06-19-2025, 11:56 AM
(06-19-2025, 11:31 AM)michaeltex Wrote: Emotionally, I'm OK with trading AD. He's a phenomenal talent but he hasn't played enough games to become one of "our" guys. I'd still like to see what happens with everybody healthy, but understand if he can bring back a boatload of assets. FWIW, none of the players listed are the equivalent of AD, although they might meet some other needs. Plus, there is only one slot available after drafting Flagg.
Lively is another matter. DAL wandered in the no center wilderness for sooooo many years, post-Chandler. When we finally acquired someone with the skills to legitimize the 5 spot, who was young and would only get better, it was like sunshine after the storm. Getting Gafford to share the load only made them collectively better.
My reasoning on trading Lively vs Gafford is that, while both are due for extentions soon, only one would be content to being a backup to Turner, and that's Gafford. Plus, the Lively extention could get pricey and, not to mention, his injury concerns. I think the Lakers would overpay for him because of his history with Luka.