I wouldn't want Durant either. It wouldnt get us closer, and it would make their already weak three point shooting that much weaker. And it doesn't mean they'd be a favorite.
Giannis is 30. Durant is 36. I wouldn't put them in the same category. From a pure value standpoint, trading Deni or Tou for Giannis is as easy of a no-brainer as there is. You could probably pull a Cronin and trade Giannis back for Tou and 3 other assets two years later!
I think Billups must have given the OK on this because it seems he has been closely involved in all their personnel decisions. Lillard does not fit the fast paced, press full court, emphasize defense game he wants to play though. Maybe he thinks they can still rush the ball up court super fast without Lillard and if they can't score in the first ten seconds, then let Lillard run the offense? Lillard coming off the bench as microwave scorer? I think it is a big risk trying to integrate him into a system that he doesn't fit with.
I don't think anyone is saying don't trade Giannis for Tou straight up. It would be many more players and picks from Portland end and then there starts to be a lot of risk. Id have serious reservations about giving up a haul for Giannis.
That can't be the reason to not trade for him if you're giving up $0.60 on the dollar. Odds are no combo on the Blazers will win a title in the next 10 years.
This was the post I responded to... "Giannis is awesome, but if you have to give away Deni or Tou, you're not getting back the defense or shooting the team would need." Sure, a straight up trade doesn't work salary wise, but the post said no trade if one of the two are included.
Bucks just ate $100 mil to get talent immediately around Giannis. They're not giving him away for a discount. If anything Bucks will play out this season then use two unprotected picks next summer to bring in another all-star.
I mean I can see the logic in that - if we're trading for Giannis the resulting roster needs win now two way players. Makes more sense to give up Picks/Sharpe/Scott than it does guys like Deni/Camara.
Agreed... but a year ago I would've told you no way the Bucks cut Dame. What the Bucks did this off-season will likely fail and it's a matter of time until they realize it.