The dream scenario is turning 7 + MIL pick + Bledsoe+ Keon + multiple seconds into Collins AND OG in some sorta multi-deal machination. I think that mix of skills is exactly the kinda stuff we need to put around Dame/Ant. Dame/ MLE Ant / Hart OG / Nas / Ingles Collins / Watford / Brown Nurk / MLE / Eubanks Make an aggressive offer for guys like Rubio or Dragic to play 25 mpg off the bench. Or even someone like Looney/Ibaka/Bamba/Hartenstein. I think that roster would be better than any other put around Dame. No tier 1 stars next to Dame, but a team that could go 8-9 deep in the playoffs with a strong mix of defense and shooting. Cupboard would be empty for future trades, but that is a roster that can contend.
On paper that would be our best roster in a minute. Someone like Duren would fit better at center than Nurk because he would be fine with a role of defense, unlike Nurk who pouts a bit when he doesn’t get the ball sometimes
I can see, perhaps, the 7th pick being enough leverage to pry Collins out of Atlanta. It's a lot harder to see them throwing the 16th pick into the deal, but maybe, if I squint But I sure can't see the 16th pick being enough to convince Toronto to part with OG, even considering the rumors of discontent the 16th might be enough to get Grant though
I just think having a 40% shooter in a lineup with Dame/Ant/Collins/Nurk would elevate them to the next level. Grant clogs it up so much. I'd pester Phoenix with calls nonstop for my guy Cam Johnson with that pick if OG is not available.
This could work out well for all involved: Trade #1 (Detroit/Atlanta) Collins <-> Grant This is done so Portland can offer max salary relief to Atlanta. Trade #2 (Atlanta/Portland) Grant + 16 <-> TPE + 7 Atlanta clears $23M (from Collin's salary) and moves up in the draft. Trade #3 (Detroit/Portland) Collins <-> Bledsoe + Keon + 16 + Bucks '25 pick Detroit has to eat Bledsoe's contract, but they get their asking price for Grant.
It could all just be one big trade. No need to break it up in to 3. Portland trades Bledsoe, keon picks for Grant and Collins. Absorb Grant with the TPE, and Bledsoe and keon match collins.
Which you basically just do all as one trade. Only real problem is that there are probably about 20 other teams who also want Collins. Is the 7 and salary relief the best offer they're going to get?
I can see Sacramento being interested with 4, but can't offer the immediate salary relief that we can. Maybe Indiana at 6 also? But again, without the immediate relief.
I'm being greedy for asking (and lazy for not just checking myself) but anyway we could work Jalen Johnson coming our way into that? Dude is buried behind their vet wings and could be special...
I think if you're going all-in, you look to trade Ant. Look to add Collins and OG/Grant. But I'd still be trying to flip Ant for another star quality player. Maybe see what Phoenix would think of sign-and-trade swap for Ayton?
To me, this is a fantastic team that could contend immediately. You acquired the top notch talent for our frontcourt, and retained the depth of the bench . This is what i think Cronin will try to do.
Not sure about egos, but certainly not enough touches. If Neil Zero had traded 2 1st round picks to move up and take Swanigan, similar idiocy would apply. Biggie was bad enough as it was, but at least he didn't cost us extra picks and was a later 1st.
Charlotte wants to get off Hayward. Nate Duncan thinks he’s a negative value contract. I like him though. What if we could do 13, 15, and Hayward for 7? Then flip 13 for Collins. Use 15 on Duren or Eason. Then sign-and-trade Nurk and the 25 pick for Ayton.
If he's a negative contract, that would imply they would have to pay to get off of him. So they use 15 to dump Hayward. Then they manage to flip 13 for 7? No thanks. I have little interest in 50 games a year for 30 million dollars.
