Trade Idea Post and Discuss Trade Ideas for the 2019-20 Season

[hoopsjock]

I'm still reading that Boston has been thrilled with the play of their bigs (who grade out excellently analytics wise) and that they are unwilling to trade Hayward for a big. If they add another big it will be a lower priced one than Whiteside or off the buyout market.

 

[perkinsfor3]

Not sure if Boston is interested in trading Hayward or getting Whiteside. They're big on cultural fit, and I'm not sure if Hassan fits theirs.

- Andre Drummond -- 28 mil
- Otto Porter -- 27 mil
- Aaron Gordon -- 20 mil
- Gorgui Dieng -- 16 mil
- James Johnson- 15 mil
- Bobby Portis -- 15 mil; team option for the summer.
- Thad Young -- 13 mil
- Robert Covington - 11 mil

Are probably all available. I like the bolded ones as good fits. Would you do a Cov/Dieng for Little/Mario/Baze deal?

You could then decide to flip Whiteside for something else (preferably something which is a good fit with Nurk coming back - Drummond wouldnt be a fit - you'd have Nurk, Drummond and Dieng all tied to stricktly C, with little ability to stretch the floor). Ariza + Dedmon, for example, could work. Ariza is an expirer, Dedmon expires in a year from now, so that's a movable contract next year too.


Dame / Ant
CJ / Trent
Covington / Ariza
Melo / Skal / Tolliver / (Collins)
Dieng / Dedmon / (Nurk)


This allows you to mix & match CJ/Dame/Ant, while also keeping flexibility to play one or two of them with one or two good defenders in Cov and Ariza on the wing.

 

[hoopsjock]

Not sure if Boston is interested in trading Hayward or getting Whiteside. They're big on cultural fit, and I'm not sure if Hassan fits theirs.

- Andre Drummond -- 28 mil
- Otto Porter -- 27 mil
- Aaron Gordon -- 20 mil
- Gorgui Dieng -- 16 mil
- James Johnson- 15 mil
- Bobby Portis -- 15 mil; team option for the summer.
- Thad Young -- 13 mil
- Robert Covington - 11 mil

Are probably all available. I like the bolded ones as good fits. Would you do a Cov/Dieng for Little/Skal/Baze deal?

Any RoCo trade (not giving up Simons) would be a home run. He still has 2 years after this one on his deal so we'd be talking about having a long term elite defending wing who can knock down 3's. This whole season will be worth it if Olshey pulls off a deal like that.

 

[perkinsfor3]

Any RoCo trade (not giving up Simons) would be a home run. He still has 2 years after this one on his deal so we'd be talking about having a long term elite defending wing who can knock down 3's. This whole season will be worth it if Olshey pulls off a deal like that.

I hope the Wolves REALLY like Little. Getting Little, while dumping Dieng's contract could be of interest. I think Dieng and Cov are worth more, though.

 

[James lamphear]

Rabb might be skinny, but how are you confusing a C (Rabb) with a SF (Hoard)? Totally different players.

Actually Rabb should be PF and Hoard play of in college.

 

[perkinsfor3]

"REPORT: No Team Has Offered A First Round Pick For Andre Drummond"

somewhat related. still dont think we should make that move.

 

[illmatic99]

"REPORT: No Team Has Offered A First Round Pick For Andre Drummond"

somewhat related. still dont think we should make that move.

He's also one of the most likely on my above list to not exercise his PO. Makes sense that teams wouldn't give up too much for him. He's either a flight risk or will get close to the max this summer

 

[Cugel]

I cannot imagine Minnesota would give up Covington for that. Which is really a salary dump, G-leaguer, and an un-tested rookie. What's in it for them?

 

[Neil O. Shyster]

I cannot imagine Minnesota would give up Covington for that. Which is really a salary dump, G-leaguer, and an un-tested rookie. What's in it for them?

Exactly... plus Minnesota is competing with Blazers for that 8th spot. They aren’t going to trade with us anyways.

