NBA 2018-2019

[Melancer46]

Pretty sure that's an impossibility. They already have to get rid of contracts to fit in 1 max but then they're gonna open up another $30m+? Not happening.

It's not impossible but it would take some work for sure. As is, they can get to $55 million in cap space without making any moves (including without trading for Anthony Davis). They should be able to find a taker for Courtney Lee's contract pretty easily, which if done right would get them to roughly $65 million in cap space. The key would be trying to find a way out of Tim Hardaway's contract; they could probably incentivize a team to take his contract on if the Knicks really want to go for it, and if they do that, I think they'd technically be able to afford Davis, Durant, and one of the PGs on the market.

 

[Cusefan0307]

Trade isn't happening until the summer and my guess is the Pel's do everything they can not to trade him to Lebron.

 

[Melancer46]

Kevin O'Conner reporting that the Knicks, Bucks, Lakers, and Raptors are all expected to make offers for Davis. I agree with Cusefan that I think this drags out to the summer in the very least, but all four of those teams can make at least semi-interesting offers.

 

[chugg21]

Kevin O'Conner reporting that the Knicks, Bucks, Lakers, and Raptors are all expected to make offers for Davis. I agree with Cusefan that I think this drags out to the summer in the very least, but all four of those teams can make at least semi-interesting offers.

Raptors can put together a very interesting package. They have all of their picks still besides the 2019 1st that will convey to the Spurs. Siakam, OG and 2 1sts plus Jonas for salary matching would be quite interesting. Pretty sure that I like both of those players more than anyone the Lakers have unless there is hope that Ingram can prosper outside of LA like Russell is starting to do in Brooklyn. It still seems too light and more like the kind of deal they would get if he was an expiring deal at the deadline and not with another full season to go. Would certainly make Toronto a powerhouse which would be fun. Still think the Pels have to get 1 absolute no-doubt elite piece in any trade though.

 

[Melancer46]

Raptors can put together a very interesting package. They have all of their picks still besides the 2019 1st that will convey to the Spurs. Siakam, OG and 2 1sts plus Jonas for salary matching would be quite interesting. Pretty sure that I like both of those players more than anyone the Lakers have unless there is hope that Ingram can prosper outside of LA like Russell is starting to do in Brooklyn. It still seems too light and more like the kind of deal they would get if he was an expiring deal at the deadline and not with another full season to go. Would certainly make Toronto a powerhouse which would be fun. Still think the Pels have to get 1 absolute no-doubt elite piece in any trade though.

Assuming these teams put forth their best possible offers, I think the Knicks offer might be the best out there besides maybe the Celtics, and even that isn't a definite IMO depending on how the lottery goes. If the Knicks offered Porzingis, Knox, Zion, and cap filler/maybe Frank, that's a really freakin strong offer.

Of course who knows how far teams will be willing to go if Davis actually comes out and says he'll only sign with the Lakers as Woj is now speculating will happen. I think I'd take a Lakers package over the Raptors one personally but it obviously depends on how New Orleans feels about the prospects involved.

Still think Denver makes for a really interesting dark horse candidate if they were to swing for the fences too, but I'd guess right now that it comes down to LA, Boston, and New York if those teams are going all in on their trade offers.

 

[IthacaBarrel]

Assuming these teams put forth their best possible offers, I think the Knicks offer might be the best out there besides maybe the Celtics, and even that isn't a definite IMO depending on how the lottery goes. If the Knicks offered Porzingis, Knox, Zion, and cap filler/maybe Frank, that's a really freakin strong offer.

Of course who knows how far teams will be willing to go if Davis actually comes out and says he'll only sign with the Lakers as Woj is now speculating will happen. I think I'd take a Lakers package over the Raptors one personally but it obviously depends on how New Orleans feels about the prospects involved.

Still think Denver makes for a really interesting dark horse candidate if they were to swing for the fences too, but I'd guess right now that it comes down to LA, Boston, and New York if those teams are going all in on their trade offers.

Demps should just slow roll this thing until the Celtics can get to the table. It can only help. the Lakers at this point are behind what the knicks and Celts can offer. It appears that Ainge has been quoted that he is willing to roll the dice on AD resigning after next year. It's weird that some ( Not here) are having a tough time understanding that the Pels don't care what AD does after they trade him, they just need the best deal and the Lakers are always going to be at least 3rd with what they can offer compared to Celts or Knicks and who knows who else.

Just like Pop and the Spurs gave the Lakers the bird when they were trying to get KL the Pelicans should do the same. Just don't see a lot the Lakers can offer direct without help from a 3rd team. No star power and their young talent hasn't been great. Hart/Kuz/Engram/ a big and 2 first rounders would be OK but the first rounders won't be real high if AD/ Lebron are playing together.

