2021-2022 ROSTER TALK: [ARCHIVED]

[mvossman]

This is true. It's hard to imagine his value getting any higher, imo. 

I really think it's now or never.

The only issue is it takes two to tango.  Are we settling for what we can find, or are we only pulling the trigger if a good trade comes up?  I really don't know what KP trade value is right now.  Here is a rough stab at what I could see as possible trades:

KP for Hayward.  This would have made more sense last offseason when we could have acquired a starting center in free agency.  Now this trade makes us crazy light in starting big men.  Hayward also has almost as many injury concerns as KP, is not the player he was and probably not as good as KP, and is 31 vs 26.  I would have pulled this trigger in the offseason, but not sure if I would now.

KP for CJ McCollum.  This is another case where I think KP is the better player and a lot younger.  CJ does have the advantage of availability (no injury concerns).  This trade would very likely include Nurkic.  Something like KP/Bullock for CJ/Nurk.  That would make a lot of sense for the Blazers as they start Bullock as small forward and can push Powell down to his natural shooting guard position.  The Mavs get a true starting center (when healthy) and a high quality shooting guard that fits well with Luka (although the defense is a concern).  I would not do the straight up trade, but Nurk makes it more interesting.  If he fits well with Luka and stays, it might be worth it.

KP/Brunson for Simmons.  This would require a third team, and I don't really know how likely it is.  We have talked a lot about this one.  I don't think I would do it as I think the risk is even higher than holding onto KP is.

One interesting thing about all of these trades is that it makes it less likely to start Brunson, which makes it less like he would want to stay.  There is an argument that if you are going to trade KP, you probably want to trade Brunson as well.  What could a KP/Brunson package land (other than potentially Simmons)?  Any other reasonable KP trade ideas?