You don't do it to get rid of Deng, but getting rid of the bad contract is just the icing on the cake. I simply don't value that top 3 pick in this draft that much. I don't watch college hoops, so this is just going off of what I hear, but everyone that talks about this draft doesn't see another LeBron in this draft class. If it's not another transcendent talent, then it's probably going to be another Russel level player we'd be giving up. So two players of about Russel level talent, plus getting rid of a bad contract, for a proven all star, that has already led his team to a conference finals twice... and is still only 26? Yes. I do that trade all day.
Yeah, I'm not comfortable with moving two of our big 3 assets for George. I'd prefer to take our chances in free agency next year as well. I think somewhere between the top 3 pick, Russell, and Ingram we can pull in two All-Stars. Of course George but also potentially some surprise guy that isn't on the radar right now. Give up two for George right off the bat and I don't know if that's still an option. Since George wants to leave and all signs point to us as his desired location, I think we are in a good position to get him using just one of our top assets and fillers.
You may be right about that Cousins deal changing the game, but like I said it only makes sense to do that trade if PG is willing to sign an extension. No one would be crazy enough to give up that much for a rental.
How about a moratorium on sentences with Brandon Ingram included in a trade for someone in them? Not f****** happening.
I'm no CBA expert, but I believe if we traded that for PG, we'd still have enough to sign another max contract, and then some because we got rid of Deng.
Unless PG agrees to an extension and trade, I'd rather just stand pat and go for him in FA next year. Again, for a one year rental, I would only be willing to give up our current top 3 pick (if we don't lose it), Deng and maybe even the Houston pick.
I dont know why you guys are confident he'll come here as a fa but tirn around and say you dont want to trade for a rental. If he really does want to come he'll obviously stay since we have ability to give him 5yr contract even if its the super max, 5 yrs will always be better than 4, unless youre a moron lile howard
Trade for him = possibly "gutting team", likely we aren't as good without Russell or Ingram or whoever we could trade for Russell or the top 3 pick if we didn't have to use it on PG. If we gut the team for him and stink, I'd think it's more likely he leaves. Letting him come in free agency = our team is 1 year improved, maybe we have a different all-star on the team we got for the top 3 pick and pieces. He joins willingly because we look better and have to lose no one except maybe Randle, we are a better team.
if its top3, deng, jc/randle....thats considered gutting? also youd be dropping payroll and can sign near max type guy
If it includes anyone or a combination of: DLO, BI, Zubac, JC, and Randle, then yes; IMO it is. It doesn't make since for PG anyways. Yea, he's made it known he wants to come to the Lakers, but he also hates losing. We're already a year or two from just being a playoff team if we stand pat. We're going to be about even if not worse if we gut the team and trade for him. And if that's the case, he won't resign.
so jc and randle are vital now? you guys complain about those 2 after almost every gm, how they dont play any d or play winning type gm
No, I was going off the premise of trading the top 3 pick and Russell for PG, which I'm not ok with, because IMO if we got that pick, it and Russ remain in our top 3 trade assets. I try to save those assets for separate trades if the multiple all star route is the way you want to go. I'd be ok with what you proposed if that's what it took, top 3 pick, Randle (or JC? Is that what you meant?), Deng for PG. No top 3 pick AND Russell though, no top 3 pick AND Ingram. Top pick and pieces or Russell and pieces. The Pacers are the ones that have to try and get something before they lose PG, we aren't desperate.
Well to be fair, i've complained about every player on the team. Doesn't mean I want their butt traded.
I'm the same way. Their biggest cheerleader and meanest critic. I'll trade any and all of them..... If it makes sense. 1st on the chopping block are Deng and Moz contracts, then JC and Randle, then we get to the hard decisions: DLO, Ingram, Zu, draft picks.
