Ok, so you take the long approach and watch IT/Horford lose effectiveness right as the new young core is (hopefully) ready to take over and you're in the same exact position as you are now. And that's assuming lotto luck and making the right picks. At some point you have to play a hand and I'm perfectly fine cashing in some of the chips if the price for George/Butler is reasonable. Obviously, if the Bulls/Pacers get greedy, then you walk away and try again in the summer/next year, which is a luxury this team has and is why Ainge won't panic.
Yes, that's what I believe is best approach. I want the best of both worlds. Win now and build for the future.
You have today's core with IT and Horford and you look to free agency to improve the team. While difficult, it's the approach to win now and build for future.
In free agency you have 2 guys that can help. Blake Griffin, who has some warts, but he helps rebounding and Cs will be more athletic. And it keeps Horford at the 5. You have Gordon Hayward who fits the Cs. Another shooter, can create his own, and gets to the line all while defending his position pretty well.
You could look at Millsap, but paying him for his mid 30s years isn't ideal.
While this approach isn't perfect or guaranteed, it gives you a chance to win now and find that next super star needed for the future. Smart has proved he belongs, you can tell Jaylen will be a tough matchup. And you have 2 more drafts picking in top 3-6. That's pretty legit.
I get where a lot of you are coming from though. Having a real shot at the Finals is what it's about. And the more I think about it, the Cavs aren't invincible. They are worse than last year. My problem is that it's a small window with this group and I would hate to look back in 2022 and the Cs traded a pick of a guy that turned into a franchise player. Not to mention the best franchises typically build through the draft.....in any sport.