Interesting to see the discussions around what Boston might or might not be able to do, including whether that includes moving on from IT.
I'm leaning toward the idea that Boston's position is a more precarious than we sometimes think. If they decide to move on from IT before they sign him to a max, especially, they can certainly do that and put some good pieces together. But I think the thing we're missing about this (& I hope Gordon recognizes) is that continuity takes time to develop. Whatever they do, Boston's not putting together prime LeBron, Bosh, and Wade. They're not going to have a super team immediately just because they have some big names. By the time they really get going and pose a clear conference championship threat, Horford will likely be fading in effectiveness.
Of course continuity and growth for the Jazz is also precarious, because it depends on health, consistency, player development and re-signings. But I don't think throwing a plan at Hayward that's contingent on trades, getting rid of several of their currently best players, all of which may or may not come to pass, should persuade him. Real contenders (unless you manage to get three of the top 10 players in the league, or LeBron) have usually developed over a period of at least a few years. I think that if even half of the balls we have in the air work out in our favor (though maybe that's too optimistic: Favors returning to somewhat normal health, Hood returning to health and becoming decently consistent, Hill re-signing and having decent health, Exum or Lyles taking a step forward, etc.), our prospects for real contention are at least as good or better than Boston's.
I'm leaning toward the idea that Boston's position is a more precarious than we sometimes think. If they decide to move on from IT before they sign him to a max, especially, they can certainly do that and put some good pieces together. But I think the thing we're missing about this (& I hope Gordon recognizes) is that continuity takes time to develop. Whatever they do, Boston's not putting together prime LeBron, Bosh, and Wade. They're not going to have a super team immediately just because they have some big names. By the time they really get going and pose a clear conference championship threat, Horford will likely be fading in effectiveness.
Of course continuity and growth for the Jazz is also precarious, because it depends on health, consistency, player development and re-signings. But I don't think throwing a plan at Hayward that's contingent on trades, getting rid of several of their currently best players, all of which may or may not come to pass, should persuade him. Real contenders (unless you manage to get three of the top 10 players in the league, or LeBron) have usually developed over a period of at least a few years. I think that if even half of the balls we have in the air work out in our favor (though maybe that's too optimistic: Favors returning to somewhat normal health, Hood returning to health and becoming decently consistent, Hill re-signing and having decent health, Exum or Lyles taking a step forward, etc.), our prospects for real contention are at least as good or better than Boston's.