MAVS 120, HORNETS 96

[Chicagojk]

Yesterday's NBA podcast dealt with 12/15 trade candidates.  So far, I've gotten through the sections on the Knicks and Mav's.

They came to the conclusion that THJ could be outgoing in any deal of any size and Brunson probably should be cashed in if the role here isn't worth the $15-$17 million he will command.  They talked themselves into a deal where both go to Indiana for Sabonis.  I'm not sure I buy Brunson to a rebuilding Indy team.  What I can buy is Brunson to NY for our 2023 pick back.  That would free up our entire list of future firsts to trade for Sabonis.  The deal I came up with is:

THJ/Moses/Knox and two firsts to Indiana.  The outgoing is Sabonis and expiring Lamb into our TPE (to keep them under the LT).

NY gets Brunson for our 2023 and sends Knox to Indy.  Indy fans can pretend they are getting a former lottery guy who just needs the right situation and a super-young center prospect, but this is about the picks.

We get Sabonis/Lamb for THJ/Moses/Brunson and picks.

It is pretty aggressive on our part, but it will take players and picks to get Sabonis.  If you listen to the Lowe post with Bobby Marks, it is obvious we won't be the only ones in the bidding if Sabonis hits the market.  We have to get our 2023 back and Brunson (who we could lose for nothing this summer anyway) to NY is the cost of admission.  Everyone stays pretty close to where they are financially and no one crosses the tax line.  

 Personally Sabonis would high on my list.  Losing Brunson would hurt, but it would take a lot to get Sabonis.    I totally understand those who say the defensive challenges would make it a no go.   Maybe I am wrong, but the benefits he brings would outweigh any negatives for me..  
 
First Sabonis scores buckets inside.  Second, even though most would not think of him as a creator, for me he is a real good creator because he passes so well.  He will score inside and get baskets for others.   Plus, he shoots between 5 and 6 free throws a game.   

Sure, having both KP and Sabonis on the court in closing time will cause some problems on defense, but I believe it will create more problems for other teams.  As good as KP has been, this team needs to protect themselves.   They need another guy who will score at high percentages inside.   Right now, I am not sure any of our big man (outside of Boban) could score 30 in an empty gym.

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Question...I was reading another board and they brought up the potential of Green being in the role of the short role.    Green is not a threat to score and that must change, but couldn't you see him in that type of role as he grows his game?   He needs to get much better finishing at the rim, but I wonder if eventually he could be that guy when teams double Luka.