05-17-2025, 09:52 AM
I've been trying to build something around the offer the Lakers made for Mark Williams instead coming to Dallas for Gafford. Recall, it was Knecht, 2031 and a pick swap. I like Knecht (and think he's much more likely to be moved than Reaves). But, I don't know that Knecht adds what Dallas needs.
So, I need a third team (maybe even a fourth team to eat some necessary outgoing LA salary). Knecht projects to be a really good 3 point shooter. You know who needs 3 point shooting? Orlando. Do they have a PG I'd like? Yeah, Black.
Orlando is in an interesting position as the East seems quite open right now. I could see Knecht as the Gary Harris replacement in Orlando, but they aren't dealing Black straight up for Knecht unless it is part of a bigger deal. Could they decide to go for Giannis?
They've given big money to Suggs and Wagner and this summer it's Banchero's turn. That is just a status quo move and status quo hasn't gotten them very far. What if it was a Banchero plus picks package for Giannis. LA was giving up some draft assets in the Mark Williams deal. Maybe those go to Milwaukee instead of Dallas. Orlando has plenty of its own picks to trade. Maybe Dallas adds something for the spread between Gafford and Black. I'd be a big fan of adding Black to the Cooper/Lively/Christie timeline. He's got the size to play alongside Kyrie when he returns.
It isn't hard to make the money work.
LA sends out Knecht/Maxi and gets Gafford.
Dallas sends out Gafford and gets Black/Harris (expiring...TO was picked up to make the $ work).
Orlando gives up Banchero, Isaac, Anthony, Black and Harris and gets Giannis and Knecht.
Milwaukee gives up Giannis and gets Banchero, Isaac (flexible contract), Maxi (expiring), Anthony (TO after one year) and obviously draft capital from several teams.
The natural question is why wouldn't Milwaukee just take Black. That is an issue. My assumption is they need draft capital to try to regain control of their own draft picks (now owned by New Orleans and Portland). Portland doesn't need Black, but I could certainly see the Pelicans being interested. Anyway, just toying around with unrealistic ideas like everyone else.
So, I need a third team (maybe even a fourth team to eat some necessary outgoing LA salary). Knecht projects to be a really good 3 point shooter. You know who needs 3 point shooting? Orlando. Do they have a PG I'd like? Yeah, Black.
Orlando is in an interesting position as the East seems quite open right now. I could see Knecht as the Gary Harris replacement in Orlando, but they aren't dealing Black straight up for Knecht unless it is part of a bigger deal. Could they decide to go for Giannis?
They've given big money to Suggs and Wagner and this summer it's Banchero's turn. That is just a status quo move and status quo hasn't gotten them very far. What if it was a Banchero plus picks package for Giannis. LA was giving up some draft assets in the Mark Williams deal. Maybe those go to Milwaukee instead of Dallas. Orlando has plenty of its own picks to trade. Maybe Dallas adds something for the spread between Gafford and Black. I'd be a big fan of adding Black to the Cooper/Lively/Christie timeline. He's got the size to play alongside Kyrie when he returns.
It isn't hard to make the money work.
LA sends out Knecht/Maxi and gets Gafford.
Dallas sends out Gafford and gets Black/Harris (expiring...TO was picked up to make the $ work).
Orlando gives up Banchero, Isaac, Anthony, Black and Harris and gets Giannis and Knecht.
Milwaukee gives up Giannis and gets Banchero, Isaac (flexible contract), Maxi (expiring), Anthony (TO after one year) and obviously draft capital from several teams.
The natural question is why wouldn't Milwaukee just take Black. That is an issue. My assumption is they need draft capital to try to regain control of their own draft picks (now owned by New Orleans and Portland). Portland doesn't need Black, but I could certainly see the Pelicans being interested. Anyway, just toying around with unrealistic ideas like everyone else.
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