Trade & FA 2023-24: Vezenkov+Kings Are Done

[KillerLeft]

@KillerLeft, based on how these threads go, I'm expecting at least a couple more "Killer hates Gafford" posts. Just letting you know that all of us who have already read the entire thread hear ya. :-)

I have an actual question for you as well. If we imagine a scenario where Lively is ready for full starter minutes next season, and we plan for Kleber to play a little at back-up 4 and a little back-up 5, then what is the optimal solution as a third big in your mind?

Regarding Gafford, I think we have all enjoyed the improvement of our vertical game that came from having the combo of DJJ, PJ, Gafford and Lively all catching lobs and the rebounding that having Gafford and Lively has provided. Would you value a big that continues to contribute to that vertical game and rebounding or one who would be able to play 5 out, so that Kleber isn't the only one who can do that?

I'm kind of thinking that Lively may be heading in the direction of being able to hit threes next season, or the season after, so there's that.

If it comes down to losing DJJ, then I'll flatly say (at the risk of incurring even more wrath from the villagers) that I'd prefer to bank on Powell (at his new reasonable price) as the 3rd center (behind Lively and Kleber) over that outcome (losing DJJ). Again, there will probably be another way not to lose DJJ (we hope), and I'm fine with that, too. But, I think Gafford's contribution, while fun, is dispensable. Powell or someone even better could be fine (and cheaper). What DJJ has finally settled into here, and I was skeptical of this all season, is NOT dispensable. That's my whole point. 

As for your question: Sure, a vertical threat who can also space would add a ton of options. You're basically describing what Porzingis was supposed to be here, and has been in Boston. For whatever reason, he didn't want to play that way here. Mix in a little bit of a midrange iso game (might be a long shot for Lively, but at this point I wouldn't put anything past him) and you've got what Myles Turner is doing in IND. That would be super. Turner is actually a better comp for what they need, because he can MOVE on defense, unlike the stiff Porzingis.