06-21-2020, 09:02 AM
https://theathletic.com/1873412/2020/06/...maginable/
The story mentioned Freak in the headline, but it is really more about the issues around 2021 free agency in an uncertain cap world. They specifically go into how Covid impacted Miami's plan to get Freak and VO (one by sign and trade) in 21. I'm personally not in favor of hoarding cash for 2021. How much cap room did LA have when it acquired Davis?
I'd rather hoard assets (and salaries). Kemba Walker and Durant both moved by sign and trade last summer. Tim Cato often talks about this draft being the last time for maybe a decade that Dallas will be able to control a middle of the pack pick cheaply. If that is important to Dallas, wouldn't it also be important to others? I'd rather have an upcoming RFA who I can keep or S&T in 2021 than the pick as it provides much more flexibility. I'll attach Luke Kennard's name (dealt for Jackson and #18) to that strategy because I like the fit if he stays as an off the ball shooter who can also handle the ball some to give Luka a play off occasionally. He also serves as THJ insurance, but can certainly be on the same roster if it worked out that way. I also like Detroit's angle of getting a pick rather than having to make a tough decision a year from now.
I also think you have to try to steal someone with the MLE this summer. There are some good players like Wood and Jones Jr. who are still young enough to be attractive in a trade a year out. I realize that combination of moves gives the team maybe 11 players in the top 200 or so (KP, Maxi, Powell, DJJ (or Wood), DFS, THJ, Kennard, Wright, Brunson, Curry and Luka). But, at some point you can cash in two or three of those (plus the 2025 pick for an upgrade). If Luka truly makes those around him better, then everyone will be putting up very efficient numbers here and will increase their attractiveness to other teams.
Bottom line, the way to plan for 2021 isn't by hoarding cap room. It is by hoarding useful and trade-able contracts.
The story mentioned Freak in the headline, but it is really more about the issues around 2021 free agency in an uncertain cap world. They specifically go into how Covid impacted Miami's plan to get Freak and VO (one by sign and trade) in 21. I'm personally not in favor of hoarding cash for 2021. How much cap room did LA have when it acquired Davis?
I'd rather hoard assets (and salaries). Kemba Walker and Durant both moved by sign and trade last summer. Tim Cato often talks about this draft being the last time for maybe a decade that Dallas will be able to control a middle of the pack pick cheaply. If that is important to Dallas, wouldn't it also be important to others? I'd rather have an upcoming RFA who I can keep or S&T in 2021 than the pick as it provides much more flexibility. I'll attach Luke Kennard's name (dealt for Jackson and #18) to that strategy because I like the fit if he stays as an off the ball shooter who can also handle the ball some to give Luka a play off occasionally. He also serves as THJ insurance, but can certainly be on the same roster if it worked out that way. I also like Detroit's angle of getting a pick rather than having to make a tough decision a year from now.
I also think you have to try to steal someone with the MLE this summer. There are some good players like Wood and Jones Jr. who are still young enough to be attractive in a trade a year out. I realize that combination of moves gives the team maybe 11 players in the top 200 or so (KP, Maxi, Powell, DJJ (or Wood), DFS, THJ, Kennard, Wright, Brunson, Curry and Luka). But, at some point you can cash in two or three of those (plus the 2025 pick for an upgrade). If Luka truly makes those around him better, then everyone will be putting up very efficient numbers here and will increase their attractiveness to other teams.
Bottom line, the way to plan for 2021 isn't by hoarding cap room. It is by hoarding useful and trade-able contracts.