03-07-2025, 10:35 AM
(03-06-2025, 08:00 PM)Chicagojk Wrote: WTF!!!!!
ESPN has an article with 4 potential KD trades. No intel, just throwing ideas out. Check out the Dallas deal.
Four hypothetical trade offers for KD
Dallas Mavericks
Herring's trade offer:
Mavericks get: Kevin Durant
Suns get: Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall, Dereck Lively II, 2025 first-round pick (via Dallas)
Why it makes sense for both sides
In dealing then-25-year-old Luka Doncic for 31-year-old Anthony Davis, the Mavericks have made no secret that they view their window to contend for a title as the next few years. With that in mind, they would seemingly be of the mind of continuing to push the chips in, even with Kyrie Irving's torn ACL likely affecting their chances next season.
Getting Durant, one of Irving's closest friends and his former Brooklyn teammate, would be a clear way to ensure the team's perimeter scoring and ballhandling stay afloat while Irving rehabs. And it would also give Davis another future Hall of Famer to take pressure off his shoulders night to night. The move would also give Durant a chance to potentially finish his career in the state where he became a one-and-done superstar for the Texas Longhorns.
In this deal, the Suns immediately deepen their rotation, getting not only historic sharpshooter Thompson, but also key win-now players in Washington and Marshall. Most importantly, they would get Lively, who enjoyed a fantastic rookie season on both ends of the floor with Dallas en route to the Mavs reaching the NBA Finals last year. The haul, and the draft pick in a deep selection pool, should be enough to convince franchise player Devin Booker that Phoenix has enough to be competitive.
On the other side, Dallas, like the current Suns roster, would undoubtedly be a thin, top-heavy group as a result of this move -- one with a trio of stars who would ultimately need a decent stretch of good health to give the club a chance at glory. It may seem like a heavy investment and risk for the Mavs. Frankly, it is one. But after dealing away Doncic, isn't that exactly what Mavs general manager Nico Harrison and the club have signed up for at this point?
Let me first say, that I am not really sure why anyone would be willing to gut 55 mil of salaries from the roster for a 37 year old player. But I guess, most desperate teams might see this as their only chance. Mavs are on of the most desperate teams now, as their window is very short and their chances actually smaller with each passing year as their key players get older. I think fans should be prepared that compensation will be in such a range - anything better will be a success.
I think the reasoning behind the trade idea is very sound. Phoenix wants to stay competitive, or Booker will ask out and then they will really be in hell. That is why I think PJ would be in such a deal. Losing Naji and Thompson is not really hurtful. Nice players, but nothing more. Phoenix is still giving up the best player, so they have to get compensated. One pick is normal and nothing tragic (assuming of course, the 2025 pick is in the #10 range). The big question comes at center. Lively is better on defense, but was hurt a lot in both years. Gafford had some very strong offensive performances. As a win now team, I am not sure Lively is a better option for the next two to three years.
A while ago I showed how Lakers offer could look like, so let me compare:
- LAL: Reaves, Rui, Vincent, Maxi, Knecht, 2031 FRP (one of Maxi or Vincent going to a third team)
- Dal: Thompson, PJ, Naji, Lively, 2025 FRP
Reaves is better than Thompson and on a better deal. If Phoenix thinks he is not a great fit next to Booker, they could easily flip him. Rui and PJ are imho of a very similar value. Rui is a better offensive player (while still good defender), PJ is a better defender (while still a capable offensive player). Maxi and Vincent are salary fillers on expiring deals, that can still be useful players. Naji has one more year on his deal. Knecht is a solid rookie. Lively is better, but is injured a lot. All in all, I think very similar offers. I wouldn't trade for KD if I am GM of Mavs or Lakers. I think the package of players going away is more valuable in both cases, even though KD is the best player by far.