Western Conference - Your Team Gets Eliminated Round 1: What Happens Next?

[NYG]

Let's say your Western Conference team gets bounced Round 1 of the playoffs (or earlier for some teams)... how would the stars and management react?

Timberwolves
Thunder
Nuggets
Clippers
Pelicans
Suns
Kings
Mavericks
Warriors
Lakers

[NYG]

Let's say your Western Conference team gets bounced Round 1 of the playoffs (or earlier for some teams)... how would the stars and management react?

Timberwolves
Thunder
Nuggets
Clippers
Pelicans
Suns
Kings
Mavericks
Warriors
Lakers

The most interesting reactions to me are T'Wolves management, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving if those respective teams lose round 1... I think the rest would mostly approach the off-season the same either way.

Would Jason Kidd and Darvin Ham lose their jobs?

[Wolveswin]

I think Towns is on the trading block. With a 1st (or 2nd round exit), he will be actively shopped for savings and a roster reshuffle. Which doesn’t have to mean a step back - well not a big step. And I think in the long run, can make Wolves better overall.

Let’s say Reid can step in and backfill 70% of Towns. And with cap savings, Wolves retain Anderson. And acquire another, say young-developing PF/C type, in the Towns transaction. All of that should add up to replace Towns production plus upside Reid and roster develop to be even more than Towns.

Add to that a PGOF to come off bench and be mentored by Conley for 2x years.

Add to that probably another solid vet acquired, draft capital for next move, Wolves could have a young roster locked in through Edwards tenure.

[Apz]

Mavs, not much. I know all mavsfans and myself would like to replace kidd if it happened but historically mavs fo been patient. However, it comes down to kyrie and luka, if they want him to stay he will stay, if they want a change he will be gone

[aguiar95]

I think every team will run it back spending picks/youth for their most glaring need.

Most disappointed guys would be from MIN (1-2 seed probably). LAC (again, 4th year for Kawhi/PG13), PHO (All-in resulting in a 1st round exit, mostly KD), LAL and GSW (time is running up on their stars LBJ/Curry/Draymond).

[schaffy]

I think Towns is on the trading block. With a 1st (or 2nd round exit), he will be actively shopped for savings and a roster reshuffle. Which doesn’t have to mean a step back - well not a big step. And I think in the long run, can make Wolves better overall.

Let’s say Reid can step in and backfill 70% of Towns. And with cap savings, Wolves retain Anderson. And acquire another, say young-developing PF/C type, in the Towns transaction. All of that should add up to replace Towns production plus upside Reid and roster develop to be even more than Towns.

Add to that a PGOF to come off bench and be mentored by Conley for 2x years.

Add to that probably another solid vet acquired, draft capital for next move, Wolves could have a young roster locked in through Edwards tenure.

I'll be honest I don't see how this is really possible. A KAT trade is going to bring back: a future PG, a young big, another rotation vet, enough cap savings to bring back Anderson, and draft capital? If they are moving KAT they are going to have to be ok taking more than just a small step back. Would they still be a playoff team? Likely. A top 4 team in the west? Probably not.

Not only that, but if the plan is to drop Reid into the starting lineup and he performs like you are expecting, he's not picking up that 15M option and then you've got to pay him more again to keep your starting PF or have another roster hole to fill, all while being OK with the bench losing firepower.

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[jayjaysee]

Dallas first round exit wouldn’t surprise many I don’t think. Don’t like the chances against any of the top 4 in a series.. But if it’s an embarrassing loss, I think something big will be done and the easiest “big thing” is firing Kidd.

Kyrie is always a clock though. So a respectable loss to Joker? No surprises for me. 2025 first traded for a wing with 1-2 of THJ/Maxi/Powell and run it back. But a sweep or a disrespectful 4-1 type? Yeah.

I don’t see how Denver, LAC or Phoenix can pivot to anything though. Don’t see any of their stars asking out even with a first round exit. They’re all the way pushed in already and won’t be abandoning that goal.

NOP is always an interesting one as they seem to have the ability to trade for a top 10 type player while keeping 2 of Zion, Ingram, CJM and depth around them.

Sac group is young enough, but this offseason they couldn’t and do a 4 first package.. but they’ll be trading at least 1 first this offseason anyways. Would guess they keep Monk and trade 2 firsts to upgrade the defense. Going back to Grant/Thybulle package or such.

[shrink]

MIN will run it back. They’ve never been this close, and even regular season success is a rare thing in Minnesota. It’s a two year window (or at least, the 2025 trade deadline), with Naz Reid and Gobert having Player Options in sixteen months. Towns sacrificed a lot, and other players took less trusting that MIN will be trying to win. And of course, the first full move of the new owners won’t be to cut salary to make the team worse, especially when they would want another shot at public financing for a new arena for longterm profit.

I know it makes clickbait articles fly nationally, giving fans the idea that they can add Towns to their line up next year. But moving him would put Minnesota back on the “Also Ran” treadmill, right at the time that perennial favorites are aging out.

