04-25-2023, 06:50 PM
(04-25-2023, 05:31 PM)DanSchwartzgan Wrote: Brooklyn's issue isn't Bird Rights, it is a lack of protection against Claxton's UFA status. He'll make more than they can extend him for, so he won't extend. Brooklyn, or any team that trades for him, is going to be naked. If he wants to leave, he leaves. If you are Brooklyn, do you take the bird in hand or wait to get 'Brunsoned'
It would be a risk for Dallas also, but theoretically, they can at least promise more winning. Claxton and Luka are pretty close in age, so they could be together for a very long time.
I don't put Claxton and Looney in the same neighborhood. Claxton is a better PnR roll man, a better defender and a better paint protector. Out of the things needed, Looney's only advantage is rebounding where he's a 95th percentile player to Claxton's 92nd percentile. Claxton is going to get mid teens millions a year from now. If you look for guys who play D, rebound, block shots and either hit 3's or excel as the roll man, the list is pretty short. Add in age and mobility and he's got to be pretty high on any list of serious upgrades. I don't consider the guys available for $5-$8mm serious upgrades. Just more 'trying to get by' on the cheap.
You coined the word "Brunsoned". How dose that play out with Claxton to the Mavs as a CAA client when he hits FA in 2024 (+ or -)?