TDL Archived: The 2nd Rnd Pick Yankee Swap

[mvossman]

This is interesting analysis of the idea of
Ayton-Crowder FOR
Wood, Powell, Bullock, picks

While the Philly inclusion is also interesting, I am stepping past because I don't think it fits Sixers' biggest trade incentive, which would be to slip below the tax line. They are tantalizingly close, and getting tax free is how Morey typically operates at TDL. The 3-for-1 doesn't do the trick, and in fact takes them in the wrong direction by maybe another mill or more (after factoring in the cost of filling those empty slots). I do think there might be a window of opportunity there to land a talent, and it might be something to tack onto a different primary deal, but only if the cap result can be different for the Sixers.

As to the main course, I am hesitant on Ayton. He's definitely better than Wood, of course. But my recollection is that he was played off the floor in the playoffs -- so did I misremember? I don't want my max-salary center to be unplayable when it counts, even if he is generally better defensively than Wood. OTOH, if he can legit guard all over the floor (like Bam, say), then I think he'd be worth the investment including picks.

As a side note, I think the Mavs definitely need a TWO-way wing (imo Crowder is not close to being that guy) and another really good playmaker (ala Brunson) in a big way, and if I had solutions for those as well, using my assets for a C would probably be my last choice of the 3. So if I was shopping, that would be part of my thinking while considering this.

If the goal is to get to contention in the next season or two (and that is probably a safe assumption with this FO) I think there are two routes to take.

Spend all of our assets (after draft) on a two way player that can create for themselves or others.  Guys like Brown, SGA, and Siakam.  I think Siakm is probably the only guy we have a legitimate shot at and only if Toronto waits until this coming offseason to dump him.

The other option would be to split our assets for two players that fit particularly well with Luka.  At least one of those guys needs to be a two way wing that can create either for himself or others while also being able to stretch the floor.  Guys like Anunoby, VanVleet, Wiggins, Ball (if he can get healthy).  Is pairing Ayton with one of those guys (say VanVleet) enough to make this team a contender?  Do we have the assets to do both of those moves?