Trade & FA 2024-25:

[SleepingHero]

Quite a few names have already been mentioned here that happen to also fit in the budget that is logically derived when you look at what is likely to be the outgoing…Avdija, DFS, I. Stewart, J. Clarkson, Toppin, Kelly O, Portis, Coby White, Nance, Thybulle.  Like most, I’m drawn first to the PF’s on the list.  But one name here keeps coming back to me as worth further conversation…Coby White.

To me, he and Avdija are the most pick-worthy players on the list.  If the outgoing is Maxi/Exum/Pick, the exact amount needed for a $2.1mm minimum contract (buyout) is created.  He’s extension eligible this summer and young enough to still be here after Irving moves on.  We are always going to need another PG as long as Luka and Kyrie need time off.  White can absolutely run the bench unit alongside Grimes, Naji and Gafford and it bumps SD back to a place in the lineup that I’m more comfortable with (yes, I acknowledge he’s been regular season great so far).  

I get that PF is more likely.  The biggest negative here is that you have to count on some combo of Naji/Maxi/Powell/Luka to be your backup PF.  But, if they have intelligence that someone decent might get bought out, then Coby White intrigues me.  We are trying to build a dynasty here.  An incredible bench is something cash-strapped teams can’t afford and something we already have.

To actually reply to your observations, I've never seriously considered Coby White as an option, mostly because I think CHI values him too much and view him as a piece to keep in their rebuilding phase. He's flashed incredible scoring prowess the last two years and is still only 24.

But once you started delving into the money math and a deal centered around Maxi+Exum carves out juuuuuussst enough space for a minimum guy, I am incredibly interested now. Especially since there is news that Ben Simmons may be bought out. What better Maxi replacement than a 6'10 switchable defender who can pass? It's not like we care about Simmons' lack of shot making (though it means he'd barely be able to be played in the playoffs, but same with Maxi).