 

[wizenheimer]

does everybody think it wasn't a coincidence last summer that Portland traded their expiring contracts for more expiring contracts? I guess it could have been just a coincidence, but given recent history, it also could have been a tell on what the plan is

I see a bunch of trade ideas where the Blazers are exchanging the 46M of their expiring contracts this year for 30-45M in salary next year. While it's possible, I just don't see that being in the cards; maybe a 10-12M salary, but I'd be mildly shocked at a 30M salary.

 

[Scalma]

Fuck off.

 

[perkinsfor3]

Fuck off.

Horrible player. There's better options. I'd much rather throw a 2nd at Justin Patton or sign Rabb outright.

 

[Scalma]

Horrible player. There's better options. I'd much rather throw a 2nd at Justin Patton or sign Rabb outright.

horrible player that one of the best front offices in basketball wants to invest in. Hmm, wonder which side is right.

 

[hoopsjock]

Okay, until I see otherwise (i.e. using a roster spot, 10-day contract, or exception to add a much needed cheap big) I'm going to assume the Blazers want to reduce or eliminate tax for this season so I'm going to continue exploring options. The only way I see how to do it is to take on a big salary for next year in exchange for teams taking on more salary this season but not enough to go into the luxury tax. This limits the options for teams this works for and to players like Otto Porter and Nic Batum types. A key team too is Dallas who has a big trade exception from the Harrison Barnes trade last season and is far enough under the tax line to use it without going over the tax line. So we just need to find a team that has a player they'd give up something to acquire. Here's today's idea:


Hornets give up a 1st and two 2nds but solidify their front court for a playoff run this year. They also get Randle for next year and one more year after that if they want. Whiteside would come with bird rights if he fits their team well the rest of the year.

Knicks punt on a couple of signings this year for expirings but pick up another 1st to add to their collection of them and add a future 2nd.

Mavericks get some front court help for a high 2nd rounder, this could probably be worded so Portland gets the most favorable of theirs or the Warriors 2nd round pick.

Blazers once again go from the highest salary in the league to well below the tax line at the expense of taking on Batum's contract next year. They also pick up a young serviceable center in Hernangomez to give a tryout to the rest of the season and a temporary stop gap until the other bigs are ready. Plus they add two high 2nd round picks and a huge $19 million trade exception that they'd have a year to use. I hate the idea of bringing back Batum especially with another year left but this is the type of sacrifice they'd have to make to duck the tax (if that's the goal).

 

[Hey]

CJ for Al Horford. The twin tower experiment is not working in Philly. They need to stretch the floor with a playmaking shooter. CJ is an ideal fit.

Bazemore + 1st rounder for Robert Covington + Filler. T'Wolves worry that KAT wants out, maybe they need to free up space to go for another all-star talent.

Hassan Whiteside for Hayward. Allows Boston to get out of that huge overpay of Hayward.

Dame / Simons
Hayward / Trent
Covington / Little
Horford / Collins
Nurk / Horford / Collins

Great two-way roster right there. Book a championship.

 

[Scalma]

Too bad our GM is asleep.

 

[Labinot41]

Mike Richman thinks that Whiteside and Bazemore are gonna stay in Portland because it will be difficult to trade them, and that the Blazers are likely to let them walk in the summer

 

[hoopsjock]

Mike Richman thinks that Whiteside and Bazemore are gonna stay in Portland because it will be difficult to trade them, and that the Blazers are likely to let them walk in the summer

Oh yay, another Portland media member that doesn't understand the repercussions of that.

 

[CupWizier]

Mike Richman thinks that Whiteside and Bazemore are gonna stay in Portland because it will be difficult to trade them, and that the Blazers are likely to let them walk in the summer

I always felt that was a possibility as majority of the trade scenarios haven't been all that realistic that posters come up with. I also think Covington will stay in Minnesota this year as he has a very team friendly contract that could be moved pretty much any time if they choose and off season is where most bigger deals are done.

