Jurassic World 3: Where the Dinosaurs have Quad Injuries and Hate Their Shoe Deals

[LondonSox]

It should be noted Bayless contract is a pretty dumb mistake by colangelo.
Every other move was made to have max cap space this year after extending Covington into the cap this year.
It's inexplicable to me you go the extra year for Bayless and have to cough up assets to move him.

The big risk to max free agent money is embiid, if he were to get 1st team all NBA he gets a raise which would be problematic.
But that seems unlikely with the late injury and with Gobert seemingly the front runner for DPOY (which doesn't matter for his contract)

 

[amarshal2]

Fultz is clearly a positive asset. Even if his NPV is negative (possible), he's got a WIDE standard deviation and is worth the risk to lots of teams.

 

[benhogan]

LondonSox is mostly right here.
-Lebron makes the Sixers a lot better, it is rather simple, he makes every team a lot better.
-20yr old Ben Simmons will improve and would be great teamed with Bron.
-I'm no Fultz fan, but he still has a lot of value to a rebuilding team.
-Covington and his contract is good value.
-Moving Covington, Fultz, Bayless, and 2018 Laker pick would open up enough room for a max contract and Kawhi. BUT

The problem with the Sixers adding a max contract (ie Lebron) and Kawhi is their payroll would explode in a year when they would have to re-sign Kawhi. Also Ben Simmons will be a restricted FA in 2yrs. They would be way too top heavy unless the owners are cool with paying huge taxes, but private equity guys (Josh Harris) don't operate that way. So I kind of agree with mcpickl that the Sixers will probably try to get 1 of Kawhi, Lebron or George.

Back to the thread Could we get Kawhi? The Celtics would also be too top heavy by adding Kawhi unless they swapped Kyrie or Hayward straight up. Don't think that's happening.

Expect a lot of NBA moves this summer, with the Celtics being one of the quieter franchises.

 

[BigSoxFan]

Not sure Ainge will be completely quiet because there are some matters to deal with, primarily with Smart, Rozier, and Baynes. I think we’re done with blockbusters unless the Anthony Davis unicorn appears, which is quite unlikely at this point.

Kawhi is a great player when healthy but he really isn’t a need at this point and the bidding will likely get too high. However, I do think Ainge will get the Celtics’ name out there in rumors to see if he can drive up the price.

 

[JCizzle]

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/249831/ben-simmons-not-considering-changing-entire-jump-shot

This doesn't seem overly encouraging for the Sixers. I get this approach for a guy that can kinda shoot and just needs to make some small tweaks, but he really does need to overhaul the whole thing. At least Giannis can shoot free throws.

 

[BaseballJones]

Fultz is clearly a positive asset. Even if his NPV is negative (possible), he's got a WIDE standard deviation and is worth the risk to lots of teams.

Totally agree. He's a #1 draft pick that came highly touted out of college, in a pretty good draft class. It's not like he's Anthony Bennett. There's still tons of upside with Fultz.

As to the question this thread is meant to address...If the trade on the table right now is Kawhi for either Tatum or Brown straight up, taking everything into consideration (contracts, age, etc), who says no: SA or Bos?

I gotta think that right now...Boston is the one that says no.

 

[BigSoxFan]

Totally agree. He's a #1 draft pick that came highly touted out of college, in a pretty good draft class. It's not like he's Anthony Bennett. There's still tons of upside with Fultz.

As to the question this thread is meant to address...If the trade on the table right now is Kawhi for either Tatum or Brown straight up, taking everything into consideration (contracts, age, etc), who says no: SA or Bos?

I gotta think that right now...Boston is the one that says no.

Agreed. I think Boston is definitely the one who says no. Tatum is an obvious non-starter. Brown is likely a quick no as well since he’s 5 years younger, much cheaper, and has had a solid playoffs despite dealing with a bum leg for half of it. There’s simply no need for the Celtics to take on the risk of Kawhi.

Only trade that makes sense is Hayward going to SA but that obviously wouldn’t happen for a variety of reasons.

