05-26-2023, 10:53 PM
(05-26-2023, 09:15 PM)Jakeospikez Wrote: Hmm.. yeah the Lakers 2029 could be used for a trade during FA so maybe it's not so bad. Should be a valuable lotto ticket since it's gonna be post Lebron/AD years. I think the Mavs are more likely to be a 3rd/4th team involved in an Ayton deal though rather than getting him. Also, I don't think the Nets are gonna be willing to do Claxton+22 for #10/Bullock/McGee because they weaken their 5 spot a lot. They're the more likely ones to get Ayton as a 5 swap. Unless there's some plan to get some FA 5 or something.
Yes, the post LeBron/AD era is the thinking behind its value. Might be better as a trade chip next summer. Then Dallas could trade 25, 27 and LA’s 29. Get the second star then.
Who knows on Ayton. I think there is smoke around Dallas, but who knows if it’s fire.
My logic on Claxton is he’s a flight risk. He won’t extend and Brooklyn has no control over him next summer. In fact, he’s represented by an agency that just sent a guy off to NY in a similar situation. Meanwhile #10 is a lottery ticket. Maybe that player is no better than Claxton. Or, maybe they hit on the perfect compliment to Bridges and Cam Johnson. The pick value chart shows 10 having a similar value to 21 and 22 combined. So, I’m letting them keep 21 for taking Reggie/McGee (or Bertans) into their $18mm TPE. Maybe you don’t have to pay to move on from Reggie, but I suspect getting that kind of TPE is going to cost you something.
I really really like Claxton in Phoenix on several levels. Not having a center hurts for sure. But they need cost controlled building blocks until they can get our from under Simmons and buy a star in 2025.