[Wolveswin]

I think Towns is on the trading block. With a 1st (or 2nd round exit), he will be actively shopped for savings and a roster reshuffle. Which doesn’t have to mean a step back - well not a big step. And I think in the long run, can make Wolves better overall.

Let’s say Reid can step in and backfill 70% of Towns. And with cap savings, Wolves retain Anderson. And acquire another, say young-developing PF/C type, in the Towns transaction. All of that should add up to replace Towns production plus upside Reid and roster develop to be even more than Towns.

Add to that a PGOF to come off bench and be mentored by Conley for 2x years.

Add to that probably another solid vet acquired, draft capital for next move, Wolves could have a young roster locked in through Edwards tenure.

I'll be honest I don't see how this is really possible. A KAT trade is going to bring back: a future PG, a young big, another rotation vet, enough cap savings to bring back Anderson, and draft capital? If they are moving KAT they are going to have to be ok taking more than just a small step back. Would they still be a playoff team? Likely. A top 4 team in the west? Probably not.

Not only that, but if the plan is to drop Reid into the starting lineup and he performs like you are expecting, he's not picking up that 15M option and then you've got to pay him more again to keep your starting PF or have another roster hole to fill, all while being OK with the bench losing firepower.

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It is very possible. Towns trade value is at an all time high. Wolves have a 24 1st and soon a 31 1st plus swaps. They have assets to move all around the chess board.

Reid if he becomes Towns lite, will be paid very Towns lite. If Towns is 53M in 25/26…even outstanding Reid is what 30M. And that is the season when Wolves can maneuver Gobert team option (probably exactly why Reid got the contract he did when he did). Paying Reid - after Towns trade - is a wonderful ‘problem’ to have.

[shrink]

It is very possible. Towns trade value is at an all time high.

It won’t be at an all time high if the team gets bounced in the first round, and it reinforces the idea that Towns is a choker.

On the other hand, if MIN advances far in the playoffs, Towns may shed that name, which would greatly increase his trade value.

[HornetJail]

I'll be honest I don't see how this is really possible. A KAT trade is going to bring back: a future PG, a young big, another rotation vet, enough cap savings to bring back Anderson, and draft capital? If they are moving KAT they are going to have to be ok taking more than just a small step back. Would they still be a playoff team? Likely. A top 4 team in the west? Probably not.

Not only that, but if the plan is to drop Reid into the starting lineup and he performs like you are expecting, he's not picking up that 15M option and then you've got to pay him more again to keep your starting PF or have another roster hole to fill, all while being OK with the bench losing firepower.

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Charlotte could piece together a nice offer surrounding pick #4 and vet role players and a lot of cap relief, but I imagine Minnesota would want to use #4 trade down for a better player and then have a cost controlled rookie in the 10s or something, but I have no idea what that part looks like.

For the record, I think trading KAT and hoping Naz Reid steps into a featured role is a mistake, but if something like this gets it done, Charlotte should be in:

CHA: #4, Grant Williams, Micic, Martin, Richards, partial guarantee on Bertans, one of our 3 2027 1sts for KAT
MIN: KAT for Grant, Micic, Richards, starting PF/SF from 3rd team, pick in the late lotto?
3rd team: late lotto pick, starting PF/SF for #4, Martin, maybe partially guaranteed Bertans if needed salary-wise
2027 CHA/MIA/DAL pick going to one of the other two teams based on the value of the starter coming to MIN.

Micic and Grant both look the part so far on the Hornets, Micic can be Conley's replacement offensively (unfortunately there's no replacing his defense), and Grant be Anderson's. Not sure who this 3rd team moving up to #4 is though. NOLA with Trey Murphy and Lakers pick?

[Colbinii]

If Minnesota loses in the 1st round with HCA, then the team seriously needs to assess the KAT's picture with the team moving forward. Supremely talented player but that would mark 4 1st round exits in 6 years and 3 in the last 3 years.

[Wolveswin]

MIN will run it back. They’ve never been this close, and even regular season success is a rare thing in Minnesota. It’s a two year window, with Naz Reid and Gobert having Player Options in sixteen months. Towns sacrificed a lot, and other players took less trusting that MIN will be trying to win. And of course, the first full move of the new owners won’t be to cut salary to make the team worse, especially when they would want another shot at public financing for a new arena for longterm profit.

I know it makes clickbait articles fly nationally, giving fans the idea that they can add Towns to their line up next year. But moving him would put Minnesota back on the “Also Ran” treadmill, right at the time that perennial favorites are aging out.

Millions of reasons. We (you) can say “just money.” But money talks and walks.

Scenario 1: Team Salary of $189.5 million, Tax Bill of $38.6 million, Total Cost of $228.1 million
Scenario 2: Team Salary of $207.2 million, Tax Bill of $111.5 million, Total Cost of $318.7 million
Scenario 3: Team salary of $214.2 million, Tax Bill of $149.4 million, Total Cost of $363.6 million

[Wolveswin]

I'll be honest I don't see how this is really possible. A KAT trade is going to bring back: a future PG, a young big, another rotation vet, enough cap savings to bring back Anderson, and draft capital? If they are moving KAT they are going to have to be ok taking more than just a small step back. Would they still be a playoff team? Likely. A top 4 team in the west? Probably not.