 

[BaseballJones]

Career arc...

Kawhi (6'7", 230 lbs):
- Year 1 (age 20): 24.0 min, 49.3% FG, 37.6% 3pt, 7.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.3 steals
- Year 2 (age 21): 31.2 min, 49.4% FG, 37.4% 3pt, 11.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals

Brown (6'7", 225 lbs):
- Year 1 (age 20): 17.2 min, 45.4% FG, 34.1% 3pt, 6.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 0.4 steals
- Year 2 (age 21): 30.7 min, 46.5% FG, 39.5% 3pt, 14.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.0 steals

To me, they are pretty comparable through two seasons. Long way to go because Kawhi's peak is insanely good. But Brown sure seems to have the ability to get pretty close to that.

 

[lovegtm]

Back to the thread Could we get Kawhi? The Celtics would also be too top heavy by adding Kawhi unless they swapped Kyrie or Hayward straight up. Don't think that's happening.

Expect a lot of NBA moves this summer, with the Celtics being one of the quieter franchises.

I think trading Kyrie would look awful to players around the league, but that would be the most interesting trade out of all these. The Celtics would be able to roll out 2 elite scorers/playmakers in Kawhi and Hayward, along with Brown, Tatum, and Horford. That would be an incredible defense (especially against GS and Houston), while also having an insane amount of elite shooting on the floor.

The Celtics probably don't do it because of optics and Kawhi's health, and the Spurs don't do it because Kyrie likely wouldn't re-sign, but it's fun to imagine what that defense would look like.

 

[Big John]

If a Kyrie for Kawhi deal were in the works, I can imagine battalions of elite M.D.s huddling over imaging results and deciding if either team should go forward.

 

[lovegtm]

If a Kyrie for Kawhi deal were in the works, I can imagine battalions of elite M.D.s huddling over imaging results and deciding if either team should go forward.

Kawhi is a lot more uncertain. We already know that Kyrie looked great earlier in the year, got irritation from the wire, and now that's gone. I'd be a lot more worried about whatever the hell is going on in Kawhi's body/brain.

 

[LondonSox]

We know what is going on, it's just hard to know how long it will take.
From discussions I've had it seems like it's something that can be career ending if he comes back too soon. So I am sure if the Spurs doctors said he was fine and he heard that... Yeah.

I don't share the high confidence kyrie's knee is fine forever now, that was a nasty injury with issues in recovery.
It's likely he will be fine but it's also likely that knee is vulnerable going forward.
It's also dependent on the players, if they play scared of contact etc obviously that would suck.

The working assumption for us should probably be Kyrie will be fine but the increase in future risk is enough to care about.
Kawhi we simply don't know how long it will be until he can play.

So it sort of seems inevitable he goes to the sixers and sits out a year.

 

[mcpickl]

They make the free agent signing first and then the trade.
I am not sure what your issue is with that. They would have to do it that order.

I guess my issue with that is, that is not the way it was proposed.

The original idea I responded to had the theoretical Kawhi trade first, then signing LeBron with cap space second. And originally included Covington still being on the roster.

If they did the signing first, then a trade, they could get there but would have to renounce Redick, Amir, Ersan and Belinelli. Then get someone to take Bayless and send back no salary. Then they'd probably still have to do two of not pick up Holmes option, not pick up McConnells option, or not have their #26 pick on the cap whether through trade or euro stash.

 

[nighthob]

I guess my issue with that is, that is not the way it was proposed.

The original idea I responded to had the theoretical Kawhi trade first, then signing LeBron with cap space second. And originally included Covington still being on the roster.

If they did the signing first, then a trade, they could get there but would have to renounce Redick, Amir, Ersan and Belinelli. Then get someone to take Bayless and send back no salary. Then they'd probably still have to do two of not pick up Holmes option, not pick up McConnells option, or not have their #26 pick on the cap whether through trade or euro stash.

