02-02-2022, 08:53 AM
(02-02-2022, 08:08 AM)DanSchwartzgan Wrote: A few more thoughts from podcasts I listened to. Hardwood Knocks was really high on Eric Gordon's best fit being either Phoenix or Dallas. They didn't get into the returning contracts, but to your point it would almost have to be THJ. Otherwise, you are sending out two useful players. Locked on Mav's did a podcast this morning on trade targets they like (not rumors, opinions). Gordon was one of the names mentioned.
Here are some of the other names the LOM guys discussed:
Batum: He has a PO this summer. No guarantee he returns and if he does, it might be at a bigger number. I've loved the idea of getting him here for quite some time. Not sure what the outgoing would be.
Kemba: They also mentioned Burkes. Just say no to helping the Knicks clear cap space. BTW, I still can't tell if the downplaying of Brunson rumors is real or posturing. I'm quite concerned we are going to see Rose to OKC mid afternoon on the 10th.
G. Harris: Would Orlando rather have Hardaway or nothing?
Harrell: Wears out his welcome everywhere he goes
T. Ross: Another O for D trade involving Bullock?
M. Beasley: Another O for D trade involving Bullock. 2023 is a TO versus partially guaranteed Bullock. Rich Paul guy.
They also discussed KP for McCollom, but decided that can't be done while also trying to retain Brunson.
Out of all that, Batum and getting off the THJ money for Harris are the only things that really interest me and I'm not sure even about the Harris thing. Who has more trade value this summer...THJ or S&T Harris? Is there someone out there who would take Hardaway now? Another Pod yesterday (I had a lot of time in the car) listed T. Young as a buyout candidate. Now that would be fantastic. He's always been a plus defender and is also a great facilitator. It would be difficult for him to share the floor with Powell and Green off the bench. I like the Batum fit better, but would absolutely take Young also. On Batum, if Ibaka or Bledsoe aren't returning this summer, is there a version of a couple of cheap contracts like (like Brown and Brown) for Batum and Ibaka that nets you Batum? I wouldn't send Green or a first. It does save LAC some money and retains a couple of inexpensive backups as they try to restock for 22/23?
Batum would be ideal. I just can't picture a route for him here though with his low salary and solid play. I was listening to the Bill Simmons Pod with Windhorst and he was scattershooting that Clippers would send Ibaka to OKC who would then be bought out as a suggestion. I really think if the Mavs spent the MLE this summer, that Batum would be high on my wish list.
Harrell would also interest me. He may be just a regular season player as he may get exposed in the playoffs. But interior scoring off the bench and more importantly when KP is out is really concerning to me. He also plays with a little bit of an edge. I really want someone who will get easy baskets and Harrell could be a short term answer.