Oh, it's absolutely too late. I have very little doubt CHI would have accepted the trade this summer, and zero doubt they'd reject it now.
Make no mistake, CJ gets us in the conversation for pretty much any player that might be available, but Butler probably is off the block. But CJ is a GMs dream, an elite talent (at least offensively) under long term control, and a face of the franchise type foundational player and person. It's almost like trading for Lillard. It's a massive chip for Portland, and one they should at least explore. I could also make a case as to why a rebuilding team would rather have CJ than a Klay Thompson.
But he cant dribble with the ball or drive to the lane like CJ. For anyone trying to argue that Klay's offense is just as good as CJ's... well again. I want some of what your smoking. cJ's moves, especially laterally are maybe the best in the league in his position and hasnt really been seen since Roy/Kobe.
Basketball is more than just offense, or the ability to dribble-drive. Klay may not be the ball-handler that CJ is, but the sum of his parts (elite shooting and very good defense) are pretty solid.
And CJ brings great ball handling and elite shooting. It just seems like you think CJ is a role player at best or something and Klay is a perennial MVP. Their value is a lot closer than you think.
I think they are fairly close. The problem is, Dame already does a lot of what CJ does where Klay and Steph compliment each other much better.
I never said anything of the sort. But since you put it out there, I do think CJ is mostly suited to being a super sub in the mold of Jamal Crawford -- Guys who can't defend, but have elite offense usually fall into that niche. Klay isn't an MVP caliber player, but he is an elite starting wing.
CJ foir Klay straight up? I know GSW wouldnt do it, or could afford to now, but... it would help us and hurt them... so... im all for it!!!
I never said you said. I said it seems, and you just validated my point by saying he is no more than a jamal crawford. CJ has far superior handles compared to Crawford, and Id dare say slightly better D. We will have to agree to disagree.
Klay, strictly as a player, might be the better player due to defense. But CJ's offensive repertoire is better. So the overall extent to which Klay is better is less than just saying he's CJ + defense. He's CJ + defense - some offense. Also, I think CJ would be a much better team leader than Klay. Klay seems to have an attitude, and I just don't see any leadership qualities in him. CJ, OTOH, is being held back from his true leadership potential due to the fact that this is "Dame's Team". Once you factor in leadership, intelligence, face-of-the-franchiseability an argument could be made for CJ over Klay. Klay is the sort of player you trade for to put your team over the top, but CJ is the sort of player you trade for to build a new team around. IMO, of course.
Great post. Couldnt have said it better myself. I cant beleive some here think that CJ cant land is Noel. I'd scream holy hell if we traded CJ for Noel straight up.
I would love to see some kind of package deal of Ben Simmons, Noel and a first for CJ and Crabbe or Myle etc ???? I doubt they would let Simmons go this early in his development, but who knows. It's Philly. He has the ability to be an elite playmaker. IMO.
In the poll the No's are still leading by a landslide but after a few bumps the yes column is slowly growing.