It would need to be something like Covington, Bayless, Fultz, and picks for Leonard/filler so that they reduced payroll in the trade. But given that craptastic return they’d likely need the #1 pick to sell it.

 

[DJnVa]

How Dallas can help Philly if they want to go after Lebron: https://247sports.com/nba/mavericks/Article/The-Pre-NBA-Draft-trade-the-Dallas-Mavericks-will-eye-Bayless-plus-a-1st-round-pick-from-the-LeBron-hungry-Sixers-118185364

 

[LondonSox]

Dallas ain't getting the 10th pick in a deep draft for a one year 8mm deal but it does show how tight money is

 

[DJnVa]

Dallas ain't getting the 10th pick in a deep draft for a one year 8mm deal but it does show how tight money is

But wouldn't essentially be the 10th pick for Lebron James if the plans work?

 

[LondonSox]

But wouldn't essentially be the 10th pick for Lebron James if the plans work?

If this is the only way to make it happen it's plausible, but that is a huge overpay relative to recent history.
And in desperation maybe I guess. But this would have to be before free agency no? So hard to see how you're so sure you're getting LeBron you have to do this pre draft.
Esp as they have some young guys with some value they could attach plus future picks

 

[JakeRae]

If this is the only way to make it happen it's plausible, but that is a huge overpay relative to recent history.
And in desperation maybe I guess. But this would have to be before free agency no? So hard to see how you're so sure you're getting LeBron you have to do this pre draft.
Esp as they have some young guys with some value they could attach plus future picks

But it's not. A late first for a salary dump on that level is about the most you could expect. The Nets, for example, presumably know they aren't attracting real talent this year and made several trades of this sort last year. Since they don't have max space this year to even dream with, I can't imagine they wouldn't beat that deal without thinking about it for more than maybe 4 seconds.

 

[nighthob]

But wouldn't essentially be the 10th pick for Lebron James if the plans work?

I imagine some deal along the lines of Bayless/#10 for a future first would be the agreement if there was one to be had. More likely still would be a post-July 1st deal where Covington, Bayless, and #10 went to Dallas in exchange for a future pick with limited protections.

 

[benhogan]

If this is the only way to make it happen it's plausible, but that is a huge overpay relative to recent history.
And in desperation maybe I guess. But this would have to be before free agency no? So hard to see how you're so sure you're getting LeBron you have to do this pre draft.
Esp as they have some young guys with some value they could attach plus future picks

I'm in the minority here but feel the 76ers have the best shot at Lebron. Eastern division, young roster, Embid/Cov/Simmons play good defense (LBJ likes to take defense off these days), Young King/Klutch sports connection, rabid fan base, Brown has Pop lineage, etc.

Sixers not only unload Bayless contract but also avoid #10 pick salary hit.
Maybe offer Bayless and #10 Laker pick for the chance to swap 1st rounders in 2020 or 21 when Dallas figures they'll be good.

The Sixers have the opportunity to offer this "very attractive" deal to all rebuilding teams/tankers that have cap space (Bulls, Hawks, Kings, Suns, Nets, Magic). Start the bidding process amongst the tankers and see how badly they want #10. Maybe the Sixers can get 2 future 1st round swaps?

 

[OurF'ingCity]

I'm in the minority here but feel the 76ers have the best shot at Lebron. Eastern division, young roster, Embid/Cov/Simmons play good defense (LBJ likes to take defense off these days), Young King/Klutch sports connection, rabid fan base, Brown has Pop lineage, etc.

Sixers not only unload Bayless contract but also avoid #10 pick salary hit.
Maybe offer Bayless and #10 Laker pick for the chance to swap 1st rounders in 2020 or 21 when Dallas figures they'll be good.

The Sixers have the opportunity to offer this "very attractive" deal to all rebuilding teams/tankers that have cap space (Bulls, Hawks, Kings, Suns, Nets, Magic). Start the bidding process amongst the tankers and see how badly they want #10. Maybe the Sixers can get 2 future 1st round swaps?

