11-14-2023, 10:06 AM
(11-14-2023, 09:20 AM)surfpuckmd Wrote: Which 2-way wing would you target? Also importantly, which teams do you think will be willing to trade good players during this season?
I think we can monitor the standings over the next two months to see which teams disappoint. A few teams generally give up on their seasons in January and February, decide to tank and are willing to give up good players for assets.
A few important caveats:
Teams that don't own their own first round pick in 2024 will be less likely to sell off assets as they don't benefit from losing.
2024 looks like a relatively weak draft so the incentive to tank may be lower than normal.
Which teams do you think might become sellers in a few months? Of those teams, which players do you think could help us?
I think the Bulls and Caruso are the best bet and best fit for our roster. Caruso is probably the best defensive guard in the NBA. Offensively, he is what we need- low usage with solid efficiency. I think he would be much more affordable than Anunoby and his contract is a bargain. I believe our 2027 1st would be a reasonable offer. I think our ideal trade would be Jaden Hardy and Richaun Holmes for Alex Caruso and Andre Drummond. I really like Jaden Hardy's potential but it doesn't look like he's going to get consistent minutes here. Caruso takes DJJ's starting spot and Drummond can be the situational backup center when we need rebounding and a big body. That would give us a really nice 11-man rotation. It would markedly improve our defense and rebounding.
I said many times, that more likely window to get that guy would be summer.
I also said that wings that could be available are OG, Grant, Kawhi, George or Siakam. With OG least likely option. Relationship is a key word here, as four of those guys are expiring (three of them with player option for next season). Convince someone he wants to be here and more than half of the job is done. I will not repeat pros and cons for each of those players mentioned, as I have been through that a day ago
I also said that I don't think Caruso lifts the ceiling of this team enough while costing a precious asset. He is imho too limited offensively.
I agree Chicago and perhaps Toronto are most likely candidates to blow it up. Clippers situation is interesting to follow. Guys like Kawhi and George get where they want to.