12-02-2021, 06:51 PM
(12-02-2021, 03:24 PM)mvossman Wrote: I feel like the time to trade him has passed. If we had traded him during or prior to this last offseason, we would have had the flexibility to fill in the holes. The perfect starting center match for Luka (Holmes) was available for 12 mil a year. Depending what you traded KP for, you could tackle other holes. You likely would have enough cap left over to sign DeRozan, who addresses the need for another player who can create for themselves and others. Then you focus on 3&D guys to fill out the roster. A Holmes/DFS/DeRozan/Luka core is better than a KP/DFS/Luka/THJ core.
But now? Our big rotation is already an issue, and removing KP generates a gapping hole. We don't have another starting quality center. After Luka extension we have no cap to upgrade in free agency, and we have limited assets for trading. You would want to get significant value out of a KP trade now or it makes little sense. I don't see that happening any time soon.
Sometimes you need to take steps backwards to move forwards. I guess it all depends on what side of the fence you land on if you think a core of KP/Luka can be a championship team. I don't think they are but even if you do, this team has a lot of building to do around them to make this a championship roster. That's gambling way too much on KP who only plays in ~60% of his games.