I agree - I think all else being equal LeBron would prefer Philly as it gives him the best chance for more championships. As noted above, though, the tricky thing is that the Sixers won't know if LeBron is coming until after the draft, so they either have to clear space and lose a pick in the hope that he is, or actually draft a player and then hope that that player is someone Dallas (or whoever) wants. It's certainly not out of the question but it starts to get risky either way.

 

[LondonSox]

I think they have enough pieces to get rid of Bayless post draft, and if they miss LeBron and George they can let Bayless expire and have max space next year too.

We shall see. I agree btw. I, for sure am not counting chickens though, but Philly seems like the best place.
In the east it's like pacers, Celtics or sixers or raptors maybe but only the sixers can really get there. Pacers a dark horse, but I'm not sure LeBron is going to Indiana!!

Houston I can't make the numbers work, I don't really get that chat. Lakers of course, but unless they get George too it's not happening and with George they HAVE to see huge improvement from Ingram and ball or trade them (more likely). And even then I don't see them favoured over warriors or rockets without getting more pieces back for the kids. They have absolutely nothing else in this scenario.

I just suspect if not this year, soon, LeBron needs some depth as well as a second banana.

Biggest risk to me is Cavs make finals and get top 3 pick from nets and can add a Kawhi or something. In that scenario I wager LeBron stays a year and sees, and if Kawhi is hurt he goes then.

 

[Eddie Jurak]

There is some element of, if Lebron wants to go to Philly, the league will grease the skids for him. If the easiest way to get Lebron to Philly is a sign and trad, then there would be pressure on the Cavs to go along, and Cleveland would be in no position to dig in and oppose a deal.

Except I don't think the league will force Cleveland to take on a bunch of salary to make the deal happen. That's where Cleveland, if it opted to do so, would have to be compensated.

 

[moly99]

It should be noted Bayless contract is a pretty dumb mistake by colangelo.

It is so strange that GM's have such a huge liquidity bias that they are willing to throw away good assets to clear out cap space . . . and yet they are willing to sacrifice that liquidity on fungible guys like Bayless. I can only assume that this is the result of politics as star players and their agents have so much power on and off the court in the NBA.

 

[mcpickl]

I'm in the minority here but feel the 76ers have the best shot at Lebron. Eastern division, young roster, Embid/Cov/Simmons play good defense (LBJ likes to take defense off these days), Young King/Klutch sports connection, rabid fan base, Brown has Pop lineage, etc.

Sixers not only unload Bayless contract but also avoid #10 pick salary hit.
Maybe offer Bayless and #10 Laker pick for the chance to swap 1st rounders in 2020 or 21 when Dallas figures they'll be good.

The Sixers have the opportunity to offer this "very attractive" deal to all rebuilding teams/tankers that have cap space (Bulls, Hawks, Kings, Suns, Nets, Magic). Start the bidding process amongst the tankers and see how badly they want #10. Maybe the Sixers can get 2 future 1st round swaps?

I'll be surprised if Lebron isn't a Laker next year. They can waive and stretch Deng if they can't dump him(doubt they can). That gives them enough cap room to sign both Lebron and George. Then they still have Ingram, Lonzo and Kuzma as assets to trade for a third star like Kawhi, or whoever Lebron chooses.

Fill out the roster with ring chasers that want to play with Lebron, and added bonus get to live in LA. That's a better situation than Philly, just hinges on George willing to sign there as well.

 

[Manzivino]

It is so strange that GM's have such a huge liquidity bias that they are willing to throw away good assets to clear out cap space . . . and yet they are willing to sacrifice that liquidity on fungible guys like Bayless. I can only assume that this is the result of politics as star players and their agents have so much power on and off the court in the NBA.

