I'm still not sure we'll end up using either of our TPEs, but, were we to, I'm assuming we'd likely be targeting a team that is currently in the LT. There are 5 teams(not including us) that are in the tax. OKC, GS, Toronto, Washington and Denver. If were to use the TPE straight up to add 1 more player from a team, we would need to figure out who on our team we waive, or we would need to have an unbalanced trade to make roster space. I don't think GS cares. I think OKC is resounded to one huge spike this season. Out of the remaining 3, Denver's been discussed a lot. Moving Plumlee to us gets them all the way out of the tax, but leaves them without a backup C. For us, he's an obvious upgrade over Leonard, but 13 million for our backup C, without factoring the added tax? Washington is 11 million into the tax. Morris and Oubre combined would get them out of the tax. We'd need to waive 2 players though. Toronto is 12.8 into the tax. CJ Miles at 8.3 could be a target, and give us solid bench production at the SF spot.
Neither am I. Really wonder how Neil will spin this one after selling it so hard in the few other interviews he's done this summer. At least get a pick out of it or something, come on.
Just the usual, I'm guessing: "We explored ideas with multiple teams, but at the end of the day there just weren't any options that made sense to both sides. We think that we've improved our team with the draft picks and signings we've done this summer and through internal growth. We'll continue to look for ways to upgrade our team as the season progresses...blah, blah, blah."
"We were highly aggressive in our pursuit of using the trade exception, but very few of the players presently at that salary tier fit the specifications we were seeking--veterans who can contribute immediately and in the playoffs--and other teams had no interest in dealing those that did meet that criteria. So we were faced with the option of using the exception to acquire a player that wouldn't benefit the current roster, or go to war with the guys we have, and Paul and I decided jointly to do the latter."
Look, it takes two teams to make a trade. We made a lot of calls. We were really aggressive. Right until today, when it expired. But you can't make someone trade with you. Our owner was willing to take on salary to...Look, we're really lucky to have an owner like Paul, who's willing to spend to win. But we just didn't find the right fit with that exception. We knew all along it'd be difficult to use it. We were making calls, and receiving a lot of calls on it, but at that price point, you want it to fit with your roster. And right now, we're really happy with the group of guys we're bringing back. I think Seth will do a good job replacing Shabazz. We were really happy with what Shabazz gave to us last year. We knew it'd be an important piece to replace, and we think with Seth, we have...we have someone that can do that. Nik was a former lottery pick that hasn't found the right team yet. The right fit...Great shooter. Great shooter. Between him and Steph...(inaudible) .... yeah, between him and Seth, we have two guys who can knock down the 3 consistently. We struggled with knocking down shots in the playoffs, and I said all along, my focus was on bringing in guys who can knock down those big shots for us when they're open. They're great guys, will fit in well in the lockerroom, and will knock down those big shots when yo uget a Dame or CJ double teamed out there. [Reporter] Sir, the question was, is this your handwriting?
Neil: "We got our impact veteran in Steph Curry." Quick: "Neil, you misspoke, you meant to say Seth Curry." Neil: "Wait, what?"
I don't especially like Neil or think he's even "above average". However, I do think he's MUCH better than Cho is/was.
Raps are now about 3 mil above the tax line after the trade. We can take away CJ Miles and his 2 yr, 17 mil deal for our TPE if we wish. He doesn't move the needle enough for me.