08-31-2022, 08:56 AM
(08-31-2022, 08:36 AM)Chicagojk Wrote: I would agree that Utah probably wasn't hot for Barrett. Although could you make the case that he may be more attractive now to Utah now that he is signed for 4 additional years? I wonder if they would have an interest in a resigned Barrett plus some picks. They could either keep Barrett as a core building piece or eventually move from him as well. There just doesn't appear to be many suitors for Mitchell who have good enough assets. Orlando is a favorite of mine, but I am not sure they have any interest. Don't see Washington or Charlotte as realistic options. Although unprotected draft picks from either of those teams are attractive. The Knicks can throw a lot out there, but I am not sure how good the pieces really are. The protected first round picks are pretty so-so. Ainge appears to be more interested in the Knicks unprotected picks. Are any of the young Knicks prospects eventual core pieces for a good team? Or do they max out as good players, but not difference makers?
I mentioned the other day, how I have spent way to much time looking at players for that last spot on our roster. I should have mentioned, a released Westbrook was also considered. Bad times. My confidence in Kidd is really high. I loved how he gave players freedom on the court. So I would be interested in giving him a talented player to see if we could let him do the things he is good at doing. The issue is I am not sure Russ sees himself in that type of support role.
Barrett is young and talented, but in 3 years in the NBA he has been wildly inefficient with a TS% barely over 50%. There is obviously reason to expect him to improve, but he has a long way to go to be worth 30 mil a year. Its hard to see that contract making him appealing in a trade.
I also have had visions of Russ actually contributing by coming off the bench and dominating second units, but I think its very unlikely he is willing to do it, and I am with KL regarding chemistry concerns with Brunson and probably Powell leaving and the primary add being Wood. I don't think we want to push it even farther with guys like Russ and Schroder.