I think AD is going to the Celts for 2 or 3 of these 4 and a combo of draft picks ( Tatum, Brown, Hayward, Smart)

 

[chugg21]

Assuming these teams put forth their best possible offers, I think the Knicks offer might be the best out there besides maybe the Celtics, and even that isn't a definite IMO depending on how the lottery goes. If the Knicks offered Porzingis, Knox, Zion, and cap filler/maybe Frank, that's a really freakin strong offer.

Of course who knows how far teams will be willing to go if Davis actually comes out and says he'll only sign with the Lakers as Woj is now speculating will happen. I think I'd take a Lakers package over the Raptors one personally but it obviously depends on how New Orleans feels about the prospects involved.

Still think Denver makes for a really interesting dark horse candidate if they were to swing for the fences too, but I'd guess right now that it comes down to LA, Boston, and New York if those teams are going all in on their trade offers.

If this Knicks offer that then Davis is going to a worse team then the one he is currently on which kind of negates his point of asking unless they get some kind of whisper guarantee from Durant or Kyrie's agent. I really like a potential Denver offer of Millsap, Harris, Porter & picks too. They just don't have a pick this year to offer which kind of kills it unless they add in Beasley or Juancho. That basically clears $20m off the Pels cap and adds some good youth. I guess it really comes down to what combination of youth is more appealing, OG/Siakam, Lonzo/Ingram/Kuzma, Harris/Porter or Tatum/Smart. Seems like Tatum is the only one that is close to being on a franchise player trajectory.

Gonna look back on that Cousins trade as a Pels fan as something that seemed like a no brainer that went horrifically wrong. Gave up Tyreke Evans who then went on to have his best year in 2018, Hield who is becoming what everyone had hoped and then 2 picks that turned into Zach Collins and Frank Mason. Except that the #10 pick could've been Monk, D.Mitchell, Adebayo, J.Collins, J.Allen or OG as well. That achilles tear for Boogie was legitimately franchise crushing.

 

[chugg21]

Demps should just slow roll this thing until the Celtics can get to the table. It can only help. the Lakers at this point are behind what the knicks and Celts can offer. It appears that Ainge has been quoted that he is willing to roll the dice on AD resigning after next year. It's weird that some ( Not here) are having a tough time understanding that the Pels don't care what AD does after they trade him, they just need the best deal and the Lakers are always going to be at least 3rd with what they can offer compared to Celts or Knicks and who knows who else.

Just like Pop and the Spurs gave the Lakers the bird when they were trying to get KL the Pelicans should do the same. Just don't see a lot the Lakers can offer direct without help from a 3rd team. No star power and their young talent hasn't been great. Hart/Kuz/Engram/ a big and 2 first rounders would be OK but the first rounders won't be real high if AD/ Lebron are playing together.

I think AD is going to the Celts for 2 or 3 of these 4 and a combo of draft picks ( Tatum, Brown, Hayward, Smart)

Have been contemplating what is a better package from Boston, Hayward, Brown and one of the Kings/Griz picks or Tatum/Smart and one of them. The added cost control of Tatum/Smart might be enough of a difference maker but wings are at such a premium that getting 2 of them that are above average might be worthwhile.

 

[shandeezy7]

If this Knicks offer that then Davis is going to a worse team then the one he is currently on which kind of negates his point of asking unless they get some kind of whisper guarantee from Durant or Kyrie's agent. I really like a potential Denver offer of Millsap, Harris, Porter & picks too. They just don't have a pick this year to offer which kind of kills it unless they add in Beasley or Juancho. That basically clears $20m off the Pels cap and adds some good youth. I guess it really comes down to what combination of youth is more appealing, OG/Siakam, Lonzo/Ingram/Kuzma, Harris/Porter or Tatum/Smart. Seems like Tatum is the only one that is close to being on a franchise player trajectory.

Gonna look back on that Cousins trade as a Pels fan as something that seemed like a no brainer that went horrifically wrong. Gave up Tyreke Evans who then went on to have his best year in 2018, Hield who is becoming what everyone had hoped and then 2 picks that turned into Zach Collins and Frank Mason. Except that the #10 pick could've been Monk, D.Mitchell, Adebayo, J.Collins, J.Allen or OG as well. That achilles tear for Boogie was legitimately franchise crushing.

Yeah there is no way that the Knicks give up their three biggest assets to acquire AD. It wouldn't make them any better and it wouldn't help your pitch to be able to resign AD after next year.

