Trade & FA 2023-24: Stein-Ingram Trade Inevitable| LAL Want Lebron Back On Any Terms

[surfpuckmd]

I just don't buy into the idea that size is so important that skill can be ignored to get it. 

You mention Naz Reid. Love him...at center. I think it is beyond a mistake for the Wolves to have THREE highly paid to medium highly paid centers in their rotation, trying to play two of them at a time. I think they have shot themselves in the foot so hard by trying to do that. I believe they will be out of the playoffs in round 1, and I don't feel I need to wait to see who they're playing to predict that. In fact, if I were them, Towns wouldn't make it past this trade deadline on the roster. Having said all of that, at least Reid and KAT can play OFFENSE on the perimeter, even if they can't guard once a team adequately spreads them out. These names we're talking about don't even seem to fit THAT well, as far as I can tell. 

I have no use for two slow, paint-clogging bigs on the court at the same time...on either end of the court. 

The Mavs need to improve shooting, playmaking and above all else DEFENSE (by adding someone who can MOVE, not a bigger traffic cone). I think the FORWARDS who are 6'7"-6'11" represent the more useful rock to turn over. If center is the first position listed for a player, their natural position, I just don't think that's the right guy.

I think there's a DFS-sized hole in your heart and we probably need to trade for him first before we can reasonably discuss any more acquisitions.

Seriously though, we can talk about the ideal player we need but I'd rather talk about players who are actually available and in our price range.  Ideally, I'd rather not trade our only available first-round pick before this trade deadline.  I'd rather acquire the versatile forward we require this coming off-season.  Mvossman brought up Cam Johnson who would be an ideal fit here.  I think he's the best 3&D in the NBA right now.  I just happen to believe he'd cost 2 or 3 first-rounders.

WCJ for THJ would be a good swap for us.  WCJ may not be great at guarding the perimeter but much of our rotation doesn't effectively guard the perimeter.  Luka, THJ, Seth Curry, Hardy and Kleber all don't effectively guard the perimeter.  Unlike those players, WCJ provides some resistance at the rim.  More importantly, he would immediately be our best rebounder.  He limits second chance opportunities which is our greatest weakness.  

Offensively, he hits open 3-point shots and can handle to ball pretty well for a big.  As others have noted, his footwork is really good and he is surprisingly nimble.  Defensively, his metrics are always very positive.  

Most importantly, he would likely be available for THJ as the Magic need shooting.

Carter Jr. is not a perfect fit here but I think he's the most perfect fit available that wouldn't require including a first-round pick.