2026 NBA draft thread

[DanSchwartzgan]

As for what to do with players like Middleton and Klay for NEXT SEASON, I wouldn't expect them to ADD older guys on their last legs. But imo with players WHO ARE ALREADY HERE (or easily retained), they might add value where there are holes in the roster, and they can provide needed skills no one else has. Last season, that would have been PG/creation/shooting 3s. If you move them, does that help you be more talented*, or less so? 

I also think CF needs talent around him, to make him better. Not a stripped down roster. That's the goal for next season from about every angle, imo.


* "More talented" can be getting picks that are good enough to solve problems, or freeing cap room to sign players good enough to solve problems, or trading one player for another. But unless the player is just awful or too expensive, getting rid of a player without talent/assets coming back is usually NOT helpful to building a better team.

I'm in the "no point in being bad" or "let's try to be good" camp as well.  Just thought I'd suggest that the new GM isn't likely to make sweeping changes this summer.  If there is a no-brainer long term fit available with the MLE or TPE....absolutely.  Otherwise, the sweeping changes probably start at the TDL and the summer of 27.  I can see some setting-the-table type moves this summer.  The trade before THE trade type moves.  Creating more flexibility for 2027 type moves.

I think the "if" question on Middleton is less important than the "how".  Might we get a second and another TPE for a S&T?  Sure.  I think I'd rather have him on a structure where he is valued at the TDL and he and/or Klay could be moved for a real building block (or something that better leads to a real building block).  I'm all for trying to be the 26/27 version of Portland.  But, I wouldn't forego something tangible for the future to create the difference between a 4-2 first round series loss and a 4-1 first round series loss.  Cooper's development is enhanced by being surrounded by better players.  The team's long term plan is enhanced by getting the assets to "solve problems" as you say.