(01-11-2022, 01:25 PM)DanSchwartzgan Wrote: First, let me say that the “news” reported yesterday is most likely Indy ringing the bell asking for final offers (because we are really really really close to pulling the trigger).
Next, let’s take as fact your assertion that KP and Luka together don’t optimize either player. Logic would dictate that sooner or later Dallas would break up the band and Luka would be the one staying. So, for arguments sake, lets make that a given.
Next, let’s also make it a given that KP isn’t going to Indy or NY. So, my questions:
1. Who out there needs KP?
2. What is his market value and how does it compare to Turner’s value.
3. Does simply adding Turner instead of KP to the current roster make us better?
I personally think Turner is better than he has shown in Indy and therefore will attract multiple bidders. Replacing KP with him is a big help financially toward retaining JB and DFS. I think he has the bulk to defend guys that our current roster struggles to defend (like AD and Jokic). He plays with force and I could see Kidd really valuing his D. I’m not sure Turner would harm our O much (if at all), but would improve our D. I think between his D and his ability to pick and pop that he can play alongside any of Powell, Maxi, DFS or even four guards and be just fine. My answer to number 3 above is Yes.
HOWEVER, I don’t have a gauge as to what, if anything, would need to be added. Indy will NOT pay LT, so any deal requires Dallas take back extra salary (thankfully we have that TPE). I’m not sure I’m willing to add much in the way of real talent to KP to get this done (thus question 2) and I’m not sure other teams in a 3-way wouldn’t rather just have Turner for themselves. Charlotte carries a highly rated O already. Do they value KP higher than Turner? How about GS? Who out there needs KP worse than they need Turner (thus question 1.
I agree with pretty much all of this. Don't see a reasonable path to get Turner (or Collins for that matter).
So if we feel we need to trade KP, who does make sense? I keep coming back to Portland. They need to do something to keep Lillard interested. Nurkic is probably leaving after this year which leaves a gaping hole at the center position. They need to rectify having 3 of their best players all small defensively challenged guards. They also like can't put together a package that would interest Pacers. Something like KP/Bullock for CJ/Nurkic would make a lot of sense for them. I don't think that is good enough for us. Maybe you get them to include a Powell for Covington swap, especially if they are worried about him bailing. Then you are looking at a Nurk/Covington/DFS/Luka/CJ starting lineup. Brunson becomes expendable in this case and can potentially be traded for more value.
EDIT: Didn't realize I already posted basically this late last night. I'm over posting.