Trade & FA 2024-25:

[KillerLeft]

I wonder if that’s because the Warriors wouldn’t include Kuminga in a sign and trade and Clippers said it’s not worth it to us otherwise.

I think it's probably more about them realizing that Wiggins was the big prize. Obviously, they'd just waive Chris Paul.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

We need a separate Mavs free agency thread and rest of league.

Other news gets lost amongst our discussion/bickering about the Mavs. Although Sleepinghero is doing a great job editing the title whenever new stuff happens.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

I think it's probably more about them realizing that Wiggins was the big prize. Obviously, they'd just waive Chris Paul.

Im saying if I’m the Clippers, Kuminga is the only way I help facilitate PG13 to the Warriors. 

Wiggins and Paul are just salary matching. No one actually wants them.

[KillerLeft]

I actually like Grant so much more. 

And if Portland says no, ok cool just stay patient. Go into the season with this team. Check back in January and he might be available then. Or there might be a host of other good fits available. 

The Locked on Mavs podcast guy was thinking this is all different sides doing this for leverage. If it wasn’t Stein reporting this, I’d not even comment on it.

I'm with you about Grant. 

Where I differ (as this conversation potentially becomes less and less relevant) is the thinking that giving Thompson a modest contract somehow precludes you from pouncing on the next available opportunity. Part of the theoretical rationalization for me was the idea that this wouldn't take any assets, other than Josh Green and Kleber. They'd have gone the whole summer without breaking off either of their currently tradable firsts or pick swaps. THAT is what is gong to get them guys like Grant - more draft capital. Contracts like this Thompson hypothetical would be just as useful in that situation as two Klebers, and if better young assets are a requirement they have a ton of those around, all of a sudden (more than draft capital, by far). 

Does that make sense? 

In fact, in this "hard cap" world we're starting to understand, Thompson at $21 M might be more tradable than Grant at $33 M (or whatever he'll be making a year from now). though the motivations for trading them would obviously be different.

[Tyler]

And, I agree that this makes Thompson back to GS quite a bit more likely.

Perhaps. But I could also see Klay feeling disrespected by the organization and ready to move on no matter what they want. Crawling back to Klay and expecting him to happily stay after the hotter guy they were chasing turned them down may not play so well. It could go either way.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

Yeah, I understand the asset cost to acquire Klay wouldn't be much.

But the potential chemistry and continuity factor bothers me. Especially because it would be at least a 3 year deal.

[SleepingHero]

Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn)
BREAKING: Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George is declining his $48.7M option and entering free agency, sources tell ESPN. He’s planning to set meetings with cap space teams and the Clippers beginning Sunday night. An opt-in/trade scenario is now gone.

[SleepingHero]

Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes)
Philadelphia 76ers are expected to aggressively pursue Paul George and is a legitimate threat in luring the star away from Los Angeles, sources say.

[SleepingHero]

Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater)
Warriors have been under the impression today that they are out on Paul George. The reported opt-out seals it.

[KillerLeft]

Im saying if I’m the Clippers, Kuminga is the only way I help facilitate PG13 to the Warriors. 

Wiggins and Paul are just salary matching. No one actually wants them.

Ah - well if that's the case, this thing likely never had legs to begin with. 

I think many owners are smiling right now, because this was almost the two, specific teams targeted by the latest CBA figuring out a way around it. If Paul George signs in Philly for nothing (my bet) and GS can't find a talent infusion somehow, both teams are about to decline steadily and for quite a while, still remaining exorbitantly expensive on their way down.

[SleepingHero]

Law Murray (@LawMurrayTheNU)
Team source confirms to @TheAthletic that LA Clippers All-Star Paul George will be an unrestricted free agent for the first time since 2018. ESPN first

Source close to George is not optimistic that he wants to return to the Clippers. He is a legitimate walk threat. Stay tuned.

[F Gump]

Klay via SNT to Dallas is possible without the PG component. But it seems less likely if GS isn't incentivized by the addition of PG.

How much does Klay want? And does he want Dallas? Those will drive whether this stuff has any legs imo. There are a lot of mouths to feed in a SNT, but the fact the Mavs can piggyback a SNT onto the THJ trade opens a door, by allowing GS to take much less salary to cooperate.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

Scotto] Sources: Miami Heat swingman Caleb Martin is declining his $7.12 million player option and will enter unrestricted free agency, @hoopshype has learned.

[KillerLeft]

Perhaps. But I could also see Klay feeling disrespected by the organization and ready to move on no matter what they want. Crawling back to Klay and expecting him to happily stay after the hotter guy they were chasing turned them down may not play so well. It could go either way.

Right, but...do you really expect Dallas to PAY much to GS for the privilege of signing him, if that becomes their primary means of adding talent this summer, and they're no longer trying to help him out? 

I've defended this possible add for 24 hours, but I'd be way out on those circumstances.

[SleepingHero]

We need a separate Mavs free agency thread and rest of league.

Other news gets lost amongst our discussion/bickering about the Mavs.  Although Sleepinghero is doing a great job editing the title whenever new stuff happen

That's a solid suggestion! 

Although is it too late to start? I was already planning on making separate individual threads for signings/trades that occur. Figured this would just be the main general discussion thread.

[SleepingHero]

Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn)
The Orlando Magic are declining Moe Wagner's $8M team option, but both sides have interest in discussing a new deal in free agency, sources tell ESPN.

[KillerLeft]

Klay via SNT to Dallas is possible without the PG component. But it seems less likely if GS isn't incentivized by the addition of PG.

How much does Klay want? And does he want Dallas? Those will drive whether this stuff has any legs imo. There are a lot of mouths to feed in a SNT, but the fact the Mavs can piggyback a SNT onto the THJ trade opens a door.

Agree with the second point, but the first point is what got me to actually consider all of this a possibility. I think this one is dead, personally.

[LukaMVP]

Klay might help solve some issues and we all hope he would turn out to be another key signing, hopefully even one that brings us the championship like the Chandler deal. just hope it wouldn't turn out to be something like the signing of another Chandler tbh.

[SleepingHero]

Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn)
ESPN Sources: The Memphis Grizzlies are declining guard Luke Kennard’s $14.8M option, but both sides are eager to pursue a restructured deal. Kennard’s a career 44 percent 3-point shooter and key floor spacer for Western contender.

[Tyler]

Getting PG is just one incentive for the Warriors to S&T Klay to Dallas. Another would be losing him for nothing to a team like Orlando. Or even Dallas if Klay is willing to take the MLE.

The PG decision may indeed change the calculus of what the Warriors want, but they're not fully in control of the situation. What matters is what Klay wants. I'm waiting for that news.