Trade Ideas Thread (9 Viewers)

[Scalma]

But still, it's a willingness thing rather than an ability. Last year (I don't need to tell you) we were operating under the assumption that we would be taxpayers this coming season and forward, so that whole deal was based on not starting the repeater clock yet. Had they thought Mirotic would make an impact, I don't think they would have balked at trading for him. I don't think that was "being hampered by the tax" so much as an evaluation failure. Which is the same explanation (IMO) for why they gave up on Vonleh in the first place. Poor evaluation by the front office. THAT hamstrings this organization more than anything else

Regardless, we're talking about a single season two years into the future. I don't buy into the notion that one year of Batum's contract in 2020 will be as much of a detriment to our "5-year-plan" as Bridges and Hernangomez would be a boon to it.

But if you take on Batum you’re essentially sitting out the summer of 2020 when guys like AD, Otto Porter, Hayward, Saric, etc could become available, and it also lines up with the expiration of all our shit contracts. We’re also going to be a year away from Lillards free agency and I’m sure Olshey or whoever is in charge will want to put together the best possible team around him.

I know Portland doesn’t have a great history in free agency, but I also wouldn’t want to eliminate the possibility either. Not for Batum at least, and I say that as someone that’s actually liked the idea of trading for him in the past.

 

[hoopsjock]

But still, it's a willingness thing rather than an ability. Last year (I don't need to tell you) we were operating under the assumption that we would be taxpayers this coming season and forward, so that whole deal was based on not starting the repeater clock yet. Had they thought Mirotic would make an impact, I don't think they would have balked at trading for him. I don't think that was "being hampered by the tax" so much as an evaluation failure. Which is the same explanation (IMO) for why they gave up on Vonleh in the first place. Poor evaluation by the front office. THAT hamstrings this organization more than anything else

Regardless, we're talking about a single season two years into the future. I don't buy into the notion that one year of Batum's contract in 2020 will be as much of a detriment to our "5-year-plan" as Bridges and Hernangomez would be a boon to it.

I guess that depends on what you think Bridges' ceiling is. I see a solid rotational type guy. I'd definitely take him on the roster, I just don't know if he's the type of guy who will help alter the course of this team. Hernangomez is certainly an upgrade over Meyers but is that a role we want to improve forcing Zach to play almost exclusively at the 4 (not saying it would be a bad idea, just raising the question) or should Zach be the backup 5 and upgrade the 4 spot?

I hate to bring this up but I can't see the current ownership situation signing off on trading for a contract like Batum has without it being for a star type player. It would basically guarantee being in the tax for this season and the next two. Then when it is finally up Dame would be a free agent or possibly about to start year 1 of his Super Max contract. The problem with that is the roster needs to be improved before we get to the point of paying Dame that much of the cap. With Batum's contract it makes reshaping the roster the off season before much more difficult, not that it can't still be done.

If Charlotte thinks Frank Kaminsky has enough value to off set Batum's contract then it doesn't really matter because they are in for a serious reality check.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

But if you take on Batum you’re essentially sitting out the summer of 2020 when guys like AD, Otto Porter, Hayward, Saric, etc could become available, and it also lines up with the expiration of all our shit contracts. We’re also going to be a year away from Lillards free agency and I’m sure Olshey or whoever is in charge will want to put together the best possible team around him.

I know Portland doesn’t have a great history in free agency, but I also wouldn’t want to eliminate the possibility either. Not for Batum at least, and I say that as someone that’s actually liked the idea of trading for him in the past.

Again...as mentioned earlier, it wouldn't be for Batum, it would be for Miles Bridges and Wily Hernangomez. Batum in 2020 is simply the cost of doing business. And we currently have 7 contracts committed for that summer totalling 86M of the cap. Assuming we sign NOBODY else up to that point, we still don't have a chance at am impact free agent. As I stated earlier--given the choice between Bridges/WHG or a chance at free agency, I'll take the bird-in-the-hand.