In general I agree with you, but the Bayless contract made a little more sense in context. The previous season the Sixers had to trade two second rounders for Ish Smith in December because they literally didn't have a point guard on the roster capable of running an NBA offense and their prospects wasted half a season of development because they couldn't even run sets. At the time, they didn't know if the "Ben Simmons running the point" experiment would work, so they had to hedge against it in the FA market. Bayless was coming off a pretty good year in Milwaukee where he played primarily SG and shot 43% from 3 on 4+ attempts per game, so he could play off the ball in lineups with Simmons while being a secondary ballhandler who could get the team into its offense. That was also the offseason that every team lost their minds (or as I refer to it, The Summer of Evan Turner, so the market for Bayless probably did require the third year to get it done; even the aforementioned Ish Smith got 3/18 that year. I mean look at this list, the PGs that signed for less than Bayless weren't exactly appealing for a team that didn't want headcases around its young talent. They probably figured that the last year at 8.5 million would be flippable; obviously the cap flattening and Bayless falling off a cliff wrecked that.

 

[Ed Hillel]

I agree - I think all else being equal LeBron would prefer Philly as it gives him the best chance for more championships. As noted above, though, the tricky thing is that the Sixers won't know if LeBron is coming until after the draft, so they either have to clear space and lose a pick in the hope that he is, or actually draft a player and then hope that that player is someone Dallas (or whoever) wants. It's certainly not out of the question but it starts to get risky either way.

Philly offers LeBron a better shot at Championships in the next few years than Houston? Dude’s gonna be 34 next year.

 

[GoDa]

I can't see Lebron spending his golden years in Philly... Last time he went to Miami, this time I think he's headed to LA. I don't think it's about the best shot at another championship.

 

[lovegtm]

I'll be surprised if Lebron isn't a Laker next year. They can waive and stretch Deng if they can't dump him(doubt they can). That gives them enough cap room to sign both Lebron and George. Then they still have Ingram, Lonzo and Kuzma as assets to trade for a third star like Kawhi, or whoever Lebron chooses.

Fill out the roster with ring chasers that want to play with Lebron, and added bonus get to live in LA. That's a better situation than Philly, just hinges on George willing to sign there as well.

I was leaning towards Philly being the best fit, but I agree with your take. Ingram is still a blue-chip asset imo, and some team might overvalue Lonzo, which gives the Lakers way more capital than anyone else to swing trades.

 

[LondonSox]

Philly offers LeBron a better shot at Championships in the next few years than Houston? Dude’s gonna be 34 next year.

I never understood the Houston rumours, harden is on the new super duper mega max, Paul needs to be signed and it would have to be an awful awful sign and trade for the Cavs (like Anderson etc, and Houston has nothing to offer) and they can't sign capella or ariza or have a team if they do.

I haven't seen a single remotely workable scenario to get LeBron to Houston and keeping Paul. (Unless everyone is willing to do a pay cut and harden is already signed)

 

[nighthob]

I was leaning towards Philly being the best fit, but I agree with your take. Ingram is still a blue-chip asset imo, and some team might overvalue Lonzo, which gives the Lakers way more capital than anyone else to swing trades.

Lonzo is sort of the ideal third star if the Lakers can get his father to behave. Ingram has huge upside, and will be a really attractive asset to a team like San Antonio that gets to develop him. Whatever they need they can acquire with Ingram and Kuzma.

 

[InstaFace]

I can't see Lebron spending his golden years in Philly... Last time he went to Miami, this time I think he's headed to LA. I don't think it's about the best shot at another championship.

I'm not sure it's about the nightclubs and beaches with Lebron. He's a family man. He went to Miami for balling reasons.

 

[nighthob]

I can't see Lebron spending his golden years in Philly... Last time he went to Miami, this time I think he's headed to LA. I don't think it's about the best shot at another championship.

James is hyper-competitive. He isn't going to a team for beaches and relaxation he wants to win and make his case for being the GOAT.

 

[OurF'ingCity]

Philly offers LeBron a better shot at Championships in the next few years than Houston?

