(02-07-2025, 11:33 AM)F Gump Wrote: I think the Martin trade was an asset trade. It's the OKC working model of getting more talent wherever you can, then figure out the fit later (and at some point you can sell the excess talent for something you need). Grimes was not a future asset.
As for the fact they didn't trade for a creator, maybe that was a question of availability. (Was there a creator they passed on?)
I also wonder if Exum is MUCH higher valued in their plans than we give him credit for. I don't buy the meme that his poor play in the playoffs, one time, and perhaps for reasons we don't recognize, has him incapable of being useful or being much better the next time. Brunson went from crap to star from one playoff to the next. If we want a bigger PG that can really defend, and hit a shot from time to time, gotta admit Exum has filled the bill, except for that one playoff run.
I guess we will see if it was truly an asset trade. He is 29, appeared to have peaked several years ago and was underperforming in Philly (not to mention damaged goods). Grimes is 24, was playing better and the Mavs gave up an asset. I would put money on Grimes over the next 4 years, but maybe he will end up costing more.
Maybe they are expecting a lot from Exum, but as you said yourself we probably shouldn't read too much into current lineups when so many of the key players are out. I find it hard to believe they are banking on a player that Kidd did not trust during the playoffs and is clearly made of glass, but I guess I shouldn't find anything hard to believe anymore.