 

[illmatic99]

What exactly do you love about Miles Bridges? He is athletic but to me he doesn't really have an elite skill at this level. I feel like he would be better suited playing on an uptempo team rather than our super slow half court offense.

Do you think it's a good idea to pay Batum over $25.5 million in 2019-20 and over $27 million in 2020-21 to play in ET's current role?

Just the eye test. He's strong, he's athletic, and in college he seemed to have the tools to score and make plays. And he's only 20. He'd be our best young prospect.

For a few years now, I've been saying we need some physically imposing athletes. For too long, we've been throwing out flimsy looking dudes who get muscled around. You're seeing the difference a dominant physical presence like Nurk makes to our defense. Same with Jake over Nik, where Layman is an actual lob threat and can block shots. I really wanted OG last year in the draft for that reason. Bridges is the next best thing.

 

[hoopsjock]

Just the eye test. He's strong, he's athletic, and in college he seemed to have the tools to score and make plays. And he's only 20. He'd be our best young prospect.

For a few years now, I've been saying we need some physically imposing athletes. For too long, we've been throwing out flimsy looking dudes who get muscled around. You're seeing the difference a dominant physical presence like Nurk makes to our defense. Same with Jake over Nik, where Layman is an actual lob threat and can block shots. I really wanted OG last year in the draft for that reason. Bridges is the next best thing.

Maybe it would be better to go after OG instead of Bridges then? He'd probably be cheaper and we wouldn't have to take on Batum's contract.

 

[illmatic99]

Maybe it would be better to go after OG instead of Bridges then? He'd probably be cheaper and we wouldn't have to take on Batum's contract.

Doubt Masai would give him up. A lineup with Kawhi-OG-Pascal is absolutely nasty and if they can convince Kawhi to stay past this year, I guess we'll see that come to fruition.

My dream target for similar reasons is Jaylen Brown. He's buried in Boston. Danny is obviously a pain to deal with, but I'd give up everything outside of Dame/CJ/Nurk to get Brown. If only Zach were playing better-- I think he's actually a good fit for BOS. A Zach-Jaylen swap would have helped both teams.

 

[BonesJones]

Curry has been the definition of inconsistent this season. I can count on one hand the amount of good games he’s had. As soon as he looked like maybe he was turning the corner, he comes back the last two games and shoots 3-13 with more turnovers than assists. You ready to bet on him in playoff/high pressure games? I’m not. Give me the guy that’s been doing it for ten years. Experience matters.

I honestly wonder how much Curry’s fans would defend him if his last name was Smith. I don’t mind having him, but he’s hardly the guy that would keep me from trying to find someone better, or at least more dependable.

Hes shooting 48% from 3pt land. His outside shot has been consistently great and is a better skill that Lee has. Currys been inconsistent fro 2z but again, he didnt play for a year.

Give me the player that's inconsistently good over the player that's consistently mediocre.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Hes shooting 48% from 3pt land. His outside shot has been consistently great and is a better skill that Lee has. Currys been inconsistent fro 2z but again, he didnt play for a year.

Give me the player that's inconsistently good over the player that's consistently mediocre.

Lee is a consistently better defender than Curry as well. Even with only 149 minutes played this year so far, his overall advanced stats are far better than Curry's.

What's frustrating to my about Curry--and this isn't necessarily about him; it's probably Stotts' fault, or Turner's--is that scoring is really the only thing he brings, but his usage rate is ridiculously low. Only Moe's and Chief's are lower. If we're going to have him out on the floor, he needs to be a volume shooter, otherwise there's no point.

If he's not going to be given that role, then we'd be better off with the superior defender in that spot.

 

[CupWizier]

Curry has been the definition of inconsistent this season. I can count on one hand the amount of good games he’s had. As soon as he looked like maybe he was turning the corner, he comes back the last two games and shoots 3-13 with more turnovers than assists. You ready to bet on him in playoff/high pressure games? I’m not. Give me the guy that’s been doing it for ten years. Experience matters.

