2021-2022 ROSTER TALK: [ARCHIVED]

[DanSchwartzgan]

The thing I really like about a Luka/Simmons/DFS/KP core is how versatile it would be in terms of ballhandling, scoring, and defense. I agree that it would need more shooting, but the cool thing is that you could mix in a shooter at literally any position and I think it would work. The foundation is that strong.

I also agree that something like Brunson/THJ/Maxi doesn't have the star power that Morey wants. But the way Brunson has developed, I think it would compete with most non-Lillard or Beal offers we're seen thrown out there. If nobody is trading a star, the next step is to just get the most talent possible. And that offer ain't too bad in terms of players that can help them win right now. 

In any case, it will be interesting to see what happens when teams get serious at the deadline. I have a tough time seeing Morey letting it go beyond that, so it may just come down to who has the best offer ready at the right time.

I've been struggling with this and with the versions involving Tobias Harris.  I don't really know where I land on either and have luke-warm feelings toward the deal proposed above.  I went back and watched some video on Simmons as I suffer from recency bias.  The playoffs are so etched in my memory that I forget what a stud Simmons is when he's right.  A few thoughts related to the proposal for Simmons:

He plays the kind of downhill style Kidd seems to like.

As much as we all love Brunson, he is a flight risk.  Philly is one of two places (Knicks) where I think they wouldn't have to worry about the local hero bolting in free agency.

Maybe Chriss can absorb some of what we are losing with Maxi?

If THJ was hitting 37% of his 3's, I might shed a tear over losing him, but he's not.  Plus, this may open more time for Josh Green.

As constructed, Philly would probably want to get rid of more salary to get under the tax.  They have a non-guaranteed contract that allows them to do a 3 for 2 or 2 for 1, but as proposed, I'm wondering if they wouldn't send out Danny Green also?  They would need to lose a little over $5mm in salary.

I'm not in favor of a KP trade yet, so I guess I have to hold my nose on JB, Maxi and THJ if I want Simmons here without giving up KP.  I just need to see more of how the staff melds KP and Luka together before pulling that trigger.  

I understand the sentiment that Philly would want more than these three, but they've been trying for months and haven't gotten it.  I certainly don't give up more than the proposed deal.