Ok, so Sarr and Saluan are your targets. Would be a good draft if you could pull it off. I know everyone thinks this draft isn't that strong, and maybe so, but I would still love another high pick this year if possible. I think there are great rotation players to add for cheap.
Brogdon for Landale and Tate (or Jeff Green), and 26’ and 27’ 2nd rounders. Portland needs a backup center. Portland needs defense. They need veteran leadership. They could probably get a late 1st in this year’s draft for Brogdon, but they might prefer a combination of those players and two future 2nds. Portland already has a ton of picks in this draft.
Rockets still value Tate but I could see the most likely trade with him being to tied to #44 to maybe jump up to like 31 or so if there was someone they really had their eye on. Teams in the playoffs know he is a veteran and a hustler and can add depth off the bench for a playoff push. He's still in his 20's so he's a + value in age.
Patrick Williams is looking for a big payday. He plays the 4 like Jabari. I don't think he will be a good fit. PS: I forgot that Patrick Williams got injured. That makes it an absolute no no for me.
He's due $96m the next two years. That wrecks any plans you may have had to have cap space in those years and beyond since you will be extending some of your own at the same time. You want me to eat that $96m contract and not have cap space in future years as a result, I need more compensation than a late lottery pick in a supposedly weak draft.
I want to see Caruso on one of the Top 5 contenders though. Would be so much more fun to watch him in the Finals or Conference Finals.
I feel like the Pelicans would love to get Sheppard or Topic or Clingan. What if we can swap Brooks for one of those excellent young 3&d wings they have? Maybe Trey Murphy. Basically getting a great young long term asset for Brooks and #3. That’s a very safe deal.
I'm pretty sure I was advocating the Rockets would receive future draft assets from Chicago in the deal while coming off of Dillion Brooks contract to soften the blow. Brooks contract is congruent with Lavine's so Rockets aren't really adding much salary. Maybe I didn't make it clear that we wouldn't receive their 2024 pick; only future picks would make sense.
Doubt the Bucks are willing but my dream scenario: To Bucks: Jalen Jabari Brooks #3 this year ‘26 Nets pick ‘27 Rockets pick ‘27 Nets swap To Rockets: Giannis Rockets roster next year Pg - FVV SG - Cam or TBD FA or trade like Brogdon, Eric Gordon, other floor spacing SG SF - Amen Pf - Giannis C - Sengun Off the bench MLE signing as backup PG Cam or TBD FA or trade like Brogdon, Eric Gordon, other floor spacing SG Tari Adams
Only possible if Giannis asks out and is willing to entertain Houston as a destination, but sure. You have to do it for a top 5 player in his 20s. I don't think you can start Amen with Giannis and Sengun though. I hate to say it, but I almost feel like you'd have to send Amen out in the trade instead of Jabari just so you have some floor spacing (even though I think Amen is far more valuable).
Tilman? Hey, Tilman, since you're here: Your restaurants suck. Thanks for cutting the portions while keeping the prices high and quality mediocre.
Starting 5 would be predicated on getting a floor spacer at 2. I also believe Amen is going to get to a respectable shooting percentage this year. He eats and breathes basketball and by all accounts is working daily on shooting and his handles non-stop. He really only needs a consistent 3 pt shot from the corner. I was more concerned with the bench that would go from one of the deepest in the league to below average unless we could fill it out with efficient role players. With that starting five we would be instant contenders. It’s a pipe dream though.
I like Murphy as a 3 & D floor spacer...a helluva role player. Not sure about the upside...If we're giving up #3 (which I'm certainly for doing in the right deal), it better be for a long time starter, at minimum. Seems like a little too much for Trey though.
Is there a realistic picture of the Rockets having free cap-space the next 2-3 years? I'd be a no on Lavine for the size of the contract and the resulting production, he is just not good enough to be a max player. But he wouldn't stop us using cap-space we won't have...
Rockets in: J.Isaac | M.Thybulle Trailblazers in: J.Ingles | One 2RP Magic in: Z.Lavine Bulls in: B.Brown | A.Black | J.Landale or J.Tate | Two or Three 1RPs Raptors in: D.Brooks
Yes, there are scenario's where the team as a max contract to spend. That generally revolves around dumping Jalen Green's $31.2m cap hold next offseason and using the cap space prior to extending Sengun who's cap hold is only $16.2m. He's likely to earn more than that. They can do this while keeping FVV & Brooks along with the core 5 (minus Jalen). They can also drop FVV opening up another $45m. The $90m+ owed Lavine would wreck that .... and Stone did a real nice job setting that up.
Nice! I didn't realise that was an option So we could have a potential Brooks Smith Sengun Thompson Whitmore Eason 2024 #3 Plus $70m (+) in capspace just by doing nothing this off-season.
Depends on how you view Trey I think. Look at what OG Anunoby is truly worth right now. Even if overpaid he’s at least worth $30m+ per season. Look at his impact on the Knicks record even with Randle out and only 1 elite playmaker. Totally agree with you there’s no star upside there. I think our chances of obtaining a star is very low. This draft is filled with elite role players and near all stars. I see it as an exceptionally deep draft with very few stars at the top. Not sure we’ll get one at #3. Another factor is immediate help. Trey comes in and he’s immediately a great fit with Udoka, Jalen and Sengun. He replaces Brooks. Trey, Tari and Amen is an absolutely insane defensive trio that can guard 2/3/4 spots easily for the next 10 years if needed. Trey will hit the ground running with a very plug n play game. Our rookie will need time to be a rookie. Can’t expect a lot in the first season and other than Sarr it’s going to be extremely difficult to outplay this core 6 players for minutes at any position. This is why I said it’s a safe deal. You grab a young player you’re 99% sure you wanna have as part of a championship core and you’re willing to match offers in restricted free agency. Not a star ceiling but you’re fairly certain an elite role player absolutely necessary on a championship team. If we can sign this guy to 5 years $125m I would happily do it. Amazing value to keep or trade. Not sure you’ve had a look at his stats. He’s a HELL of a shooter too, it’s not just defense.