Not only that, but if the plan is to drop Reid into the starting lineup and he performs like you are expecting, he's not picking up that 15M option and then you've got to pay him more again to keep your starting PF or have another roster hole to fill, all while being OK with the bench losing firepower.

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Charlotte could piece together a nice offer surrounding pick #4 and vet role players and a lot of cap relief, but I imagine Minnesota would want to use #4 trade down for a better player and then have a cost controlled rookie in the 10s or something, but I have no idea what that part looks like.

For the record, I think trading KAT and hoping Naz Reid steps into a featured role is a mistake, but if something like this gets it done, Charlotte should be in:

CHA: #4, Grant Williams, Micic, Martin, Richards, partial guarantee on Bertans, one of our 3 2027 1sts for KAT
MIN: KAT for Grant, Micic, Richards, starting PF/SF from 3rd team, pick in the late lotto?
3rd team: late lotto pick, starting PF/SF for #4, Martin, maybe partially guaranteed Bertans if needed salary-wise
2027 CHA/MIA/DAL pick going to one of the other two teams based on the value of the starter coming to MIN.

Micic and Grant both look the part so far on the Hornets, Micic can be Conley's replacement offensively (unfortunately there's no replacing his defense), and Grant be Anderson's. Not sure who this 3rd team moving up to #4 is though. NOLA with Trey Murphy and Lakers pick?

Bertans isn’t partially guaranteed anymore.

As for the rest of the offer, I don’t think Wolves would value a high draft pick as centerpiece of trade. They can’t wait around for development, piss off Edwards in doing so, and take that big of step back.

*My bad, I see now you have #4 going to 3rd team for win-now player. Makes sense.

[theBigLip]

I would trade KAT. He’s finally repaired his value. It’s Edward’s team. Trade KAT and get more complimentary pieces and reduce the risk. One injury and $50M is tied up.

[shrink]

MIN will run it back. They’ve never been this close, and even regular season success is a rare thing in Minnesota. It’s a two year window, with Naz Reid and Gobert having Player Options in sixteen months. Towns sacrificed a lot, and other players took less trusting that MIN will be trying to win. And of course, the first full move of the new owners won’t be to cut salary to make the team worse, especially when they would want another shot at public financing for a new arena for longterm profit.

I know it makes clickbait articles fly nationally, giving fans the idea that they can add Towns to their line up next year. But moving him would put Minnesota back on the “Also Ran” treadmill, right at the time that perennial favorites are aging out.

Millions of reasons. We (you) can say “just money.” But money talks and walks.

Scenario 1: Team Salary of $189.5 million, Tax Bill of $38.6 million, Total Cost of $228.1 million
Scenario 2: Team Salary of $207.2 million, Tax Bill of $111.5 million, Total Cost of $318.7 million
Scenario 3: Team salary of $214.2 million, Tax Bill of $149.4 million, Total Cost of $363.6 million

You continue to avoid rebutting anything that I mention. But if you want to talk money …

2022-23 Team Revenues
GSW Revenues $765 (1st)
Ave Revenues $353
MIN Revenues $259 (29th)

Now, MIN may never make as much as GSW, with Chase as the newest arena in the NBA, but couldn’t MIN make at least average revenues with a new arena, a winning club and an exciting young Anthony Edwards (if he doesn’t ask out from losing)? For that to happen, their arena, (2nd oldest behind only MSG), will need to be replaced. Making $100 mil more in average NBA revenues would equal the tax bill, and you’ve invested to raise the value of the entire franchise.

[HadAnEffectHere]

PHX is the most interesting one as they basically have to trade Durant or Booker as they're in a straight jacket due to the second apron and Beal's contract.

Beal, Nurkic, Durant, O'Neale, and Booker will never be better than this year and could be much worse moving forward and this team is so expensive that it can't be run back.

[wegotthabeet]

I would trade KAT. He’s finally repaired his value. It’s Edward’s team. Trade KAT and get more complimentary pieces and reduce the risk. One injury and $50M is tied up.

to which team and for what though?

they would probably send him east. Brooklyn - New York - Detroit - Miami. do any of those teams make sense for both parties? would Boston make a play?

[gswhoops]

Warriors: probably nothing significant. Release CP3, re-sign Klay, and basically run it back.

[theBigLip]

I would trade KAT. He’s finally repaired his value. It’s Edward’s team. Trade KAT and get more complimentary pieces and reduce the risk. One injury and $50M is tied up.

to which team and for what though?

they would probably send him east. Brooklyn - New York - Detroit - Miami. do any of those teams make sense for both parties? would Boston make a play?

New York seems the most interesting. It would probably have to involve Randall coming back. Plus New York has some extra FRPs to throw in.