TDL Archived: The 2nd Rnd Pick Yankee Swap

[StrandedOnBeauboisHill]

I am in favor of smaller deals.   I don't want to give up draft picks but I think several of our guys would be attractive to other teams.  For instance, can you move Bullock for a younger player who may fit better moving forward? 

My fear is this team is gearing up for a big move using future draft capital.  My concern is this roster isn't one player away.   They may be closer than they currently feel, but I am not sure one player makes them a strong contender for the next 3-4 years.   Second, I look at New Orleans, Memphis, OKC, Utah, Knicks, etc.   All those teams can offer better packages for a star player who may become available.    I feel we may be waiting for a star that we may not be able to afford with our available draft capital.   

If things don't improve quickly, I want to have an answer on Wood soon and move fast.   Look for younger assets who may be undervalued (preferably a wing or 4 type young player).

I'm in favor of smaller moves as well for this season assuming we're going to make a bigger trade this offseason but if a team like Toronto blows it up then you have to see what your options are because you never know what is going to be available this summer vs what they can offer.

To you first concern, I think your team is always closer than it feels when you have a player as good as Luka and you have to strike while you have him early in his contract.  You can also make a big move and still turn over the rest of the roster (hell, you kind of have to after a big trade anyway).

Your second concern is certainly valid, I don't see OKC in that mix because they have no reason to strike until after the next draft but the other teams are concerning.  I also think it's probably wise of New Orleans to just stand pat because they have so much talent already and can continue to get younger around it with all those picks, they got something special brewing.

You (at least I think it was you) had a post a month or so ago talking about whether a big trade really ensures a team becoming a contender and if a series of trades would be better and I think there's a lot of validity to that point (unless I'm misremembering what you had posted).  But it got me thinking and aside from last year's championship you're looking at this:

2021 - Bucks post Jrue Holiday trade.
2020 - Lakers post Davis trade.
2019 - Raptors post Kawhi trade.

This method has shown success and we have work quickly to build something around Luka during this contract.

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He's become an empty stat stuffer, and not a great one.

Wouldn't this be a reason not to go after him at this point though?