2020-2021 ROSTER TALK: Archived

[mvossman]

First, thanks for playing along.  If you stick with the spirit of the conversation, then yes on trades (with JRich as part of the outgoing) and FA's making at or under bout $17mm.  I'm not really looking to add too many variables as we talk about those kinds of things all the time.

1.  So, I'd eliminate the too expensive guys right off the bat:  Ball, Conley, Lowry, Powell and Schroeder.  I'll put Dipo on this list since he turned down more.  I've seen estimates of $20mm for Powell.  So, assuming Portland wants him, he may be too rich also.  I wil point out that there are a limited number of teams that can send out this kind of money.  But current teams can pay.  So, you are probably looking for someone who has to change teams and isn't so good that the NY's of the world don't want them.  The estimates on DeRozan start in this range and go higher.  Maybe DeRozan?  Many here don't like the fit.  Would he come here to be a 6th man?

2.  I'd eliminate the guys who are too rich to trade for.  Recall the spirit of the exercise.  No KP deals in this conversation or deals where we create even more holes to fill this one.  So, Brogdon, Smart and LaVine are gone.

3.  I'd eliminate the guys who aren't clearly better than JRich...the devil you know.  I think you first have to define JRich.  I'd use post AS data.  There, he's a net positive in +/- and on a Per 36 basis he's 14/4/3.25  with a 3% of .364.  He also seems to be a good locker room fit. 

What I'm left with from your excellent work is Fournier and Monk.  I could make an argument for Green and Dragic, but the age thing is an issue.  I think I'd rather commit four years to the younger guys than even two years to the older guys.  But, to Kamm's point, would you rather keep Powell/WCS as your C's and sign Fournier or Monk as a sixth man?  Or, would you rather go with Holmes/Powell as your C's and go with Green and some guy for the rMLE to back up the 2/3 spot?  

Holmes   Powell
KP          Maxi
DFS        Green
THJ        rMLE
Luka       Brunson

OR

Powell     WCS
KP          Maxi
DFS        Green
THJ        Fournier/Monk
Luka       Brunson

THJ is an awkward fit with the starting group due to his defensive concerns, so it would be strange to go sign a THJ clone in Fournier/Monk as our big off season acquisition.  That would be wildly disappointing.

A name that did not show up on the list that I think would make way more sense as a JRich replacement/upgrade is Devonte Graham.  He shoots the three well at a very high volume, is very good distributor, and can play defense against opposing point guards.  

Graham, actually makes THJ expendable so if you can land him you can spend the rest on THJ or Holmes.