11-22-2020, 03:57 AM
Quote:Paul George might not be getting shopped but LAC has him up for trade if it can land them the #1 overall pick and Chris Paul or Al Horford. They even open talks on the #2 and #3 pick.
They are covering their bases but LAC has options. DeRozan is someone they are set to add and they are dropping Harrell. They want to keep Pat Bev but he is the one SAS would be interested in for a SnT of DeRozan and he has suitors interested as well around the league especially from Milwaukee who will drop some lightly protected future 1st to prove to Giannis they can win.
That's not stopping teams like Toronto, Dallas, Las Angeles Lakers and Golden State from trying to gain more assets to be attractive for Giannis FA 2021 or a SnT deal with Milwaukee.
Paul George is lightly on the market but considering the cost and the teams who appeal to Minnesota, it will be hard to see this deal going through. Atlanta is the only team who can likely take this risk and maybe it's too much too soon for these guys to handle. You know, real expectations.
Good job capstone21. Once again, Philadelphia is fairly confident they can land Paul but LAC can if they get creative with a deal like this where they can take on that salary in the CP3 and still have their full MLE to add a center. LAC has some plans and teams are realizing that LAC is not all in for anyone on their roster but Leonard who can opt out in 2021.
Quote:Let's talk about PG13, Kawhi and LA situation. I don't have all of the specifics but here's what I do know from reaching out across the board in the last couple of months on that situation.
1. Kawhi has rubbed a number of his teammates the wrong way. Many questioning his work ethic and reliability. This is not new. This happened in San Antonio, Toronto, and now LA. That said, everyone RESPECTS Leonard. When it matters, he always there and shows up.
2. PG13 has been having issues with teammates going back to Indy. Many think he thinks he's better than what he really is. He's not consistent. He gets too many nicks and while teammates thinks he works hard, they don't see him as a 1A or 2B. They see him as an extremely gifted 2C. That said, many saw Jimmy Butler like this as well and just look when he finally ended up in the perfect situation. PG13 doesn't have the respect of his locker room and hasn't for awhile. Even teams noted, they got better when he gets traded. That said, he's gotten traded for some excellent packages. It's not like he's been traded for potato salad.
3. Both Kawhi and PG13 have asked for a star PG in particular, Chris Paul. The issue is, CP3 salary makes it extremely difficult and it will gut their roster as their assets was gutted by the same team a season earlier. Also, doesn't OKC want that package. The good in the matter is CP3 wants to go to a contender and OKC have granted CP3 that they won't get in the way if they are reasonably compensated. They are also said to be looking at LaMelo Ball and James Wiseman in a larger role than you would normally see for a team without a lottery much less 1st round pick. While LAC has trade capital, there players outside of the two stars, aren't exactly going to bring you back a great deal in return. This is what's going on behind the scenes.
4. Teammates want to run it back but many of said PG is the one that can be moved to get the squad more. Most know trades will be made but most want to stay. As much as Leonard has a part in their lack of chemistry, they don't think he's not added value. This isn't unsual either, Russ Westbrook who is extremely optimistic always thinks his teams have a chance for the title actually went to OKC brass and said this team has reached it's peak with PG. He is always too optimistic and when he said that, that's a red flag. Indy teammates felt like Oladipo and Sabonis was a clear upgrade. Like I am saying, there is red flags around PG. No one is saying it but I don't exactly think Kawhi believes in PG like that either. Obviously no one will because that will kill his trade value.
5. For ANY team that trades for him, buyer beware. Facts are: Hard worker, smart guy, tremendous talent, elite shooting stroke, elite rhythm guy, and a smart and heady defensive player with tremendous tools but doesn't make the best decisions, can't really create for himself when it matters, inconsistent, isn't easy to work with for teammates, and has some communication issues which has been stated by former players on Indy, OKC, and now LAC. Kawhi offers issues as well but everyone knows when he plays, what to expect and they know you can win with him.
So while I don't have all of the specifics, I know this much which is why Paul George being available for this type of package is understandable to me regardless of anything else.
More than anything, I would think LA is offering this to MIN because well, PG13 is an UFA next year and they don't want to lose him and Kawhi for nothing but more importantly they don't want to lose Kawhi AT ALL.