 

[Melancer46]

If this Knicks offer that then Davis is going to a worse team then the one he is currently on which kind of negates his point of asking unless they get some kind of whisper guarantee from Durant or Kyrie's agent. I really like a potential Denver offer of Millsap, Harris, Porter & picks too. They just don't have a pick this year to offer which kind of kills it unless they add in Beasley or Juancho. That basically clears $20m off the Pels cap and adds some good youth. I guess it really comes down to what combination of youth is more appealing, OG/Siakam, Lonzo/Ingram/Kuzma, Harris/Porter or Tatum/Smart. Seems like Tatum is the only one that is close to being on a franchise player trajectory.

Gonna look back on that Cousins trade as a Pels fan as something that seemed like a no brainer that went horrifically wrong. Gave up Tyreke Evans who then went on to have his best year in 2018, Hield who is becoming what everyone had hoped and then 2 picks that turned into Zach Collins and Frank Mason. Except that the #10 pick could've been Monk, D.Mitchell, Adebayo, J.Collins, J.Allen or OG as well. That achilles tear for Boogie was legitimately franchise crushing.

I think the Knicks are much better situated in that situation to build a team around Davis than the Pelicans were/are. The Pelicans had a chance at one point too but they blew it with basically every single decision that they've made since drafting him. The Knicks recent history isn't great either but they can position themselves to basically have Davis and a ton of cap space to build around him with. And depending on who you listen to, Davis has already said he's sign long-term with the Knicks (though Woj has refuted that). At any rate, I think I'd go for it if I were the Knicks; I'd rather take my chances with Davis and cap space rather than hoping the lottery goes my way and my young talent all develop. If the Knicks can actually carve out space for two max free agents while also having Davis, I think they'll be able to put a very good team around him.

 

[chugg21]

I think the Knicks are much better situated in that situation to build a team around Davis than the Pelicans were/are. The Pelicans had a chance at one point too but they blew it with basically every single decision that they've made since drafting him. The Knicks recent history isn't great either but they can position themselves to basically have Davis and a ton of cap space to build around him with. And depending on who you listen to, Davis has already said he's sign long-term with the Knicks (though Woj has refuted that). At any rate, I think I'd go for it if I were the Knicks; I'd rather take my chances with Davis and cap space rather than hoping the lottery goes my way and my young talent all develop. If the Knicks can actually carve out space for two max free agents while also having Davis, I think they'll be able to put a very good team around him.

Therein lies the problem. The Knicks have 0 recent history of attracting any difference making free agents. If the team can either have AD & $60m cap space or have KP, Knox, Frankie, a high probability of a top 3 pick and $30m in cap space. Give me the 2nd grouping without any doubt whatsoever.

 

[IthacaBarrel]

Have to wonder if some of the under radar teams may take a serious run at AD before the deadline. I think a team is going to really have to pay through the nose to get something done in the next 9 days. Somehow I think the Raptors may take a shot to as they have proven they aren't afraid to take the risk.

The smoke will definitely settle once the season is over. Knicks can definitely be a player here but I would agree they may want to stay put and hope for a top 3 pick, get KP back and maybe add KD.

It's basically impossible to speculate because the conversations with who is doing what after the season have to be just crazy right now.

 

[Knicks411]

I really struggle to see the Knicks pulling this one off. If Davis is deadset on being a Laker (which seems to be the case), then i dont know. Trade a lot and then he leaves in a year? Ok if they can land Durant thats a different story, but I really dunno

I will say Kyrie strikes me as a real wild card; I wouldn't take anything he says about his future at face value

 

[OrangeDW]

I really struggle to see the Knicks pulling this one off. If Davis is deadset on being a Laker (which seems to be the case), then i dont know. Trade a lot and then he leaves in a year? Ok if they can land Durant thats a different story, but I really dunno

I will say Kyrie strikes me as a real wild card; I wouldn't take anything he says about his future at face value

You can have Durant. We get Davis. Hope to see you in the finals.

 

[Knicks411]

You can have Durant. We get Davis. Hope to see you in the finals.

I accept all of that. And I think the tv execs would also be ok with it

 

[jncuse]

I was surprised to see the Raptors as the betting favourite on a few sites to have him at the end of this season (well 2nd after the Pelicans) The odds for where he would be at the start of the next season had him with the Celtics.

For the Raptors to pull this off a few things will need to happen:
b) Demps really has to like Siakem (and there are a few GM"s that like him more than Tatum)
c) Demps has to be afraid of the Ainge lowball in the offseason and then he might get even less then the Raps will offer now.

The thing that hurts the Raps is that OG, FVV and DW have not really progressed, and Poeltl was moved for Leonard. Pascal has improved leaps and bounds, but will it be enough as the core piece for David. Perhaps those later first round picks become attractive if they hope to get long term payoffs in say 2021 or 2023 when the Raps are possibly rebuilding.

