06-21-2025, 02:50 PM
(06-21-2025, 02:08 PM)DanSchwartzgan Wrote: So, let's break this down...
I can see Atlanta taking Gafford for #22. There are rumors out there of their interest in something like this.
The Brooklyn part is interesting to me. I don't see the fit of Hardy with Cam Thomas on the roster. But, would you rather have Hardy at $6mm and use your space on something else. Or, would you rather give Cam Thomas a bigger contract (maybe triple what Hardy makes). We also need to find a home for either Powell or OMax. With all of the draft capital they have, do they give up a late first for Hardy/OMax? If I were them, I'd ask for Christie/Omax and give up some of their excess draft capital that they can't use anyway.
Where I have trouble is the financial savings of Jrue for Martin (both are 3 years remaining) being worth 28 and 32. Can Nico extract this? It is probably worth doing if all you get is 32. Dallas doesn't really need #22, #32 and possibly a late first from Brooklyn. Maybe Boston demands #22 as a face saving maneuver, but gives up #28 in the process instead of #32. Then Boston can say they got Gafford's value from Atlanta, but Dallas can say it didn't give up a first...and in fact, got a first from Boston for taking on Jrue. There is a lot of possible play given all of the late first rounders that could be involved in such a construct.
I think there is enough in there to make that trade (or some variation).
It has some warts in regards to the future. If Nico decided to pound his fist on the "Win Now" theme, the trade is something he might like. I'm not sure about the fan base. I'm on the fence only because we didn't give up PJ ...and we have a shot at some more draft picks.