I think Philly definitely offers LeBron a better shot at championships. Other than the fact that the West looks like it will still present a tougher road in the playoffs, Harden and LeBron together seems like a disastrous pairing to me - if they were on the court together the other three players would almost literally never touch the ball. The Heat superteam worked because each player had a very specific role to fill, and it would be the same with Philly - adding LeBron would take some of the pressure off Simmons to be a ball-handler (he's much better cutting to the rim, and LeBron is a great passer), with Embiid basically being a better version of Love/Thompson, and Saric basically being a MUCH better version of the Jeff Green/JR Smith/etc. shitfest the Cavs have been throwing out there.

As I've thought about it more, I'd be much more surprised if LeBron didn't go to Philly than if he did. (The cap stuff is overblown because we have seen time and again that teams will make it work if they are close to getting max room, and frankly at this point in his career I wouldn't be surprised if LeBron took something slightly below max if he had to for cap reasons.)

Edit: I should make clear that even though I think this will happen, I really hope it doesn't. Other than the fact that it will make the Celtics' road to a championship harder, the constant media coverage would be obscene. The media already loves Philly and loves LeBron, so putting them together would be the perfect storm for ESPN and the like.

 

[queenb]

The West isn't that great anymore. Gone is the 2015 gauntlet of the still-humming Spurs, the KD/Russ Thunder, CP3/Blake Clips, the physical, 55-win Grizz, plus the Dubs. This year's 3-seed was the Blazers, who got embarrassed in the first round. If LBJ can get Kawhi and someone like Paul George to the Clippers, I think he prefers that to a lesser Big 3 with Simmons and Embiid, even if going through the Celtics to get to the Finals looks slightly easier than going through the Warriors.

 

[OurF'ingCity]

The West isn't that great anymore. Gone is the 2015 gauntlet of the still-humming Spurs, the KD/Russ Thunder, CP3/Blake Clips, the physical, 55-win Grizz, plus the Dubs. This year's 3-seed was the Blazers, who got embarrassed in the first round. If LBJ can get Kawhi and someone like Paul George to the Clippers, I think he prefers that to a lesser Big 3 with Simmons and Embiid, even if going through the Celtics to get the Finals looks slightly easier than going through the Warriors.

I assume you mean the Lakers, and while I don't disagree, I don't really see how the Lakers have the pieces to land Kawhi. And if LeBron is presented the choice of playing with Paul George in LA or Embiid/Simmons/etc. in Philly, I think he chooses Philly unless he really wants to live in LA or doesn't like Brett Brown or something.

 

[NortheasternPJ]

I assume you mean the Lakers, and while I don't disagree, I don't really see how the Lakers have the pieces to land Kawhi. And if LeBron is presented the choice of playing with Paul George in LA or Embiid/Simmons/etc. in Philly, I think he chooses Philly unless he really wants to live in LA or doesn't like Brett Brown or something.

Wouldn't he just require Brett Brown be fired before he gets there if that's an issue?

 

[bosockboy]

I assume you mean the Lakers, and while I don't disagree, I don't really see how the Lakers have the pieces to land Kawhi. And if LeBron is presented the choice of playing with Paul George in LA or Embiid/Simmons/etc. in Philly, I think he chooses Philly unless he really wants to live in LA or doesn't like Brett Brown or something.

Ingram and Kuzma would do it.

 

[moondog80]

FWIW, Simmons and Lowe laughed at the idea that the Celtics would trade Tatum for Kawhi, or anybody else short of Davis or Giannis.

 

[Spelunker]

The West isn't that great anymore. Gone is the 2015 gauntlet of the still-humming Spurs, the KD/Russ Thunder, CP3/Blake Clips, the physical, 55-win Grizz, plus the Dubs. This year's 3-seed was the Blazers, who got embarrassed in the first round. If LBJ can get Kawhi and someone like Paul George to the Clippers, I think he prefers that to a lesser Big 3 with Simmons and Embiid, even if going through the Celtics to get to the Finals looks slightly easier than going through the Warriors.

Knowing that he'd have to get past the Warriors either way I can see Lebron looking at this Celtics team that is currently breaking him, picturing them adding in Hayward and Kyrie, and fleeing West.

