I don't thinK OKC can match salaries without trading guys that are key members of their rotation. Also, with Jalen Williams likely getting an extension, KD is a one year rental for them. I'd guess OKC is out on KD. Spurs....them going for KD would be one of the best things for the Rockets. Long term, Wemby is going to be a problem. I'd much rather the Spurs put a lot of chips in before Jalen Williams is off his rookie contract. I really don't want KD as I think he will lose value quickly based on his age, and I think some NBA team will pay a lot for maybe just one good year of KD.
I tuned into that Por vs NYK game at the end of the 4th and what a fun game. Scoot was balling trying to take over and win for the boys. Got it to OT. Took the lead up 2 with 3seconds left and Mikal hit an absolute dagger 3 at the buzzer. Portland are trying to win, and seem to be pretty well coached. I expect some more wins from them to keep the pressure on Phoenix.
OKC getting KD would probably be a good thing. They'll have to give up some real assets to do it and some rotation players to make salaries work. Will help us compete with them a little bit more when our window is actually open. They'll be nearly unstoppable (assuming health) for 1-3 years but after that KD is done.
Same boat. I think Kevin Durant is one of the most talented players to ever play, but it's clear at this point that he isn't a leader. Each and every time he's been the leader of a team, that team fails miserably to meet expectations (at least since that young OKC team reached the Finals). And if he's not a leader, I'd argue he's probably the best second banana in the history of the NBA. We don't need a second banana. If we're going to throw a lot of assets at a star, they really need to be able to lead this team. Which is why I think I am also out on Devin Booker. Especially if we have to include Fred, who is our team's actual leader. People really under rate his leadership around here. He and Dillon are the guys that our young guys look to for leadership on the floor. And they've done an amazing job at it. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I don't think I prefer Booker to Jalen at this point. Booker has had a pretty disappointing season, while Jalen has improved in so many areas of his game. I think Jalen is on the right path. To me, the only way it makes sense to throw considerable assets at a max guy is if it's a young guy like Ant or Ja (though Ja has had something of a down season too).
Sure, if OKC is willing to trade iHart, IJoe, and picks, they could easily get Durant. OKC likely isn't willing, though, as they want iHart on Jokic instead of Chet. IJoe is on a great contract that will help OKC afford SGA and Jalen Williams and still have a rotation player.
sure, they probably think that now. Every off-season things change. What if they lose to Boston in the finals? If i am OKC i dont really mess with anything because the roster is great. But failing in the playoffs often triggers action to improve
If the Suns pick ends up Top 5, would you include it in a pkg for KD? I would not. I think there are 3 - 4 players in the TOP 5 that can become All- Stars or greater. However, I would go after Durant with a different pkg and include a future pick. Last night showed he can still.score at will but I just don't know how much he can still provide defensively
problem is OKC has to do something. They have like 20 first round picks available to them over next 5 years. If they don't make a trade they can't even roster all their picks. It would just go to waste. I keep waiting for their move and they never do. I was shocked they didn't do it at the deadline this year with how well the team was playing.
He has been working for a long time to create a long window for OKC. He operates like baseball GMs that try to maximize surplus value. Trading IHart, IJoe, and picks for Durant would be completely out of character. Dallas traded Luka so can't completely say it is impossible, but for things in the realm of likely suitors for Durant, OKC is not one.Much, much likelier that some aging team throws everything they have for Durant making the smart teams say we are good.
I think it’s an easy take to have after watching Booker play poorly, against Jalen having a great night I think it’s a fools gold situation, Booker on an “off season” is quietly averaging 26 ppg and 7 assists on 59% TS. Jalen has a long way to go as a player for that to be considered a down season, that would be considered a massively leap for him. Booker is also an elite playoff performer, we’ll see what Jalen does this off-season (hopefully). Morant on the other hand is a much more questionable player IMO, he got a ton of hype but hasn’t improved at all since his 3rd year. Is currently averaging the same points on similar efficiency to Jalen, and while a better passer is shooting sub 30% from 3 making him pretty much incompatible with an Amen/Sengun/Eason big 3. That’s not even mentioning injuries and off court issues.
what do they do with 40 picks? just keep churning them out? who do you cut? How do you continue to upgrade over time? presti is good, but hes not some infallible guy. He still has to improve every year. He literally CANNOT keep everyone and continue to draft. maybe he targets someone else, but a Durant homecoming is about as Presti as it seems imo. Should be lower cost and high reward.
Okc does have a ton of picks. Virtually none of them are of good calibre. Durant would indeed be great insurance for Chet, but I don’t think they need to mess with their core. I’d be more worried about OKC picking up great role players with those draft picks than a superstar.
I operate on the basic assumption that people make reasonable decisions, and when they don't, it is hard to predict such that it isn't worth trying to predict. On the picks, that isn't the problem with OKC dealing for Durant. Presti isn't going to trade his starting center and another cost-controlled player for a year of Durant the year before Chet and Jalen Williams get extensions. Please feel free to say I told you so if Presti trades for Durant.
