Trade & FA 2023-24: Sexton On the Market? | ORL Likes Hartenstein?

[Smitty]

You're telling me the internet trade machine lied to me? How could they?

Honestly all these online trade machines probably don't have the updated rules yet, which is why it's allowing some of these to go through. 18 mil is a huge number. 

Regarding Thybulle, I'm envisioning a platoon setup with our wing rotation like our center rotation. You've pointed out many times and championed the luxury of having Gafford as it allows Lively to go all out, and vice versa. Well as it stands, outside of DJJ and PJ, we don't really have another elite wing defensively. I want Green to be that, but he isn't. THJ is certainly not that. Exum can have stretches but he appears unplayable right now. 

Thybulle for all his warts, has been one of the best perimeter defenders in the league for his entire career. I've said it before but before Thybulle, only 3 guards have been able to average over 2 blocks a game for a season per 100 possessions; Michael Jordan (1988), Danny Green (2018), and Tracy McGrady (2001). AND is the only one to do it more than once! In that same timespan, he's consistently been top 5 in steals per game in the league. 

He's a defensive beast. And he is at his best defensive game when he has a strong rim protector behind him. Well Dallas has TWO of those! His lack of offensive game basically stymies his ability to play in the playoffs thus far. But a hyper-athletic forward with a dubious outside shot that can defend in spades reminds me of a certain someone we have on the roster already and that is flourishing next to Kyrie/Luka. At 11 mil a year, he's cost effective, and his deal ends in 2 years, keeping flexibility for 2026. 

Keeping DJJ/PJ fresh never hurts either. And if Thybulle actually develops a somewhat respectable 3, you have a helluva player. He was close to 40% until January where he fell off, but that gives some hope. 

There are a lot of reasons why I'm banging the Thybulle Drum. POR salary issues makes me even more confident that they are going to trim the fat so they can properly rebuild.

You’re right to have Thybulle as a target. Nico tends to keep trying when he finds a player he thinks will fit. He’s on the short list for sure. 

Thybulle
Grimes
Avdija

Those are the names to watch for this summer.