I think if the Raps get Davis this year, but Leonard leaves as a free agent, that he would be put on the market again. It's an all in move for the Raptors, but they can cut 60-70% of their losses perhaps in the offseason

 

[IthacaBarrel]

I truly believe that Demps and the pelicans will do everything the can NOT to trade AD to the Lakers. This is made easier because they can't offer the best package. Lakers may need to get a 3rd team involved to put a package together than would make the Pelicans bite before the deadline. Ainge telling them to wait could be risky too because if they do wait and Celtics don't offer as much as they are hinting at now well then you have an issue.

 

[chugg21]

I was surprised to see the Raptors as the betting favourite on a few sites to have him at the end of this season (well 2nd after the Pelicans) The odds for where he would be at the start of the next season had him with the Celtics.

For the Raptors to pull this off a few things will need to happen:
b) Demps really has to like Siakem (and there are a few GM"s that like him more than Tatum)
c) Demps has to be afraid of the Ainge lowball in the offseason and then he might get even less then the Raps will offer now.

The thing that hurts the Raps is that OG, FVV and DW have not really progressed, and Poeltl was moved for Leonard. Pascal has improved leaps and bounds, but will it be enough as the core piece for David. Perhaps those later first round picks become attractive if they hope to get long term payoffs in say 2021 or 2023 when the Raps are possibly rebuilding.

I think if the Raps get Davis this year, but Leonard leaves as a free agent, that he would be put on the market again. It's an all in move for the Raptors, but they can cut 60-70% of their losses perhaps in the offseason

Honestly think the recoup % for the Raptors is a lot closer to 90 if Leonard were to leave and they decided to move AD at the deadline next year. If the price is Siakam, OG, FVV and 2 future 1sts, they should make that deal. The only thing that could really hurt them would be him getting injured next year and cratering his in season trade value. Hell, they could just move him in the offseason if Kawhi leaves and replenish their young assets from LA or BOS though it's tough to see them being a willing participant in making the Celts better, but I think teams overvalue that nonsense and end up sacrificing how good of a return they get.

 

[Alsacs]

If Davis doesn’t force his way to the Lakers Boston barring Philadelphia offering Simmons will offer the best package because of Tatum and the draft picks.

 

[chugg21]

If Davis doesn’t force his way to the Lakers Boston barring Philadelphia offering Simmons will offer the best package because of Tatum and the draft picks.

Ainge definitely going to put Tatum, 1 of Brown/Hayward/Smart and at least the Griz pick on the table?

This is the exact moment that you build up that war chest of assets for so I have to think he will.

 

[IthacaBarrel]

If Davis doesn’t force his way to the Lakers Boston barring Philadelphia offering Simmons will offer the best package because of Tatum and the draft picks.

Celtics/ Pelicans makes the most sense for both teams as it looks right now.

If the Pelicans play their cards right and invest in more scouting for the draft, could come out of this in a pretty good position looking towards the future. Have some young players with good contracts, draft picks. If they keep Holiday and they have Okafor for another year for about 1.75 mil as well. He has really played well past 10-15 games and finally seems to be putting in the effort. Okafor played great last night.

I don't think the Pelicans need to totally start over. Not sure they keep Demps the GM or Gentry but nothing would shock me here. They probably need to keep Loomis just working for the Saints at this point. When the whole AD thing went down he was at the Senior Bowl scouting for the Saints. Hire a Pres of Basketball Ops. Danny Ferry is still with the organization as well. Jumbled up mess.

 

[Newhouser]

Ainge definitely going to put Tatum, 1 of Brown/Hayward/Smart and at least the Griz pick on the table?

This is the exact moment that you build up that war chest of assets for so I have to think he will.

who would want Hayward? that contract is an anchor.
i

 

[chugg21]

who would want Hayward? that contract is an anchor.
i

What kind of free agents do you think New Orleans w/o AD are going to attract? I can give you a hint, they couldn't attract any with him. A team like that has to up their risk profile to have any shot of being relevant. It's not outside normal expectations to assume it would take Hayward 2 full years to get back to normal.

 

[Newhouser]

What kind of free agents do you think New Orleans w/o AD are going to attract? I can give you a hint, they couldn't attract any with him. A team like that has to up their risk profile to have any shot of being relevant. It's not outside normal expectations to assume it would take Hayward 2 full years to get back to normal.

Same kind that Golden State attracted before Curry. Where they failed with AD is not surrounding him with good pieces. Hayward even at his best doesn't move their needle to a tier they want to be in, nor does he attract other players. They need picks and lots of them.

 

[Horn88]

Same kind that Golden State attracted before Curry. Where they failed with AD is not surrounding him with good pieces. Hayward even at his best doesn't move their needle to a tier they want to be in, nor does he attract other players. They need picks and lots of them.

I have no idea how taking Hayward back in a deal for AD helps New Orleans achieve anything that helps them progress as a franchise. He's expensive and you have no idea what caliber of player you'll be getting.