Lakers: Are they prepared to give up Horton-Tucker? Heat: Are they prepared to give up Herro, or Robinson/Precious? Sixers: Are they prepared to give up an iPad?
This talk about trading for Aaron Gordon and losing draft assets and somehow becoming relevant next year is a good recipe for barely making the playoffs with early round exits for years to come. Gordon like players are rentals that drain the chest. Look at Portland, they have a team that lingers like that, just good enough to have no draft capital but never enough to be truly a contender. Dame leaving will be the final dagger for them, same thing will happen to Wood. He is the piece to build around using young talent and first round picks, in 2-3 years you bring in a vet. The Suns drafted and nurtured what they have now, brought in CP3 and honestly they look great and can still improve. Portland same thing.
In my opinion: Miami has the inside track on Lowry. Post game press conference by Lowry last night had a good-bye Toronto vibe. Article on Lakers swooping in as a dark horse for Lowry is meant to get Miami or 76ers to pony up more. So no Dipo to Miami, imo. Even if Lowry does not go to Miami, I don't think Riley sees Dipo/Butler combo meshing. Turns elsewhere. LMA from buyout market with lesser trades. Go after Beal this summer. Which means save trade assets until then. Riley and Ainge have won multiple rings......they are more patient then others. They prep long term. Aaron Gordon probably wanted to sleep and think about offers for him, Houston included. May have change of heart when thinking of Porter, Wood, and possiblity of Cade Cunningham setting the table. Aaron Gordon hasn't had a good table setter in forever. And Wall has never been a good lob passed but had good ast% numbers with Washington. Will have more incentive to pass with greater weapons focused on truly competing. Powell has good numbers as a shooting guard at 6'4". Active defensively. Can't wait to see if Stone can pull some rabbits out of the hat. I predict Oladipo to Knicks. It just seems like the best for both teams and player.
