Assuming that Nurk is back in the next month and Zach is back in March (that was the possible report, right?) What moves would you make to salvage this season and put us back in contention?
I would try and pry away one of the Knicks surplus bigs and Kevin Knox (because I think he could develop into the 3 man pdx needs)
Fire myself and the guy who's been coaching for damn near a decade. That's about the extent of what could salvage this season at this point. To be clear there is no contending this year, with or without these moves.
Whiteside, Bazemore, and Tolliver to Cleveland for Kevin Love and Tristant Thompson. Whiteside, Bazemore, and a pick to San Antonio for Lamarcus Aldridge, Patty Mills, and DeMarre Carroll.
If I were the GM Id do nothing to save this season. I would probably not really do anything at all and just play it out, kind of hoping to get a top 10 pick and hope that Next year Nurk and Zach are ready to go. Maybe I hold on to whiteside and Baze hope that in the offseason I can convince whiteside to stay for whatever amount I can pay him. Use my Pick to find the best wing I can get. Tell Stotts if the team is struggling next year with whats hopefully a healthy roster were going to move on from him.
Fire Olshey. He has never understood roster construction. Trade Whiteside and Baze before they can walk and leave us with nothing. Get longer and more athletic in the front court. Get away from the multiple 6'3" guard options. Easy task? No, but changes needed or Lillard is gone soon IMO.
If the Kings want to move Dedmon and his attitude, you could explore Baze (exp) + Mario (1 year left after this) + Tolliver (exp) for Ariza (1year left after this) and Dedmon (2 years left). Nit a fan of linger contracts, but both are good fits if you want to make a run next year. Dame, CJ, Ariza, Zach, Nurk Ant, Trent, Hood, Melo(?), Skal, Dedmon allows for interesting rotations. If it doesnt work, bith are easily movable contracts.
Haven't watched a lot of Kings this year so not sure if Ariza still has it or not, but those are the kind of role players I am talking about. Long and athletic and they bring more to the table than just stats.
He looked totally washed in Washington (and Phoenix) but has looked great lately for the Kings. I also like Bjelica. Thing is, all three are adding something we could use.
If you could get Morris + Drummond for Whiteside + something, what would you be willing to throw in to make that work? Little? Heavily protected 1st? Both?
This is closer to what they ought to do, but Portland should cut salary: Trade #1 - https://tradenba.com/trades/vxc8yVxgz This cuts $5m off the cap. Trade #2- https://tradenba.com/trades/LLLShpIP8 This cuts $18m off Blazers payroll.
Don't. Trying to salvage a lost season by trading future assets is foolish. Instead, maximize the trade value of anybody who won't be on the team next season. Beyond that, give Ant, Trent, and Little enough playing time to either maximize their development or establish that they aren't part of the solution.