TDL Archived: The 2nd Rnd Pick Yankee Swap

[DanSchwartzgan]

You simply do not give up a 1st round pick for a player that will be an UFA next summer and 34 years old. With our roster strength, the increased cap over the next 24 months and the gradual cleaning of our cap, you simply do not sink a 1st round pick and a 60/3 contract extension into a 34 year old Bojan, when he does not put you in the top three of title contenders. He either signs as an veteran UFA for the MLE or you look elsewhere. We need a true star and running mate for Luka.

First the good news.  An extend and trade maxes out at 3 years, including the upcoming season.  So, there wouldn't be any 60/3 contract extension.  It would be 40/2 or something in that neighborhood.  He's 33 this season and would be 34 and 35 at the beginning of those additional seasons.  Not ideal, but he's not shown any sign of slowing down yet.  He was 18 a game on .387 from three last year and is automatic from the corners.  It also fits the timeline Dallas established with the Maxi signing.

The gradually clearing space thing won't matter as we won't be using cap space to acquire players until 2025...if then.  Our depth isn't nearly as much as one might believe if 2-3 players are outgoing to bring back a star.  So, there is a need to add some quality even if it feels like there aren't enough shots to go around.

The tough one is the pick.  We gave one up for a Wood rental, but that one didn't impact the package offer for a star next summer.  I think Bogdanovic would be a significant contributor to winning...arguably just as important as Wood.  I'd rather conserve the future first round picks also and I think the team would too.  My guess is that the Dallas offer is Green and some matching salary and seconds.  I'm not sure that does it.  BTW, yesterday I said any deal would have to include either THJ or Bertans.  Actually, Powell, Green and Frank also get you there.  A three-for-one would cause roster issues on both sides, but that is fixable.