07-25-2024, 11:07 AM
(07-25-2024, 10:21 AM)Chicagojk Wrote: The Markannan thing is really interesting. Utah is sort of stuck. Lauri is really good, but he is about to get the max. They really haven't hit on their young players yet. They might prove to be good, but they are young and not ready. Utah is in danger of being that 10th worst team the league. That is not the place Ainge wants to be...especially with the next two drafts looking strong up top.
He is looking for a Mikal Bridges type trade and he should because Lauri is the better player imo. The problem is there may not be a team that is offering that package. The Knicks did because they viewed this as their finishing move and was willing to pay the NY tax.
The Spurs are the sleeper here. The problem is most of their moves this offseason have been about being patient and not going for the big move know. I think they could have the best offer. GS offer would be tricky. I am not sure how good of a job Dunleavy will do in GS. I like some of his moves since he took over though. Unprotected GS picks are enticing, but Ainge will want much more. Podz looked really good last year and Kuminga is still just 22. The issue with Kuminga is he saw the Franz Wagner and Scottie Barnes Contracts and he is going to expect something close to that very soon.
There is always a hidden team....i am just having trouble seeing who that could be. Miami doesn't have enough. Would a bad team like Charlotte decide to go in? I don't think so. I just have trouble finding a team who will provide a strong (overpay?) offer....you know Ainge will hold on to him until he gets what he wants. The extension and the upcoming draft classes puts some pressure on him though.
I was hoping it'd be some team in the East but that entire conference is so weak I can't see it happening.
The driver seat has to be GSW as they have the perfect mix of young assets and desperation. Spurs would be a little unfair as Lauri+Wemby would be such a scary sight to see every night.
I know ATL was interested in KAT not too long ago, would they be interested in Lauri? Spurs have their picks so they have no incentive to tank. They have Jalen Johnson (unlikely to be traded as they said he was untouchable), Hunter, and Risacher.
The thing is, Ainge shouldn't be in a rush to trade Lauri. Lauri on an extended contract is more valuable next summer than Lauri right now.
14x All-Star, 12x all-NBA, 1x MVP, 1x Finals MVP, 1 NBA Championship: Dirk Nowitzki, the man, the myth, the legend.