 

[tester551]

Oh yay, another Portland media member that doesn't understand the repercussions of that.

Why do you think they don't understand the repercussions? It has nothing to do with what they want or would like the Blazers to do.... it's based on what tidbits of information they glean from being around the team more than us.

I have to say, I completely agree with Richman. The Blazers are going to let them walk because of the financial impacts & that there are very few players available on the trade market who would be worth taking extra salary on for.

 

[wizenheimer]

I'm going to assume the Blazers want to reduce or eliminate tax for this season so I'm going to continue exploring options. The only way I see how to do it is to take on a big salary for next year in exchange for teams taking on more salary this season but not enough to go into the luxury tax.

I disagree, mildly, with that assumption. Sure, ownership would be happy to see this year's tax bill reduced. But I think a substantial tax bill this season was baked into the assumptions of management and ownership. What wasn't baked in was just how disappointing this year's team is, which in turn brings into question the actual foundation and sustainability of what the team accomplished last season (and of course that team is gone now), and that changes expectations going forward, IMO. Now, I suspect a main goal of ownership is to not be a tax-payer next season, and taking on any big contract just about guarantees tax next season. By the way, that was probably the goal before this season (which could explain the expirings for expirings trades Portland made)...one more year of tax to escape those 2016 contracts, then a reset of finances

 

[hoopsjock]

Why do you think they don't understand the repercussions? It has nothing to do with what they want or would like the Blazers to do.... it's based on what tidbits of information they glean from being around the team more than us.

I have to say, I completely agree with Richman. The Blazers are going to let them walk because of the financial impacts & that there are very few players available on the trade market who would be worth taking extra salary on for.

Well it just isn't that statement, not many of the media around here understand how the cap works.

 

[blazerfan11]

What about Whiteside for Batum? Batum looked as good as ever handling the ball and making passes. Obviously we don't get someone like Batum for the price of Hezonja. We get Hezonja. Or for the price of Bazemore or Evan Turner. We get those two players. It seems realistic at least. And he may not be the scorer some people want, but if our starting lineup is Nurkic, Collins, Lillard, and McCollum, someone who keeps the ball moving and can get the ball to a scorer where they can score would be just as valuable along with being an OK scorer.

 

[hoopsjock]

I disagree, mildly, with that assumption. Sure, ownership would be happy to see this year's tax bill reduced. But I think a substantial tax bill this season was baked into the assumptions of management and ownership. What wasn't baked in was just how disappointing this year's team is, which in turn brings into question the actual foundation and sustainability of what the team accomplished last season (and of course that team is gone now), and that changes expectations going forward, IMO. Now, I suspect a main goal of ownership is to not be a tax-payer next season, and taking on any big contract just about guarantees tax next season. By the way, that was probably the goal before this season (which could explain the expirings for expirings trades Portland made)...one more year of tax to escape those 2016 contracts, then a reset of finances

First of all, taking on Batum or Otto Porter doesn't necessarily guarantee they're in the tax. It would be possible to duck the tax both this year and next year doing this.

The problem with a "reset" of the finances basically ensures we won't compete for a title in the Dame and CJ era. They'd basically be stuck with the roster and only pulling off a major CJ trade that brought back multiple roster spots it would pretty much close the door on any other trades.

 

[hoopsjock]

What about Whiteside for Batum? Batum looked as good as ever handling the ball and making passes. Obviously we don't get someone like Batum for the price of Hezonja. We get Hezonja. Or for the price of Bazemore or Evan Turner. We get those two players. It seems realistic at least. And he may not be the scorer some people want, but if our starting lineup is Nurkic, Collins, Lillard, and McCollum, someone who keeps the ball moving and can get the ball to a scorer where they can score would be just as valuable along with being an OK scorer.

They'd have to include assets. At the very minimum Hernangomez (center replacement for Whiteside) and the Cavs 2020 2nd that they have and probably one more future 2nd rounder.

