[Jackson] When the Heat was balking about including Richardson, the Wolves - two weeks ago - asked the Heat for a package include Dragic, Adebayo, Winslow and a first round pick among other pieces from both teams, according to a source.
LOL yeah we'll trade for a star not named Lebron on a year contract and not have any supportingtalent around him.
They are, while they have a great coach the roster is really mediocre, swap Spoelstra with a McHale kind of coach and they don't even make the playoffs...they have two/three interesting guys but they're talked like they're rising stars just because they're the best players...on a mediocre roster. Put Gordon in Miami and he would probably look like an all star.
Thibs: "And I want Dragic." Riley: "That's gonna hurt" (smiling into phone, but adopting a wounded tone) "but in the spirit of getting things done, okay." Thibs: "And I want Adebayo." (now grinning himself) Riley: (smile fading) "Um, I told you Bam's off limits." Thibs: "AND Winslow. AND a first round pick." Riley: "That isn't gonna happen. Every time I talk to you you change the parameters. Talk to you later. If you're lucky." (click, dials Minnie GM) "Glen, are you sitting next to Thibs? Can we talk?" Taylor: "No, he's not in my office....oh, God, what did he ask for?" Riley: "Everything but my niece's virginity." Thibs: (disconnected from Riley) "Bu-WA-HA-HA! If THAT doesn't get me fired and the rest of the money on my contract, nothing will."
Just like back in the day when sending Tmac to NY.....Morey would demand the "chicken and rice stand" in any Butler deal. cc @Clutch
Was any trade for a superstar a fair deal if said superstar wanted out? I can't recall any ATM. If Blake Griffin wanted out of LAC, Clippers for sure wouldn't get so much value as they did. EDIT: Ok maybe Dragic's deal was good value...2x 1st picks.
If the above is true, its the reason for the impasse. Not 100% clear why Butler would be getting so so so much less offered in return relative to a Kawhi or PG13, both with one year left on their deals. Yes, Butler is ranked 3rd in that list, and yes, he seems to be a headcase/potential locker room issue. But the difference in the WOlves from when Butler was on the court vs. off were astronomical. And he had a similar impact with Chicago. He's the "type" of player that can REALLY help with winning. Can be a 3&D player with star potential. Can guard 1-4 if necessary. Etc. But if I'm Thibs, I'm also not that excited by Goran Dragic, Josh Richardson and a late draft pick. Frankly, I'd potentially be inclined if it wasn't such a locker room issue to run it back and try and get homecourt advantage and get KAT and Wiggins some 2nd round experience. But given the locker room issues, that won't happen.
Well, assuming Gordon was offered. Do we know that for sure? The scuttlebutt around the league was the Houston "stronger" interest was a leak by Thibs to try and drive up the price. That said, EG is a better option for the Wolves for various reasons, of course.
Eric Gordon is not only better than Dragic, but a WAY better fit for that Wolves roster in more ways than one.