01-10-2021, 12:21 PM
(01-10-2021, 09:47 AM)DanSchwartzman Wrote: We are about to add a 20 ppg guy to the lineup, so check that box. I'm as prolific a fantasy trader as the next guy and certainly acknowledge that trading before the TDL is likely to be more productive than waiting until the summer. But, I'm struggling to find deals that make much sense (other than Powell/Johnson for your all-star type pipe dreams). With the play-in games and changed lottery odds, it is going to be harder to find lopsided deals where bad teams give away good players. With a thinned out FA class in 2021, it will be hard to find cap clearing financial deals. I'm beginning to think it is much greater than 50/50 that we stand pat.
I am worried that is where we are headed. My biggest concern is that when it is determined that we will operate over the cap next off season, our only option for JRich, THJ and Johnson is to resign them or lose them for nothing. It seems to me that gives those players (especially the first two) all of the leverage. After watching the Clippers in a similar situation sign Morris to 60+ mil, I'm worried how expensive these guys will get.
Considering how dried up this next free agency is looking (and may get worse), I feel like they need to at least trade Johnson at the deadline. He is not part of the long term plans, and it would be nice to get some value out of his expiring. I would totally pull the trigger on a Johnson/Brunson for Gordon trade, but I seriously doubt that gets it done. Don't think Brunson is viewed as a starter quality point guard around the league.