The obvious, easy, logical KD trade not being discussed ....

[DanSchwartzgan]

 

1 PHX needs a defender and interior player to complement Booker, while Mavs need a scorer to complement Gaff/Lively/PJW, and a star to carry the load until Kyrie heals.

2 The Mavs glut of non-shooters would be resolved.

3 Kyrie and KD reunited.
 
6 Yes, KD is older by 5 years, which matters.  

Thoughts?

The other difference, besides age, is contract length.  Are we presuming an extension for KD's age 38 and 39 years to match a 3 year Kyrie deal.  What are the mechanics of that...extend and trade?  If not, can it be done during the season after he arrives?  Isn't there a waiting period (too lazy to look it up).

I think it makes sense.  I don't think it happens because it flies in the face of everything Nico has said, but it does balance the roster better and makes the players we already have (Lively, Gafford and PJ) slot into their roles better.  I also think the O survives Kyrie's absence better with KD than it does with AD.

I think one of the tricks to this thing is getting someone who helps us during Kyrie's absence who is also valuable upon his return.  I've been in favor of Lonzo for Hardy/Powell (and he plays good D).  I wonder if Boston would consider turning Jrue into two players.  I'm guessing one would be Gafford (Is Horford coming back at age 40?).  They also need some salary relief, so someone else might go to a third team.