Then again, either way he's going to have to get past the Warriors *and* the Celtics. Poor bron bron.

 

[kfoss99]

If Lebron wants out of Cleveland and wants to win a Championship (a la Durant to G.S.), do the Celtics get involved?

In a sign-and trade, is Gordon Hawyard and pieces enough of a salary match and return to Cleveland? Would the Celtics even want to entertain the option?

Thanks.

 

[nighthob]

If Lebron wants out of Cleveland and wants to win a Championship (a la Durant to G.S.), do the Celtics get involved?

In a sign-and trade, is Gordon Hawyard and pieces enough of a salary match and return to Cleveland? Would the Celtics even want to entertain the option?

No. They lured Hayward out here using his old coach, they're not burning bridges and turning around and trading him. They're going with what they have.

 

[JakeRae]

I never understood the Houston rumours, harden is on the new super duper mega max, Paul needs to be signed and it would have to be an awful awful sign and trade for the Cavs (like Anderson etc, and Houston has nothing to offer) and they can't sign capella or ariza or have a team if they do.

I haven't seen a single remotely workable scenario to get LeBron to Houston and keeping Paul. (Unless everyone is willing to do a pay cut and harden is already signed)

Anderson, Gordon, and a Nets level package of picks.

Also, it wouldn't be a sign and trade. It would be a Chris Paul special (pick up your option and trade). That keeps the dollars workable for year one and LeBron extends a year later. Since they are trading for him, there is no restriction other than money on their ability to keep anyone they have Bird Rights to, like Capela and Ariza.

 

[queenb]

I assume you mean the Lakers, and while I don't disagree, I don't really see how the Lakers have the pieces to land Kawhi. And if LeBron is presented the choice of playing with Paul George in LA or Embiid/Simmons/etc. in Philly, I think he chooses Philly unless he really wants to live in LA or doesn't like Brett Brown or something.

Lakers or Clippers.

But this draft is loaded and the Clips have the 12th and 13th picks. Aside from Pop (and Spo), I can't think of a coach LeBron would more immediately vibe with than Doc. And most importantly, Jerry West knows what he's doing. I wouldn't be shocked if he found a way to get Kawhi and convinced LeBron to take a pay cut for the sake of his legacy. LeBron surely remembers that joining an organization run by a basketball legend who's a proven winner as an executive worked out for him last time. The Lakers have some pieces, but Magic is unproven as an exec, same for Walton as a coach.

Either way, though, there's no obvious choice, so Philly is possible. It's gonna be a crazy summer.

 

[Ed Hillel]

No. They lured Hayward out here using his old coach, they're not burning bridges and turning around and trading him. They're going with what they have.

And Hayward provided literally nothing to the Celtics in 2017. Loyalty is a two way street, baby.

 

[DannyDarwinism]

Anderson, Gordon, and a Nets level package of picks.

Also, it wouldn't be a sign and trade. It would be a Chris Paul special (pick up your option and trade). That keeps the dollars workable for year one and LeBron extends a year later. Since they are trading for him, there is no restriction other than money on their ability to keep anyone they have Bird Rights to, like Capela and Ariza.

But wouldn't this still put Cleveland in the repeater tax? Unless there's a third team and some imagination involved, I don't think Houston has a pick package attractive enough to induce Cleveland to take that kind of financial hit for the privilege of fielding what would be a terrible team.

 

[nighthob]

It wouldn't be that hard for the Cavs to send Eric Gordon to a team like the Sixers in desperate need of improved guard play.

 

[bowiac]

In addition to shipping Gordon out, if the Cavs are doing a rebuild, they can shave $24M off their salary by sending out Kevin Love to an impatient team below the salary cap who wants to make an ill-conceived playoff push (Sacramento comes to mind). I don't think the tax is a real issue there.

I think Houston is the favorite.

 

[the moops]

How many draft picks/young players would have to be attached to Ryan Anderson to move him? He is a good shooter. That is the extent of the nice things I can say about him. He is owed 42 million over the next two years.