2021-2022 ROSTER TALK: [ARCHIVED]

[SleepingHero]

Rich Paul. 

I am convinced there are additional money flows with his deals, either legal (advertising contracts) or more under the table sort. Just so many unlogical signatures when he wants to make things happen. Just two of recent examples: Monk and Nunn were likely worth more, but they signed for Lakers.

Monk was coming off a season where he violated the NBA's drug policy for cocaine and played ok for a tanking Charlotte team. Nunn definitely took a discount, but I don't know how much of a discount given the fact there are several backup guards that took less than Nunn. 

In either case it doesn't matter what Rich Paul has done to make Lebron teams better, Rich Paul works for Zach Lavine and is obligated to put Lavine in the best situation for himself.  Zach wants to make the most money possible while winning. Lakers cannot offer either objectively. Of course it is possible that there is some far off scenario where several NBA teams go out of their way to help the Lakers sign Zach all the while making themselves worse. I just don't think it's likely. And even if it were to happen, the Lakers aren't any better off in my mind as Lavine/AD/Lebron+9 minimum guys isn't that good of a team.

I think Lavine is just making sure Chicago maxes him. Out of the teams listed, the only realistic ones are the Hawks and Mavs in my mind, and I think only the Hawks really have a shot.