(06-07-2025, 08:11 AM)DanSchwartzgan Wrote: FWIW, I asked Google AI who Dallas would most likely trade for and what the package would be.  The answer was Coby White.  The package was PJ/Hardy/2031 First.

White is UFA in a year and not extendable at a number he'd accept.  So, Dallas is taking the risk here that Chicago doesn't want to take.  Even if Chicago keeps White, the AI answer pointed out they may not want to commit to big money for both Giddey and White (so one or the other and Giddey gets paid this summer).  

I think if Dallas wants to be serious about contending, it has to have a second creator.  It can't just a fringe guy who can hold down the fort for Kyrie.  The playoffs have shown you have to have someone who can get his own shot late in a playoff game when Kyrie is doubled (or prevent that double from coming because everyone else on the floor is too good).  PJ and a first is a lot to give up for someone who could walk.  But, moving PJ helps the roster make more sense.  You keep your center depth and keep AD at his preferred spot.  Flagg can move to PF when AD is out and you still have plenty of guys who can play the three between Naji, Klay and Martin.  

There is a $7mm spread between incoming and outgoing salary.  When you add back a minimum, you are under the second apron using Kyrie's current number.  At that point, you can focus on the extension.  You'll need the number to come in lower in 26/27 because the roster will get very expensive when you resign White.  You get some help when Klay goes away in 27/28, but that is also the year Lively gets paid.  Still, White with the rest of what is here makes this a serious contender.  Kyrie, White, Flagg, AD and Gafford/Lively backed up by Christie, Klay/Martin, Naji and Gafford/Lively is stout.  You'll have some issues with back court D, but you'll have a fantastic back line defense when people get around Kyrie or White.  Additionally, you will probably keep one of them on the floor at all times.  So, that is only 12-16 minutes of overlap.  More often than not, it will be one of them with Christie or Klay more than it will be Kyrie and White together.  

PJ and that first is pretty expensive for someone who can walk.  But, this is the level of player we need and we aren't the only team that needs what he offers.  I think it is smarter to take the risk and get what you need rather than taking a lesser player and hoping you have enough.

(06-07-2025, 11:34 AM)SleepingHero Wrote: I understand the logic behind targeting Coby White. I actually agree he'd be a fantastic get. 

But in no way, shape, or form is he worth both PJ and a first. I'd argue he's not even worth either of those things given his contract situation.

PJ+Hardy+1st is the beginnings of a deal for an all-star level guy (say Jrue Holiday).

(06-07-2025, 12:01 PM)Smitty Wrote: You had me until (Jrue Holiday)

(06-06-2025, 09:27 PM)FireNicoHarrison Wrote: I don't think NY will never trade Jalen, probably the package include KAT&picks so it's clearly not enough.

The Nova guys are too close , maybe KAT & OG+picks.

Not Jalen, Bridges or Hart for sure.

(06-07-2025, 11:34 AM)SleepingHero Wrote: I understand the logic behind targeting Coby White. I actually agree he'd be a fantastic get. 

But in no way, shape, or form is he worth both PJ and a first. I'd argue he's not even worth either of those things given his contract situation.

PJ+Hardy+1st is the beginnings of a deal for an all-star level guy (say Jrue Holiday).

(06-07-2025, 12:40 PM)Ghost of Podkolzin Wrote: And people in hell want ice water.  If they are going after Giannis et al, you better believe JB is involved.  The Nova thing is a great story, but franchises aren't built on great stories.

(06-07-2025, 02:28 PM)Chicagojk Wrote: I like White.  I think he can be a killer.  I don't think he is a point guard though.  He is a scoring guard.  He would be a guy you pair with Kyrie.  Not ask him to run a team.  Also, you really need to get an understanding if he would be willing to come off the bench in the future.  He is looking at a big pay day and has put up really good numbers or a average team.  I would assume in his prime years that he sees himself as a starter and one of the main offensive hubs. 

I think it is moot though.  I don' think the bulls are proactive with their players.  Better chance he is moved at the deadline if the Bulls are stuck or maybe even get to next summer.  Bulls had some nice things happen last year.  Not contender but not same old, same old boring play.

(06-07-2025, 12:45 PM)DanSchwartzgan Wrote: Does it change anything for you if PJ is also unsigned and UFA after the season?  That possibility exists.  At that point you are trading uncertainties, but both teams probably need what they are getting worse than they need what they have (and Chicago could flip PJ at the deadline).  The financial savings of moving off of Hardy is also not nothing.

(06-08-2025, 01:15 AM)SleepingHero Wrote: Truly, and I may have drank a bit too much whisky now typing this thought out,

But really how bad is Russell Westbrook as the stop gap guard for next season?

(06-08-2025, 06:53 AM)ballsrchr Wrote: I can't believe I'm saying this about Russell Westbrook, but I think he may be ok as a stop gap guard.  As long as we don't give up a first, or any pick, for that matter.

(06-08-2025, 04:01 PM)SleepingHero Wrote: @LALMuse
The Lakers would probably have to overpay if they want to get Daniel Gafford per @jovanbuha


"They would probably have to overpay," Buha said. "It would probably have to be something like … Gabe [Vincent], Dalton [Knecht], and a first for Gafford. And that’s a lot."

(06-08-2025, 04:01 PM)SleepingHero Wrote: @LALMuse
The Lakers would probably have to overpay if they want to get Daniel Gafford per @jovanbuha


"They would probably have to overpay," Buha said. "It would probably have to be something like … Gabe [Vincent], Dalton [Knecht], and a first for Gafford. And that’s a lot."