12-29-2021, 01:06 PM
(12-28-2021, 10:50 PM)Scott41theMavs Wrote: I think you're grossly underestimating their current value. That's a secondary star and two roleplayers for a guy who can be a secondary star with the right fit next to him and a guy who has shown he can run an offense. If the team receiving Brunson believes they can re-sign him, that's a more than fair return.
If KP can play like he is this year and be available upwards of 70% of the time, he has value for most any team, even at his contract. The biggest issue with him is fit with Luka.
Trading KP/JB for Poeltl and White would be a gross waste of assets, as well as getting torched on a trade.
Somebody posted the other day that KP made it to the list of projected all-stars based on value by Lebron, which is one of the best all-around metrics available. He has since dropped off, but he is right on the edge. He has had a very good season. If you look farther up that list close to the starters you will see Murray. He is having a monster season, even better than KP. He is also younger than KP, does not have near the injury concerns and his contract is half what KP is. He has way more value in a trade.
KP issues go way beyond fit with Luka. He has fit concerns in general. Do you pair him with a center? Does he have near the value as a stretch power forward? But that is nothing compared to the injury concerns. Its not just the history, its the fact that he has a unique body that does not bode well for long term health.
The most likely trade partner for KP is going to be somebody desperate enough to take the risk on him. The Spurs probably don't fall in that category. They certainly would have no reason to send out their budding star for him. A more likely scenario would be Portland with CJ or Charlotte with Hayward. I think its going to be hard for there to be a trade that works for both teams with KP.
Brunson also has limited trade value. He is a good player, but he is a UFA in a couple of months. The only thing you are really trading for (other than a half season rental) is his bird rights. I'm not sure how many teams desperately need a point guard and his bird rights.