I understand the Pacers have very limited options right now, but I think it's extremely unrealistic they agree to take back either Deng or Mozgov in any trade scenerio. I don't think any team in the league would take either with those nuclear contracts (with 3 years left) even if we were to attach a pick with it and expect nothing back in return. In addition to this, I'm positive at least one team could offer something better than messing up the pacers cap flexibility + late first. Having said that, best and final offer the Lakers should give is Clarkson, Brewer (expiring), Black (expiring) + 28 in exchange for PG and Ellis (appeals to pacers for taking on a longer contract they don't need if they are rebuilding).
The only team I could see him being traded to n stays is clev n even then it's not 100% with James try to leave just bout almost every yr
Mortgage the future for a 1 year rental ??? Only teams that would do that are teams in "win now" mode and that is 2 teams: GS and Cleveland. I could add SA and Boston to that, because they are close, but Spurs aren't dumb and Boston isn't parting with all those picks for a 1 year rental, IMO). GS has the title and are the team to beat and don't have the cap space to do anything. So that leaves Cleveland. They'd trade Love, IMO, and if/when PG walks at the end of the year, they have cap space. So yeah, one team. And PG plays the position of their best player. IMO, he's coming to the Lakers. Only real question is when and for what.
Sad part for clev if they did do trade n pg leaves, they're still capped out, clev is one Lebron leaving away from being in cap he'll just like okc
I don't really see Cavs having anything to offer Indiana that they'd want unless they are trying to win. For all purposes they probably will try and tank after George leaves, that means gather some young assets and some picks. Cleveland doesn't really have anything that fits that.
LeBron may want to go all in next year with PG. PG can D up and PG could guard Durant next year to spell LeBron. Cleveland wins one more next year, that should be it for LeBron. Nothing else to prove. I also think Tristan Thompson is extremely overrated and came up small all series. They need to address him and his overpaid a** too.
Look, I understand why Magic and Rob don't want to part with the young core...especially Ingram, Russell, and Zubac. But IMHO, you flip Randle and Clarkson for PG in a heartbeat. Hell, I'd even throw No. 28 in there too. You keep your best young guys, still have No. 2, and land a star. I'd offer that to Indy right now and if possible, throw in Deng or Mozgov to shed their contracts.
I would trade Randle, Clarkson, 28 pick. Any combo, or all, involving them. I think deng or moscrap in a deal just ain't happening unless the Lakers unload #2, or one of the core young guys like Ingram or Russell. George controls this whole thing. Ultimately, if he is determined to be a Laker, he will either tell Indy that's the only place I'll sign and extension, or he says, wherever I go, it's one year and then I'm going to LA. This is all on PG. If he wants it, he will be a Laker.
If you ask me right now, PG now less assets. Or PG in 12 months, with assets. It's a no brainer. The Ball is in PG's court, haha.
I think we're playing hardball but George and Magic want this done now. Too many things can happen between now and next summer. I'm fine with giving up Clarkson, Black, and #28 but not much more. Wouldn't be much room for Clarkson in the rotation anyways so might as well shed his contract now to free up more room for complimentary pieces next summer.
I think Love is better than anything we have to offer. I also don't think it's a sure thing PG would leave Cleveland in the offseason. He could play SG next to Kyrie and LeBron and he'd be in an NBA Finals with a chance to win. Unless the Cavs couldn't pay to keep him for some reason, they'd seem like a legit threat to me. Not saying any of this happens, but PG coming here isn't done until it's done for me. Things can change in an instant in this league.
Let the posturing begin. Cavs might be the only team willing to gamble like this. Rumor is LeBron has half a foot out the door. Might as well let go of everything for one more chance. If I'm Indy I don't want Love, but whatever. Either way I'm confident George is A Laker soon.
Don't confuse Magic the fan with Magic the business man. Man is shrewd. The FO is playing this just right.
28 and Deng (and whatever other players it takes to get contracts to match up) is all I would do right now. Otherwise, wait. PG has done his part. The ball is in Indy's court and the pressure to do something before the trade deadline will be heavy.
Cleveland and Boston could make strong plays. Like real says, Cleveland is desperate. Boston is already good, but they can dump Thomas and get better. Tons of assets.
