship contending team. As for Bagley no need in acquiring him since he's injury prone already missing 100+ games in his first three seasons. Bridges also didn't produce much in his 1st NBA season. We need to give Stix 2-3 years at least before thinking of trading him.

I'll also say this, we took Frank because we bungled the offseason big man market and needed a guy who knew the plays after another team cut him for sucking. He then proceeded to play well for maybe 3 weeks of this entire season. He's garbage, and if we keep him into next season (when we would have had an offseason to get another more capable big up to speed on the playbook) without upgrading his spot it will be a failure of James Jones to improve the roster. You can get a large number of vet min bigs who are better for the same amount. Frank does nothing well on the court. He's a bad rebounder, misses more shots near the basket than any big I can remember, is a terrible defender, and is still living off his college career / reputation as a shooter. Teams leave him wide the F open when he plays for a reason and they isolate him on D for a reason. He's a disaster and we're lucky other teams have gone so small in the playoffs and that Saric has rounded a little bit back into form so that Stanky Franky doesn't have to see the court.

Yeh like Demarcus Cousins. He proved real valuable in the recent game just played.

[Maze]

Stix couldn't beat out Kaminsky because one has played in the league for six years while other is 21 who barely played 5 minutes on a championship contending team. As for Bagley no need in acquiring him since he's injury prone already missing 100+ games in his first three seasons. Bridges also didn't produce much in his 1st NBA season. We need to give Stix 2-3 years at least before thinking of trading him.

I'll also say this, we took Frank because we bungled the offseason big man market and needed a guy who knew the plays after another team cut him for sucking. He then proceeded to play well for maybe 3 weeks of this entire season. He's garbage, and if we keep him into next season (when we would have had an offseason to get another more capable big up to speed on the playbook) without upgrading his spot it will be a failure of James Jones to improve the roster. You can get a large number of vet min bigs who are better for the same amount. Frank does nothing well on the court. He's a bad rebounder, misses more shots near the basket than any big I can remember, is a terrible defender, and is still living off his college career / reputation as a shooter. Teams leave him wide the F open when he plays for a reason and they isolate him on D for a reason. He's a disaster and we're lucky other teams have gone so small in the playoffs and that Saric has rounded a little bit back into form so that Stanky Franky doesn't have to see the court.

I don't think Frank is back next year - there will be better options at the back up 5 spot - especially if the Suns make it to the Finals and more so if they win

As for the Bagley for the 1st and Saric - not too sure about that one. Saric has been balling this series -- and Denver. Playing very well.

But hopefully - a bit more time to ponder FA and trade questions!

Saric been balling!? ...I'd agree he went from terrible to slightly below average, but still definitely replacement level.