Trade & FA 2023-24: Sexton On the Market? | ORL Likes Hartenstein?

[mvossman]

I think your "we should let one of our young starters on an NBA finals team walk because we might get a little more value out of THJ expiring contract at the TDL" statement is a misunderstanding or a misstatement of my position.  I have said at times that I think the best value for THJ is at the TDL.  I think that is true, but it is a stand-alone statement not related to the DJJ resigning.  The 2025 pick would be that much closer to reality at the TDL and THJ would be a matter of weeks from expiring.  If DJJ happens to sign for the TP MLE, then that kind of patience is a theoretical possibility.

The other thing I've said is I doubt a championship level team burns an asset to stand still (which is what trading THJ just to keep DJJ would be).  The latest thing I've written talks about how THJ might be used in a June trade (we will see if the thought holds up to FG's scrutiny).  Trading THJ for value in June obviously could work if we retain DJJ for the TP MLE (we'd have to be careful with the second apron).  The tougher question (and this is where Josh Green comes in) is what do you do with THJ if DJJ wants 1. the NT MLE or 2. gets a Bruce Brown type offer.  If #2, you don't have a path to that number so it is Green plus whatever you can get for THJ replacing DJJ not matter what people think.  

If #1, I don't see enough difference between Green and DJJ that I want to spend THJ and probably a pick to keep him when I can instead use THJ and a pick to improve upon him.  BTW, anyone who thinks it will be easy to clear salary hasn't been paying attention to the new CBA and all of the trouble it will cause about half the league this upcoming season.  All the old rules (like a late first to clear $20mm of salary) have to be thrown out because we just don't know at this point.  

DJJ has been on a magical run.  We saw something similar with Bullock two years ago and where is he now.  I was a huge fan of the signing at the time and really like having DJJ.  But, there is a number I'm not willing to pay.  It is about the opportunity cost of doing something else more than it is a concern for overpaying DJJ.  If we had easy access to the NT MLE, I'd give it to him without hesitation.  But, that isn't where we find ourselves.

So my question is if dumping Timmy is going to cost a pick, what do really expect to get for Timmy plus a pick?  Are we sure its going to be better than DJJ?  I don't want to go overboard on DJJ value, but he is the perfect fit here and has great chemistry with the team.  I think the Bullock comparison is not really fair as we ran him into the ground minutes wise and he was 31 when he fell off the cliff.  DJJ will be 27 next season.  I think I would rather have DJJ than Brown all things considered.  Can we do a THJ plus pick for Brown in June and then dump Brown player option in July and use the space to sign DJJ to MLE and make a BAE signing?