07-27-2023, 03:41 PM
(07-27-2023, 02:56 PM)F Gump Wrote: Two comments
1 The ATL "insider" has one piece of "inside information" after another that turns out to be false. Then he kicks the can down the road with new "information." While it's fun, it's not wise to put ANY stock into the implications of each new proclamation he comes up with. That's my main opinion.
2 As for how this could fit with what I have been thinking of a Capela deal, if we take it at face value -- I've been of the belief ATL wants Capela gone right away, to open up minutes for Okongwu and to reduce payroll, and DAL is the rare duck that might be interested in helping. I think that's the bottom line with any talks.
To me the obvious trade match is Holmes for Capela, which offers ATL a 12M center making 12M, plus 8M to spend elsewhere, for their 20M center making 20M. I think they would do that -- it's exactly what they are looking for. No one is giving added assets for a $20M center they don't really want or need. I can't see the Mavs bidding against themselves, or adding more assets when one-for-one it's already a fair swap. The 8M to spend elsewhere is the evener that bridges the difference between the 2 players.
But it doesn't satisfy the trade rules. Holmes-McGee does (saving then 2.5M/year), and also satisfies the Mavs' need to lower the body count at the C position and their desire to move McGee. It also keeps the Mavs below the tax line.
So this "insider info" in my view would have ATL's stance being "find a taker for McGee where we get $8M in savings, and we'll do the deal" and now it's on the Mavs to figure out how to do that (or to say no). Waiving McGee doesn't get it done, because the Mavs' need his salary included in order to match Capela (although the team that gets McGee could waive him if they want). I would think "McGee + cash" to a team with cap room - or one needing a really cheap backup center - should be doable.
I don't think that's hard. Which would fit with the idea that the deal could already be all lined up, but just waiting to Sept 6 because of Holmes status, while everyone speculates as they see nothing happening.
When teams come to these kind of agreements, do they generally wait to announce it until they can officially pull the trigger? I remember the Wood trade was announced well before the draft. Is there a reason they would wait to announce?