05-07-2021, 05:12 PM
(05-07-2021, 12:05 PM)omahen Wrote: I think time to think about Young and Conley was last season. They are playing way too good this season for their teams to let them go for (basically) nothing. Sure I would be all for JRich for Young, but I don't see it without picks attached. Are you still for it in that case?
Chicago absolutely needs good defenders next to Vuc and LaVine and I will be extremely surprised if Markkanen is not the odd guy out from their frontcourt rotation. Theis and Young are perfect next to Vuc. The other thing Chicago desperately needs is a PG pass first floor general that plays defense. If I combine the dots and it is Markkanen going out for that PG in a SnT. I don't think LaVine will want to sign an extension.
Utah has a couple of years window with Gobert and Mitchel. How can they get better if they let Conley walk? I just don't see it.
I'm working under the assumption that Chicago's trade for Vucevic was agent orchestrated. I think Chicago will do what it takes to create the room and extend LaVine. You point to one of the issues with this line of thinking...they have to let Markkanen walk for nothing. Someone will make a nice offer for Markkanen. Maybe San Antonio. Heck, I LOVED your post about a Holmes/Markkanen front court in Dallas IF KP is gone (just not sure that is going to happen). I'm not sure someone will give up an asset for Markkanen knowing Chicago can't hold him and execute the LaVine extension.
Is there a way to max LaVine and get something for Markkanen? Theoretically yes. The incoming PG has to be cheap and they have to drop or trade Satoransky (dropping him creates $5mm, giving him to a cap-room team for no returning salary creates $10mm). Or, you have to pay someone to take Aminu into space for no returning salary. What $5-$10mm PG will Markkanen get you that is a significant upgrade from Satoransky?
As you know, Utah doesn't have a vote as to whether to "let" Conley do anything. They aren't traditionally a tax payer and they are at $133mm without him. He is a mile better than Lowry at this point and should be the Mav's target if they decide to go all-in on one guy. The year he is having is just nuts.