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[mvossman]

My opinion on Nico and the trades is a little more forgiving.

I don't think Nico was a bad negotiator with the Luka trade. I don't the he negotiated AT ALL. He wanted to get rid of Luka and acquire AD from the Lakers. That was mostly just a transaction. There was no bidding, no multiple teams, and hardly any players were discussed. Maybe Christi was discussed... maybe another draft pick. But that's it. This was a discussion over a cup of coffee. It was terrible way of doing business, but I never had the impression two sides were negotiating.

Honestly, I'm not sure I have an opinion on what Nico can do and can't do. I like it that he's "busy" in the draft and at the trade deadline. The jury is still out on that I guess.

I would argue not negotiating is the definition of bad negotiation.

If Nico did not make the Luka trade, that Grimes trade would easily be the worst of the TDL.

His track record when Dennis Linsey was not here is ugly.  Kyrie was a huge risk that paid off, but does not come close to making up for Brunson, McGee, Wood, Luka, Grimes, etc.