At the end of the day, all that matters is whether we can keep winning at an impressive clip for the rest of the season. This wasn't a value for value swap. We got rid of Clarkson to clear cap space. For that same reason, we're not resigning IT unless we whiff on FAs in the summer and figure he might as well be on our roster for a 1+1, which he might not even accept (some team out there will take a chance on him). So right now, the most important thing for us to do is to keep winning games and keep making ourselves attractive to PG and LeBron. And you really only need to examine IT in that context. Everything else is moot.
Can you imagine if we end up making the playoffs? Lebron would sign here the second he could because he'd figure if that team made it with IT on the roster, imagine what they could do without him!
so...we traded clarkson for cap space, right? btw, i'm ok with clarkson for cap space, as his skillset is the kind that's replaceable at that cost in FA. i'd rather have nance than cle's 1st, though. i guess that was the cost... and i don't think anyone will take a risk on a long-term deal for IT this summer, so we're probably safe there if we strike out with the big fish.
The CLE 1st may be instrumental in moving Deng, rather than Nance himself, even if Nance was worth more than that first. Additionally, with the emergence of Kuz, and Randle steadying, Nance was slowly phasing out. With that, with our scouting so far, maybe we can find another gem in an area of need like a defensive center or a sharpshooter.
They’re spot on. If Thomas comes in here and messes up the chemistry we have going on, demands to be starting or bought out, he’s only hurting himself. I have a feeling we’d gladly buy him out if that is what he brings here, because we have a good thing going right now, but I can’t imagine who’d want to take him on if he did that, or who gives him a decent contract next season. He’s not Boston IT, he’s a Clarkson replacement currently.
He's got to ball out but also be on his best behavior. His contract depends on it. It's a win win for us.
I hope IT watches that. I think he needs to see what other people are seeing whether he likes it or not.
All I know is if he disrupts the offense with selfish iso play and is a problem in the locker room, buyout or sit him
What if he remains now a low % shooter plus no defense plus extremely anxious over his last chance for a good payday. This has a lot of chances to go sideways.
I wanted us to sign Thomas years ago...but can't say I was immediately happy with us getting him after this move. The main problem with myself was I really became attached to the idea of these young players growing together, and it was really starting to show. Clarkson although not great, was a good scorer off the bench and a good team guy. Nance, just a great player to have who is going to give it his all despite limitations on offense, but again another perfect teammate. Aside from the the whole idea of growing to like these young players and getting used to the idea of them growing together without a true superstar(s), this trade is a win/win. Without getting into it too much, we got rid of two expendable players which created another max slot opening for us for a guy who was an all-star last year. Thomas has no doubt struggled in Cleveland. But we all know, that atmosphere just isn't right anymore. That is not to say he was not apart of the problem, but I think Thomas being in LA (where I think he wanted to be years ago), not wanting to "damage" another locker room, and the the potential for him to control the ball more in a fast paced offense as he looks for a future pay day can only be good things for us. I'm quite anxious to see how he does, buy regardless of what happens this was a great trade by Magic/Pelinka.
Folks, it doesn't matter what IT does. He is a salary dump. Lakers are going after 2 stars in the summer and they look like they are gonna make it happen.
easy, we don't bring him back. And if things get really ugly we don't play him or at absolute worst we buy him out.
The solution is to buy him out if hes a problem, but the lakers are rolling, i really hope he puts his ego aside and realizes this young core is growing.
Worried about him defensively with how much we switch, Stevens/C Bags covered for a lot of his shortcomings on defense.
