05-31-2025, 11:33 AM
Obviously the payroll has the potential to get worse, but imo the decisions on what future contracts will be for PJW and Gaff come THIS summer, and by doing so it allows them to be proactive as needed. But at the right numbers, it alternately might allow them to NOT have to change a lot. Everything needs to be a value proposition on talent/production vs paycheck (they need players who can and do OUTPLAY their paycheck), rather than knee-jerk.
That's why I really think trading AD (not the rest) has to be very much on the table, because I think the idea he's able to play up to his contract, much less exceed it, is very iffy due to his health issues.
However I think NTI's "vision" so to speak was an AD-Kyrie based team, so there's that flawed reality to deal with. On paper, when healthy and at the right age, AD-Kyrie could have been a dynamite combo, but NTI has to take off the rose-colored glasses and see what these guys (especially AD) are actually going to be able to offer. If AD was getting 40M like Kyrie, it's a much different value equation imo, but the AD contract is what it is and to me is a big issue.
There's another thing NTI should consider (although not sure he will). Flagg could LITERALLY become the replacement for AD, doing all the same kind of things (incl rebound, defend) as a 4, but at 40M less per year and playing way more games. Trading AD for a superior offense creator, doesn't that solve all the money issues and overlap issues in one move?
That's why I really think trading AD (not the rest) has to be very much on the table, because I think the idea he's able to play up to his contract, much less exceed it, is very iffy due to his health issues.
However I think NTI's "vision" so to speak was an AD-Kyrie based team, so there's that flawed reality to deal with. On paper, when healthy and at the right age, AD-Kyrie could have been a dynamite combo, but NTI has to take off the rose-colored glasses and see what these guys (especially AD) are actually going to be able to offer. If AD was getting 40M like Kyrie, it's a much different value equation imo, but the AD contract is what it is and to me is a big issue.
There's another thing NTI should consider (although not sure he will). Flagg could LITERALLY become the replacement for AD, doing all the same kind of things (incl rebound, defend) as a 4, but at 40M less per year and playing way more games. Trading AD for a superior offense creator, doesn't that solve all the money issues and overlap issues in one move?