This LeBron injury was really amazing. It exposed how mediocre Ingram, Kuzma, and Lonzo really are. The "superstar potential" has been slowly evaporating over the past few weeks. If AD had requested a trade last off-season this probably woulda worked but now we know that they're just srcubs.
For the All-Star team draft, Giannis should draft A. Davis and Middleton in order to court him to request a trade only to Milwaukee.
Yeah, I think the Lakers messed up not getting Tatum. I'm still high on Kuzma, because of his low draft stock. I think AD going to LA gives them hope against the Warriors, but I think they are bleeding themselves dry. I'd really think they should hold onto draft picks and keep most of the young guys and the vets. The one player I'd trade is either Ball or Ingram. You could realistically grab Kyrie or Kawhi over the summer, and not gut the roster. Which means Davis is still in play, possibly? They could have an almost super 5.
As the Pelicans field offers for Anthony Davis, Boston’s message to New Orleans has been direct: Wait. Wait, and we will come to you with an offer that will make it worth it. Wait, and you can raid our stash of draft picks. The Celtics have refused to directly dangle Jayson Tatum, two sources familiar with the situation told SI.com, but the Pelicans have been left with the impression that if Davis remains on the roster past Thursday, nothing is off the table. Irving created a stir in New York last week, when he appeared to backtrack on a preseason proclamation that he intended to re-sign with Boston this offseason. “Ask me July 1st,” Irving said, prompting speculation that Irving could now go elsewhere. But the Celtics remain quietly confident that they are on the same page with Irving, maintaining constant communication with the All-Star guard. “A partnership,” is how one source described the Celtics relationship with Irving, who has been frustrated—like many inside Boston’s locker room—by the uneven play this season but has been positive, publicly and privately, about the direction of the franchise. The root of his frustration, a former teammate of Irving’s told SI.com, could have little to do with Boston at all. Irving hates the narrative that other players (Kevin Durant in New York; Davis in Boston) can influence his decision, the ex-teammate said. He gets frustrated when he feels people are trying to manipulate him. In his mind, it doesn’t matter if it’s Davis or James—he’s going to do whatever he wants to do, and to assume otherwise is disrespectful.
Good. He has sabotaged the Pelicans season all because he wants to get to LA before the trade deadline. He is selfish and his ass can wait. He could have waited until the summer to make a trade request.
I know Boston can't acquire Davis right now, but does that rule apply even if they deal Irving FOR Davis?
They could do that, but Irving is not resigning with the Pelicans anyway...they could try to build a 3-way trade, but who's going to give up good assets for Irving when he's about to expire in 3 months and with Knicks going hard after him?
What if Phoenix could get in on this as a 3rd team, use Ryan Anderson's contract (sent to New Orleans along with 2 2nds?) to get Kyrie? Worst case Kyrie walks at the end of the season, best case they re-sign him to play with Ayton, Booker, etc. AD goes to Boston Kyrie goes to Phoenix New Orleans gets Ryan Anderson, Jaylen Brown, Josh Jackson, two 1sts from Boston's chest, two 2nds from Phoenix
That would be fun lol, but for as dumb as they are, i just don't see it, especially cause that would help Ainge, and they have no reason to do it. I don't think the Suns would like to be involved in this when they have like 0% chance to retain him, they would literally gift Jackson and picks (potentially good picks since those would likely be in the 31-35 range). On a side note, just a random thought, but even though i definitely see Irving as the kind of guy who would love to play in NY, i can also see him being so vague about his future these days just to try to tell Ainge he wants some of the young guys out.
As expected Ainge refuses to promise Tatum. Then trade him to the Lakers now after taking away everything they own. Who wants to trade with Ainge? "We promise you all these pick" my butt. Most of their picks suck. 2 non protected 2022-24 Lakers picks >>>>>>>> every Celtics pick bar one. I hope Jerry West wakes up, trades away Tobias or Lou Will, so the Celtics will have to shut it. The only thing that needs to happen is the Kings to switch one position with the Clippers and then Ainge can only offer pick no.18 and 27 for this year.
