I, too, hope I’m right (for the Rockets chances at LeBron), but I acknowledge if the Spurs do decide to trade Kawhi to the Lakers in the next few days, it’s game over. I just can’t see the Spurs letting their jilted lover get exactly what he wants in the divorce settlement. This isn’t an amicable parting.
Historically, playing the "long game" with a disgruntled franchise player never produces better value, usually worse value, as you're seen being more and more desperate the closer you get to deadlines. Certainly, Celtics will reduce value if this "long game" enters the season. They'll need Kashi in camp to start his Celtics' brainwashing classes in efforts to get him to stay. My bet is, if SAS delays into Sept, Ainge probably takes his toys and walks away. lulz..."no one's desperate" Celtics are in the power position here. They don't really need Kashi, but they have best assets for a team who legitimately could brainwash Kawhaii into re-upping vs going to la la land. Pops is not going to out-negotiate Ainge on this.
This is all posturing. We all knows Pops is looking to make out like a bandit here. He wants the Lakers to trade away all their youth including Ball, Ingram, Kuzma, Hart, Randle and then add more picks as well. Pops got Magic in a corner right now. The allure of LeBron is too much to pass on for any team. Plus, this is the highest Kawhi's market will ever be a year away from free agency. No team is going to give more at the trade deadline. This deal will happen, but Lakers will have to surrender everything.
It's interesting that this is happening now, before lebron has to choose in or out. It makes since though.... Lakers get Kawai by tomorrow, they get lebron. I think LeBron picks Houston if they don't get him by tomorrow.
So SA voluntarily bending over (ala Memphis) for the Lakers again!!! This has to stop!! Such a force.
This is my view also. Pop wants to gouge LA as much as possible and then pull the trigger. The talk about how he only wants to trade east could be nothing more than propaganda/misdirection to drive a higher price from the Lakers. Lakers are the only team "desperate" to make a deal for Kawhi (because of LeBron). It all adds up to one thing. I seriously doubt Ainge lays enough on the table to beat whatever the Lakers offer. Why take the risk?
Leonard should go to the East and play with philly. He would be the outright star on that team with a lot of youth around him. Talk about setting yourself and team up for the future!! I think he meshes better with simmons than Lebron would. Philly has Youth/upside/ will compete and better fit than any team.
btw: does anyone else get the feeling that the only reason Magic would push for a Kashi deal before June 30th is because he might have legitimate worries of a Houston Opt-in that he needs to stop. Otherwise, it seems risky to trade your youth away just days prior to Lebron becoming a free agent. I agree. I think Pops could fleece Magic on this. But I also feel very strongly that Pops will not want the Ball circus in town; although, he could find a 3rd team to take Ball for a good FRP. I do think Spurs are bluffing about refusing to trade with LAL, for no reason other than just because.
Morey to Pop, " Just hold out like one more week till we get Lebron, dont let that b**** Kawhi get his way"
[Wojnarowski] The Lakers are willing to include former No. 2 overall pick Brandon Ingram and a future first-round pick in a package for Leonard, but the Spurs are seeking a far more complete haul of Lakers young players and future picks, league sources said.
I'm having trouble imagining the Spurs trading Leonard to the Lakers. I'm sure they're keeping all options open, so they'll entertain offers, but it seems like the Spurs could get better deals from most other teams while most likely sending him out of the conference and not doing a favor for a franchise that has been a major rival to them going back to Duncan's early days.
