Trade & FA 2024-25:

[F Gump]

1 Most important info: if Thompson comes, he will be a starter

2 I doubt GSW would entertain any salary back in a SnT. They want to get significantly better for Curry, they don't want some 8th best players on MLE level money (they have plenty of guys like that on rookie deals), much less so the likes of D'Angelo Russell. These guys would be preventing them from any potential big swings using CP3 deal. 

3 I don't think Lakers would be really interested in a SnT, where they would have to pay assets to someone to take Russell. I think Lakers are trying to get two deals. One is using their contracts (preferably DLo) and assets for a very good player and the other one is MLE. I don't think they will offer Thompson more than MLE.

1  Maybe you're right. But I think they would discuss him having a permanent (but crucial) role as 6th man - like JET had. And with the Mavs, he doesn't have a prior version of himself here, to be reminded of and compared to, when he starts off in a certain role; it's a brand new start.

2 " I doubt GSW would entertain any salary back in a SnT. "... It depends on what they decide with CP3 (whose presence keeps them from having a big MLE and lands them over Apron 1). I suspect CP3 is waived, with teams who want him willing to wait and then try to sign him.

If that's correct, then their approach does a 180. They then have freedom to add some talent - such as add a full MLE, and accept Green in sign-and-trade - and still be under the Apron. And I bet they see a need for talent, if they can get it, rather than just do without. That's assumes they would see Green as worth having and developing further, which I think they would.

Also notice that reports re GS say they WILL take back salary to facilitate a SNT.

3 I think LA would offer some salary to GS in a SNT, and I agree that Russell would have to go elsewhere and that LA would see that as a poor path. I think if LA offers Klay just the MLE, no one will be happy (LJ would also be taking a 16M haircut in 2024-25 salary for LA to be able to offer that).