Trade & FA 2023-24: Paul George to Test Free Agency After No Contract Extension

[surfpuckmd]

@michaelcorvo_
Darvin Ham said he took Anthony Davis’ comments after G2 that the Lakers “have stretches when we don’t know what we’re doing” as “frustration”, and he’ll “agree to disagree” with AD.

Basically insinuated the team doesn't know what it's doing at times. To be honest the Laker media probably blew it out of proportion but he shouldn't have said it.

It's fascinating because Lebron and AD are responsible for the Darvin Ham hire.  Frank Vogel is a decent coach who won a championship with the Lakers.  He "lost the locker room" though which clearly means that Lebron and AD wanted a change.  They personally pushed for Darvin Ham.  Ham is a "players coach" and a genuinely nice guy who rarely criticizes his players.  Now, Anthony Davis is pointing the finger at Darvin Ham.  The Lakers roster mess and coaching situation is the result of Lebron and Davis running that show.  It's nice to watch it fail.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

If the Lakers get swept out the playoffs again by the Nuggets, there's no way Ham will be back as coach, even though he may not be totally responsible. Take D-Lo for example putting up a goose egg last night when he had been playing well.

[fifteenth]

The frustration of losing. Sometimes the other team is just flat out better.

[Ghost of Podkolzin]

Claxton is a superb perimeter defender (much better at it than Lively or Gafford), who also protects the rim. The synergy between a pairing of Claxton and Chet when the two of them play at PF and C should be obvious. I think they can do better than Claxton in terms of fit with the rest of their starting 5, but adding Claxton would be a huge improvement over their starting 5 from this season... and potentially open up a bigger role for Jalen Williams at SF, his natural position.

Wallace, SGA, Jalen, Claxton, Chet

They have so many ways to go... Markkanen, Avdija, Kuzma, Hendricks, Cam Johnson, Eason, etc, etc... and the picks to make any of these moves happen.

Eek, how could I forget Wallace.  Ya, sliding Chet and JWill one position IMO makes for both of them to be in their natural position.  Wasn't Giddy playing point for Australia?  Then, all the possibilities you list.  They are insanely setup for an amazing roster.  They're such a well run organization.  Look at the 2022 draft.  If redrafted, Chet and JWill would both go in the top 3.

[Ghost of Podkolzin]

It's fascinating because Lebron and AD are responsible for the Darvin Ham hire.  Frank Vogel is a decent coach who won a championship with the Lakers.  He "lost the locker room" though which clearly means that Lebron and AD wanted a change.  They personally pushed for Darvin Ham.  Ham is a "players coach" and a genuinely nice guy who rarely criticizes his players.  Now, Anthony Davis is pointing the finger at Darvin Ham.  The Lakers roster mess and coaching situation is the result of Lebron and Davis running that show.  It's nice to watch it fail.

Everyone wants a "players' coach" until they don't have a defined system, assignments, etc.

[DallasMaverick]

Eek, how could I forget Wallace.  Ya, sliding Chet and JWill one position IMO makes for both of them to be in their natural position.  Wasn't Giddy playing point for Australia?  Then, all the possibilities you list.  They are insanely setup for an amazing roster.  They're such a well run organization.  Look at the 2022 draft.  If redrafted, Chet and JWill would both go in the top 3.

I'm not sure I can give them 100% credit for their drafting.  Maybe 30%?  Even 50%, but the rest is pure, blind luck.

[SleepingHero]

@thedunkcentral

D’Angelo Russell’s 2024-25 team odds, per @BovadaOfficial

Atlanta Hawks +250
Charlotte Hornets +400
Los Angeles Lakers +400
Chicago Bulls +500
Los Angeles Clippers +500
Portland Trail Blazers +700
Washington Wizards +1000
Utah Jazz +1600
Any European Team +2500
Guangdong Southern Tigers +3000
Taiwan Beer Leopards +5000
Mets De Guaynabo +8000

[Knutsen]

Taiwan Beer Leopards +5000

Do those guys need any more players?

[Scott41theMavs]

I'm not sure I can give them 100% credit for their drafting.  Maybe 30%?  Even 50%, but the rest is pure, blind luck.

Teams who can't draft tend to view the draft as a crap shoot, when it isn't.

[SleepingHero]

Evan Sidery (@esidery)
Another disastrous postseason unfolding for the Suns, now about to go down 3-0 to the Timberwolves, and some serious long-term questions will arise:

Frank Vogel’s job security is very much in question. Clippers head coach Ty Lue, who was the Suns’ preferred target last year, is a name to monitor.

Phoenix’s lack of assets, only owning the No. 22 overall pick this year + a protected 2028 2nd via Boston, makes it nearly impossible to significantly improve their rotation.

Could next season be the final go-around for their star trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal? The Suns might have no other choice, due to surrendering the majority of their assets through 2030 to create this team.

