My hope is that Jalen plays well enough this year not to be considered a horrible contract. Then we trade him this offseason to a rebuilding team that has tons of cap room and can afford to slightly overpay an upside guy like Jalen before they have to extend their rookie scale prospects. So like a Washington or a Brooklyn.
The problem with NJ and Washington it would have to be for picks. Neither has a single player as good as Jalen. Maybe Cam Johnson, but he plays no defense so would be a reserve role for us. I don’t think the Rockets are much interested in picks.
To me, I’m building around Sengun, Amen, and Eason. Those are my three near untouchables. What does that core need? Guard scoring. FVV is certainly helpful, and I’m hopeful that Green can mature into that role. But if I’m making a major trade, that’s what I’m targeting.
Maybe suns flame out and we can swing green for Beal? He’s not great but a better shooter and more mature.
Me too! I think anything we do this season will be minor or getting SG/combo guard depth. Maybe a guy like Brogdon for a highly protected future first or a couple of 2nd rounders and filler.
Ideally we'd pick up somebody like a younger, better version of FVV during the offseason. Maybe that will eventually end up being Reed, who knows, but it doesn't look like it will be a rapid ascent to that level if so. So basically, ballhandling and initiating the offense, playmaking, three point shooting, willing defender who's not a total liability even if he's not great. Three guys who come to mind--De'Aaron Fox, Tyrese Maxey, Coby White. Probably difficult to acquire any of them for a reasonable price right now. I have the feeling we may have to play out the string for a bit and let our core grow up and see who becomes available over time. It's hard to acquire young stars or even high-end starters via trade. They usually don't become available, if at all, until at least their late 20s.
Keep: Sengun Eason Thompson VanVleet Sheppard Do what you want with the rest and the picks. If you could get Markannen and Giannis with the remainder you would have a pretty solid chance at a Championship. I'm not in love with the idea of either of those guys I'm just saying they would be a significant upgrade over what we have remaining. Markannen bring height and can spread the floor. Giannis brings that star power that you have to have come playoff time when you need points. Imagine your starting 5: Alperen Sengun (6-11) Giannis Antetokounmpo (6-11) Lauri Markannen (7-0) Tari Eason (6-8) Fred VanVleet (6-0)
Starting four frontcourt players is an... interesting idea I don't think we need to try to "accelerate the timeline", honestly. We should just be patient and see if a younger star (within 3 or 4 years of age of our young players) becomes available. FVV probably won't be part of a deep playoff run with this franchise
Wish there was a way to swing a trade for LaMelo Ball. Doesn’t seem likely with the way he’s playing right now, though.
I want a backup center that can play d and protect the rim. Bc adam isnt cutting it, and jock a hit or miss.
We’ll just get the Suns to throw in nurkic when we make the Booker trade this off-season. Next year we should look like this: Amen, Booker, Tari, Jabari, Sengun Sheppard, Herro, Cam or Brooks, Nurkic
