Let's kick around ideas on how - and with whom - we could move up in the draft.
4. Charlotte Hornets
Don't see it. Charlotte is in "BPA" mode, and the only way I see this make sense is if they are ambivalent between two guys at 4/5, and we really want the other one. But I doubt our perceived benefit of Ace/Tre at #4 is "better enough" than VJ/Fears/whomever at #5 that we would part with any significant value. This would be a very "meh" move.
3. Philadelphia 76ers
Probably the team that would be most interested in a "win-now" player. They are in cap hell with Embiid, George, and Maxey. Lauri fits in perfectly with Embiid and Maxey. The issue here is matching contracts. We would probably have to take Paul George back. He'd be a phenomenal tank commander, but would rot here for three years. Has anyone ever bought out a contract with $150m+ remaining? Would that even be feasible?
2. San Antonio Spurs
This is the one. We need a Dylan Harper, and I'm not sure he really fits there. We may not even have to give up #5 - some package of Lauri + Kessler and/or future draft consideration could be very enticing for them. Contracts could also be the issue here - package back would have to include Harrison Barnes - but I believe they do have some cap room for next season. Are they "better" with Lauri than Giannis? Hell no. But he does provide better shooting, doesn't really need the ball, and they wouldn't have to give up any of their other good young pieces like they would in a Giannis trade.
1. Dallas Mavericks
They would be insane to trade this pick. Punting on Flagg and building around AD + a 33-y/o Kyrie with a blown knee would be absurd, so I think we can put this one to bed. If Nico really did want to double-down on this core he could throw his hat in the Giannis ring and just really go for it. Is he dumb enough? He did trade Luka, so anything is possible, but I sincerely doubt it. If I traded Luka and Flagg within a six-months time span I would legitimately fear for my life.
4. Charlotte Hornets
Don't see it. Charlotte is in "BPA" mode, and the only way I see this make sense is if they are ambivalent between two guys at 4/5, and we really want the other one. But I doubt our perceived benefit of Ace/Tre at #4 is "better enough" than VJ/Fears/whomever at #5 that we would part with any significant value. This would be a very "meh" move.
3. Philadelphia 76ers
Probably the team that would be most interested in a "win-now" player. They are in cap hell with Embiid, George, and Maxey. Lauri fits in perfectly with Embiid and Maxey. The issue here is matching contracts. We would probably have to take Paul George back. He'd be a phenomenal tank commander, but would rot here for three years. Has anyone ever bought out a contract with $150m+ remaining? Would that even be feasible?
2. San Antonio Spurs
This is the one. We need a Dylan Harper, and I'm not sure he really fits there. We may not even have to give up #5 - some package of Lauri + Kessler and/or future draft consideration could be very enticing for them. Contracts could also be the issue here - package back would have to include Harrison Barnes - but I believe they do have some cap room for next season. Are they "better" with Lauri than Giannis? Hell no. But he does provide better shooting, doesn't really need the ball, and they wouldn't have to give up any of their other good young pieces like they would in a Giannis trade.
1. Dallas Mavericks
They would be insane to trade this pick. Punting on Flagg and building around AD + a 33-y/o Kyrie with a blown knee would be absurd, so I think we can put this one to bed. If Nico really did want to double-down on this core he could throw his hat in the Giannis ring and just really go for it. Is he dumb enough? He did trade Luka, so anything is possible, but I sincerely doubt it. If I traded Luka and Flagg within a six-months time span I would legitimately fear for my life.
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