07-22-2025, 03:51 AM
I think JRue makes little sense after Lakers signed Smart and I simply don't believe this rumor by Afseth. As Gump pointed out, the deal would not be that difficult to salary match (Lakers also have a smaller salary in Knecht for fine tuning), but I don't really see how he would fit in general plans (current roster needs and keeping future flexibility). He has a long term deal, he is already old so that contract will likely lose value with years and it would certainly cost picks to get him. He would be the exact opposite of the overall strategy they took so far this summer.
If Portlands only goal would be to save money, they simply didn't need to trade expiring Simons for 3 years of JRue.
If Portlands only goal would be to save money, they simply didn't need to trade expiring Simons for 3 years of JRue.