I honestly wonder how much Curry’s fans would defend him if his last name was Smith. I don’t mind having him, but he’s hardly the guy that would keep me from trying to find someone better, or at least more dependable.

Curry in his last 3 seasons of playing is shooting over 50% from 3 point land in over 400 attempts and on a very reasonable contract.

 

[CupWizier]

Lee is a consistently better defender than Curry as well. Even with only 149 minutes played this year so far, his overall advanced stats are far better than Curry's.

What's frustrating to my about Curry--and this isn't necessarily about him; it's probably Stotts' fault, or Turner's--is that scoring is really the only thing he brings, but his usage rate is ridiculously low. Only Moe's and Chief's are lower. If we're going to have him out on the floor, he needs to be a volume shooter, otherwise there's no point.

If he's not going to be given that role, then we'd be better off with the superior defender in that spot.

Curry is making 2.7 mil for one year where as Lee is owed 25 mil over the next 2 years. Lee should be far superior to Curry.

 

[CupWizier]

What exactly do you love about Miles Bridges? He is athletic but to me he doesn't really have an elite skill at this level. I feel like he would be better suited playing on an uptempo team rather than our super slow half court offense.

Do you think it's a good idea to pay Batum over $25.5 million in 2019-20 and over $27 million in 2020-21 to play in ET's current role?

We are right in the middle of the pack when it comes to pace so I wouldn't consider us a super slow half court team.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Curry is making 2.7 mil for one year where as Lee is owed 25 mil over the next 2 years. Lee should be far superior to Curry.

Nobody disputes that Lee is overpaid. However, the original post bringing up Lee suggested trading Meyers (and Stauskas) for him. The money's basically a wash, and not relevant to the discussion. All we're talking about is who would be a better fit/contributor for this team at the backup SG spot. Do you have any comments on that?

 

[CupWizier]

Nobody disputes that Lee is overpaid. However, the original post bringing up Lee suggested trading Meyers (and Stauskas) for him. The money's basically a wash, and not relevant to the discussion. All we're talking about is who would be a better fit/contributor for this team at the backup SG spot. Do you have any comments on that?

I understand that part, but is it even a realistic trade that they would consider? Stauskas is a small expiring contract and Lee makes about a mil more than Leonard. That would also leave us light in the bigs department and is actually producing lately.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

I understand that part, but is it even a realistic trade that they would consider? Stauskas is a small expiring contract and Lee makes about a mil more than Leonard. That would also leave us light in the bigs department and is actually producing lately.

Probably not, but I'm capable of compartmentalizing thought exercises.

So, back to the topic at hand, do you have an opinion as to Lee's performance and skillset vs Curry's, and which would be a better fit for this roster were said hypothetical trade scenario an option?

 

[hoopsjock]

We are right in the middle of the pack when it comes to pace so I wouldn't consider us a super slow half court team.

21st in fast break points.

 

[CupWizier]

21st in fast break points.

Yes, but that doesn't mean we have a slow down half court offense, we just don't get out on a fast break. Two different things, Teams like Memphis are a slow down half court team.

 

[Scalma]

Curry is making 2.7 mil for one year where as Lee is owed 25 mil over the next 2 years. Lee should be far superior to Curry.

He is.

One has 600+ games with an average of 30mpg, while the other has a little over 100 with only one season of consistent minutes.

 

[Scalma]

Curry is a shooting guard in a point guards body. That’s not a fit next to Dame, CJ, or both. Leaves Portland undersized, and matchup reliant. Lee is a much better fit with those guys, and doesn’t require the ball in his hands like Curry.

 

[BonesJones]

Curry is a shooting guard in a point guards body. That’s not a fit next to Dame, CJ, or both. Leaves Portland undersized, and matchup reliant. Lee is a much better fit with those guys, and doesn’t require the ball in his hands like Curry.

