07-05-2021, 09:46 PM
(07-05-2021, 08:39 PM)loki Wrote: I think Conley will go to the highest bidder since this is almost certainly his last big payday. And as much as Utah wants to keep him, they're going to struggle to offer anything near 20-25m due to the tax implications. If they are serious about keeping him they will likely need to dump Favors or make another significant move.
As far as a S&T, I think Utah would be very open to it if Conley is already gone. The main question is whether they have any interest in Richardson since he is probably necessary to match salary. Sending JRich to a third team would complicate things, but could still be workable. Maybe to Boston for the remainder of their Hayward trade exception?
They would absolutely be interested in Brunson (hope Dallas doesn't go there), and I'm sure they wouldn't mind getting back players on cheap contracts like Cauley-Stein, Green, or Terry.
Seems like you would be dumping legit assets for air as well as involving multiple teams, all for the right to overpay THJ to be a backup shooting guard. Also, I try to lean towards simplicity when thinking possible free agency ideas. It is already unlikely that we outbid everyone for Conley's services, adding in the complexity of a three team deal that does not involve us giving away too many assets moves us into highly unlikely territory.
I think if we are going to hang on to KP, yet still go after a free agent "star" then I think most basic scenarios they will operate under the cap and sign the star and have a little over MLE money to sign a second quality starter (and the room to beef up the bench). That means THJ is most likely gone. If I were to make a prediction, it would be the following (in order of likelihood):
Sign DeRozan to 4/100 and spend rest on 3&D wing/guard (Green?)
Sign Conley to 3/72 and spend rest on a 4 (Batum?)
Sign Lowry to 2/50 and spend rest on a 4 (Batum?)
Trade Brunson/asset for Ball at 4/100 and spend rest on a 4 (Batum?)
Trade Maxi+ for Collins at Max and spend rest on a reasonable priced play maker (Jackson?)
I think DeRozan is by far the most likely, and I agree with others that would be a disaster defensively and would prefer to send KP to the Spurs and build a defense around Luka/DeRozan with cap space, but that has a lot more moving parts and I'm not convinced yet that the Mavs are ready to move him yet (especially for air).