TDL Archived: The 2nd Rnd Pick Yankee Swap

[Chicagojk]

While it is true that Barrett can still be included in trades, it is more difficult.  He's now poison pill, so there is a very large spread between how he counts as outgoing vs. how he counts as incoming.

I've never thought Utah wanted Barrett, so the extension is immaterial in terms of its impact on any Mitchell to NY deal.  The possibilities for NY's outgoing is down to kids, picks and either Fournier or Rose.  Utah doesn't want Fournier's LT money and NY, given the spending spree they are on, probably doesn't want Fournier either.  The fix is Russ to Utah and Fournier plus Utah vets to LA.  The names aren't hard to figure out.  It is the picks and protections between 3 teams that are probably quite challenging.

Few here were interested in trading for Russ.  How does the board feel about Vet Min Russ?

I would agree that Utah probably wasn't hot for Barrett.   Although could you make the case that he may be more attractive now to Utah now that he is signed for 4 additional years?   I wonder if they would have an interest in a resigned Barrett plus some picks.    They could either keep Barrett as a core building piece or eventually move from him as well.   There just doesn't appear to be many suitors for Mitchell who have good enough assets.  Orlando is a favorite of mine, but I am not sure they have any interest.  Don't see Washington or Charlotte as realistic options.   Although unprotected draft picks from either of those teams are attractive.  The Knicks can throw a lot out there, but I am not sure how good the pieces really are.  The protected first round picks are pretty so-so.   Ainge appears to be more interested in the Knicks unprotected picks.   Are any of the young Knicks prospects eventual core pieces for a good team?  Or do they max out as good players, but not difference makers?

I mentioned the other day, how I have spent way to much time looking at players for that last spot on our roster.   I should have mentioned, a released Westbrook was also considered.   Bad times.   My confidence in Kidd is really high.   I loved how he gave players freedom on the court.    So I would be interested in giving him a talented player to see if we could let him do the things he is good at doing.   The issue is I am not sure Russ sees himself in that type of support role.