Hopefully hed be better than Nik Stauskas...

 

[BonesJones]

He is.

One has 600+ games with an average of 30mpg, while the other has a little over 100 with only one season of consistent minutes.

So why dont we just sign Joe Johnson instead? Not only is he bigger, but he has even more experience. Since that's your criteria..

 

[hoopsjock]

Hypothetically if we did the Lee trade, why not roll with a 2nd unit of Curry, Lee, Turner, Layman, and Collins?

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Hypothetically if we did the Lee trade, why not roll with a 2nd unit of Curry, Lee, Turner, Layman, and Collins?

Hypothetically, that would help to cover Curry's defensive deficiencies.

Rather start Jake and play Moe at the backup 4, but Stotts would disagree.

 

[Scalma]

Hopefully hed be better than Nik Stauskas...

Your premise about Stauskas was that he wasn’t even going to be in the rotation and that Stotts doesn’t play 10 man rotations or whatever else you were throwing around. But keep patting yourself on the back like anyone actually gives a fuck.

And knowing Stotts Stauskas will be back in the rotation soon enough anyway. Only difference is I’m not gonna spend my days letting everyone know “I called it.”

 

[CupWizier]

Probably not, but I'm capable of compartmentalizing thought exercises.

So, back to the topic at hand, do you have an opinion as to Lee's performance and skillset vs Curry's, and which would be a better fit for this roster were said hypothetical trade scenario an option?

I would much rather look elsewhere than get Lee at this stage as it would leave us very unbalanced. It would be an upgrade at guard but not enough to take on Lee's extra year. I actually think Leonard (if he keeps playing reasonably well) would be an easier contract to move next off season or before the trade deadline next year as bigs are typically a hotter commodity.

 

[BonesJones]

Your premise about Stauskas was that he wasn’t even going to be in the rotation and that Stotts doesn’t play 10 man rotations or whatever else you were throwing around. But keep patting yourself on the back like anyone actually gives a fuck.

And knowing Stotts Stauskas will be back in the rotation soon enough anyway. Only difference is I’m not gonna spend my days letting everyone know “I called it.”

Stotts hadn't played legit 10-man rotations until this year, and it's a mistake.

Stauskas isnt in the rotation now because he hasn't deserved to be in the rotation all season. You told me he was gonna be better than this. Glad I never believed you.

 

[hoopsjock]

I would much rather look elsewhere than get Lee at this stage as it would leave us very unbalanced. It would be an upgrade at guard but not enough to take on Lee's extra year. I actually think Leonard (if he keeps playing reasonably well) would be an easier contract to move next off season or before the trade deadline next year as bigs are typically a hotter commodity.

It would open up a roster spot to add a big though. I guess it depends on what's out there in the buyout market.

 

[Scalma]

Stotts hadn't played legit 10-man rotations until this year, and it's a mistake.

He actually did but you like to ignore facts when they go against your opinions.

 

[CupWizier]

It would open up a roster spot to add a big though. I guess it depends on what's out there in the buyout market.

I guess I am thinking more long term rather than just a quick fix that will also cost over 12mil next year. If we're moving Leonard then look for an expiring deal and guards are usually more talented than bigs that might become available off waivers as well as the G league. It just seems more sideways than improving the team enough.

 

[BonesJones]

He actually did but you like to ignore facts when they go against your opinions.

Actually, it was the other way around, I gave you multiple box scores from early on in the season.

Nice try bud.

 

[hoopsjock]

I guess I am thinking more long term rather than just a quick fix that will also cost over 12mil next year. If we're moving Leonard then look for an expiring deal and guards are usually more talented than bigs that might become available off waivers as well as the G league. It just seems more sideways than improving the team enough.

Well I am on record as saying if Turner or Leonard could be traded for an expiring deal you do it no matter who the player coming back is so I agree with you there.