2025-26 Team Developments: Trades / Free Agents / News / Rumors / Ideas

He is a bit of a distressed asset right now. That's why I have him getting the room exception. I was just looking for the best combo of shooter and defender, and I keep landing on Ellis at that price point. In my build, we already have Point of Attack covered with Grimes and Smart. Ellis at the very least provides a decisive, high volume 35% + 3 pt shooter with a high Stock rate. He is a 40% 3 pt shooter for his career. That's good value for 9.4 million. It doesn't have to be Ellis though.

 

I think sometimes where I disagree with you, is that you're always trying to find an even middle ground and realistic options. I generally like your suggestions, I just don't want to pay them as much or give as much in a deal. I'm just trying to be far more greedy than you because I strongly believe in the following:

With the new CBA, it's all about having players that out perform their contracts.

We don't have the benefit of tanking to get a lot of rookie scale contracts like OKC, Spurs, Detroit or Rockets have. So we have to pick up distressed assets, develop two way players or convince vets to sign with us on good deals because they like the team, want to compete or want a chance to get a bigger contract.

As an examples:

• I'm not signing Thybulle, Robert Williams or Ellis for more than the TPMLE because the first two can't stay healthy and the last one can't get consistent playing time on two teams.
• I'm not stretch and waiving anyone, that's the worse use of money.
• I'm not sending out too many picks or taking back bad players.

Whatever we do, we need to benefit. If we can't, just don't make the move. Our patience got us Luka, and we have lots of flexibility this summer - so just don't make the moves that don't benefit us.

Worse case, we can sign someone like Spencer Jones, Thybulle, Ellis etc for not much. And we can always trade for Claxton for their asking price of two firsts.