TDL Archived: The 2nd Rnd Pick Yankee Swap

[DanSchwartzgan]

I like the post, overall. Two questions about this part, because there's a bit of snark at the Mavs' expense woven in (which I like) so I want to make sure I'm understanding:

1) Do you think he's a better version of Powell? If yes, is he better enough to justify such a deal, in your opinion?

I think he's in a class of centers just under Jokic, AD and Embiid.  He and Jarrett Allen are a similar archetype.  I think he's top 10.  How much better than 10 is a 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder' question.  Is it enough to give up two picks?  I think so.

There are nuances that certainly make this more that just two picks to upgrade Powell.  I see benefit in the surety you'd have with Ayton vs. what you have with Wood.  You move Bullock's $ off the books next year and free up PT for Green and possibly for Hardy.  You get a Maxi replacement in Crowder after 1/15 and have Crowder's Bird rights for the summer.  If you keep him or trade him great.  If you do nothing with Crowder, you are just a little over the LT despite adding a $32mm player.  

2) I would argue that Wood's post game is far superior to Ayton's. It's the thing I've found most surprising (pleasantly) about Wood's play since he arrived. I was expecting him to space the floor well and handle the ball a little, but I actually think he's kind of a wizard when it comes to post scoring, to the point where I'm enjoying post ups again. Do you disagree? If so, is it your take that I'm overrating Wood, or underrating Ayton?

I'm not sure it really matters.  The better question is who is the better post up guy here going forward.  You have certainty if you trade for Ayton.  You have zero certainty with Wood past this spring.  Another good question is who will be the best post up player over the next three years?  Without looking up the numbers, visually there is a strength to Ayton's post ups whereas Wood looks a bit like a new born pony all knees and elbows.  I see more growth potential to Ayton's post game while I think Wood works really hard to get everything he can out of his ability and body type.   

I think there is a substantial margin between the D played by Ayton and Wood.  He's not a top 20 'second star' type guy, but probably is top 40 or so (or was last season).  The key to this deal is you aren't giving up any of SD, DFS, THJ, Green, Maxi or Hardy and you added Crowder.  You are really strong 8 deep and have Hardy as your developmental guy.  Bigs:  Ayton, Maxi, Crowder  Wings:  DFS, Green, THJ.  Ball Handlers:  Luka, Dinwiddie.  Yeah, I'd do that deal, but I'm a deal junkie.