If that's the best we can do for Whiteside then I guess it would be okay simply as having a big expiring contract next year or this summer to trade but Batum wouldn't help this team much.

 

[Scalma]

I’m biased because I’ve always liked Batum, but I’d take him. He knows the system, still defends, can facilitate, and you still have to cover him from the three point line despite his percentages this season. He’s also only under contract for one more season. Shit if we get creative we could even save money this season by adding Bazemore and Biyombo to the deal.

btw it’s funny how Batum has seen a spike in his minutes lately. That’s definitely a showcase.

 

[blazerfan11]

They'd have to include assets. At the very minimum Hernangomez (center replacement for Whiteside) and the Cavs 2020 2nd that they have and probably one more future 2nd rounder.

If that's the best we can do for Whiteside then I guess it would be okay simply as having a big expiring contract next year or this summer to trade but Batum wouldn't help this team much.

Help the team much ? Who's the starting SF next season? I'm assuming Batum can play SF as well as PF. Who is our backup PF next season?

I don't know what roster you have in your mind. You have to complete that puzzle so others can see who else you have helping the team.

 

[wizenheimer]

First of all, taking on Batum or Otto Porter doesn't necessarily guarantee they're in the tax. It would be possible to duck the tax both this year and next year doing this.

The problem with a "reset" of the finances basically ensures we won't compete for a title in the Dame and CJ era. They'd basically be stuck with the roster and only pulling off a major CJ trade that brought back multiple roster spots it would pretty much close the door on any other trades.

they won't be competing for a title with Batum or Otto Porter either

as far as the tax ramifications, initially the NBA was projecting a 139-140M cap, Then Morey opened his mouth, China went ballistic, and that was after revenues were already falling. So, it may be 140M and may be 130M. The last I heard the NBA sent out a memo saying that 140M projection might be too high. If I add Porter's salary to Portland's guaranteed and dead salary next season, it's around 126M, and that's only for 10 players, and that includes Hezonja, Trent, & Little. That might be low enough to stay under the tax line, but it's going to be an incredibly thin roster with the same problems it has now. It also includes Hood coming off a ruptured Achilles, and he might not even be back when the season starts; and he will struggle...we know that. And it includes only 2 bigs over 6'8, and both of those are injured right now

I get the idea of trying to maintain some trade-worthy contracts. But somebody like Batum will have no positive value

 

[blazerfan11]

The ideal player obviously to me is a high-level defender who can defend multiple positions and score well. The Blazers don't have a guy like that. I doubt they could get one trading Whiteside and/or Bazemore, or even if they included McCollum . That kind of player would be the best fit.

But, in general, if you're an NBA GM, I figure you have to always have a ranking of all the players in the NBA and try to get the best one(s) you can independent of fit.

 

[blazerfan11]

they won't be competing for a title with Batum or Otto Porter either

as far as the tax ramifications, initially the NBA was projecting a 139-140M cap, Then Morey opened his mouth, China went ballistic, and that was after revenues were already falling. So, it may be 140M and may be 130M. The last I heard the NBA sent out a memo saying that 140M projection might be too high. If I add Porter's salary to Portland's guaranteed and dead salary next season, it's around 126M, and that's only for 10 players, and that includes Hezonja, Trent, & Little. That might be low enough to stay under the tax line, but it's going to be an incredibly thin roster with the same problems it has now. It also includes Hood coming off a ruptured Achilles, and he might not even be back when the season starts; and he will struggle...we know that. And it includes only 2 bigs over 6'8, and both of those are injured right now

I get the idea of trying to maintain some trade-worthy contracts. But somebody like Batum will have no positive value

Who exactly will be they be competing for a title with? I'd like you to say exactly who that player is. Then spell out how the Blazers get that player.
Unless someone specifically says such-and-such a player is going to get the Blazers a title, I assume they do not imply that.