[SleepingHero]

NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral)
Devin Booker reportedly wants to join the Knicks, per @stephenasmith

"[Devin Booker] might deny it, I haven't spoken to him. I'm just telling you the scuttlebutt in the NBA circles is that brother wanna be in New York."

[dirkfansince1998]

NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral)
Devin Booker reportedly wants to join the Knicks, per @stephenasmith

"[Devin Booker] might deny it, I haven't spoken to him. I'm just telling you the scuttlebutt in the NBA circles is that brother wanna be in New York."

Just like Mitchell, Durant and many others in the past. At least according to SAS. The only two that he didn't want in NY are KP and Brunson. Probably the two best players they had in the last 5-10 years.

[Mavs2021]

I thought about Booker as the long-term Kyrie replacement, but he´s older than you think. He turns 28 this year. I really wish Anfernee Simons had a player option in his contract, instead of a full guarantee until 2026. If his contract was expiring next summer, an unprotected 1st and Hardy might get the job done in six weeks. We need that 3rd scorer. We need somebody that will not hesitate like Exum, Kleber and Green. I wonder whether a S&T of DeRozan for THJ+Powell + couple 2nds is an option. DeRozan is 34, a declining 60/3 should be enough to line-up him with the Kyrie window.

[SleepingHero]

I thought about Booker as the long-term Kyrie replacement, but he´s older than you think. He turns 28 this year. I really wish Anfernee Simons had a player option in his contract, instead of a full guarantee until 2026. If his contract was expiring next summer, an unprotected 1st and Hardy might get the job done in six weeks. We need that 3rd scorer. We need somebody that will not hesitate like Exum, Kleber and Green. I wonder whether a S&T of DeRozan for THJ+Powell + couple 2nds is an option. DeRozan is 34, a declining 60/3 should be enough to line-up him with the Kyrie window.

DeRozan would fit well. He doesn't space but neither does DJJ. Unlike DJJ he is absolute money in the mid range. 

I agree we need a 3rd scorer. The guy I'm actually interested in is Khris Middleton. Bucks may be on their way to blowing it up.

[SleepingHero]

NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral)
LeBron James is expected to opt out of his contract with the Lakers and become a free agent, per @WindhorstESPN

"I think LeBron intends to opt out of his contract and become a free agent for the first time since 2018."

[mvossman]

DeRozan would fit well. He doesn't space but neither does DJJ. Unlike DJJ he is absolute money in the mid range. 

I agree we need a 3rd scorer. The guy I'm actually interested in is Khris Middleton. Bucks may be on their way to blowing it up.

DeRozen will be 35 next season, doesn't space the floor and doesn't play defense.  He will also be very expensive in assets.

Middleton makes more sense, but he will also be very expensive in assets and it seems like he is kind of breaking down.

Both of those guys are starting forwards and we already have two in Luka and PJ.  We need a point of attack defender in the starting lineup.

We also need a 6th man that can do a little creation and not be a disaster on defense.  I thought Exum was the guy, but he has been really disappointing in the playoffs so ar.

[mvossman]

I thought about Booker as the long-term Kyrie replacement, but he´s older than you think. He turns 28 this year. I really wish Anfernee Simons had a player option in his contract, instead of a full guarantee until 2026. If his contract was expiring next summer, an unprotected 1st and Hardy might get the job done in six weeks. We need that 3rd scorer. We need somebody that will not hesitate like Exum, Kleber and Green. I wonder whether a S&T of DeRozan for THJ+Powell + couple 2nds is an option. DeRozan is 34, a declining 60/3 should be enough to line-up him with the Kyrie window.

DeRozan will cost a lot more than that.  He scored 24 a game on good efficiency and can create for himself and others.  As you mentioned he is on a really good contract.  He also played 38 minutes a game and only missed 3, so there is no sign of wearing down yet.  I think he costs at least a first and probably more.

[HoosierDaddyKidd]

DeRozan would fit well. He doesn't space but neither does DJJ. Unlike DJJ he is absolute money in the mid range. 

I agree we need a 3rd scorer. The guy I'm actually interested in is Khris Middleton. Bucks may be on their way to blowing it up.

Plus, DeRozan goes to the line 10 times a game. Free points.

[HoosierDaddyKidd]

DeRozen will be 35 next season, doesn't space the floor and doesn't play defense.  He will also be very expensive in assets.

Middleton makes more sense, but he will also be very expensive in assets and it seems like he is kind of breaking down.

Both of those guys are starting forwards and we already have two in Luka and PJ.  We need a point of attack defender in the starting lineup.

We also need a 6th man that can do a little creation and not be a disaster on defense.  I thought Exum was the guy, but he has been really disappointing in the playoffs so ar.

In what world does DeRozan not start over DJJ?

[HoosierDaddyKidd]

https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_...d-nba-team




2024 draft, trade, and FAgency guide for every eliminated team to this point.