Lots of rumblings that Durant could be on the block, but that the haul would be top level talent plus more. Would you trade Dame for the 34 year old Durant? Let’s say picks and Durant for Dame? Simons Hart Durant Grant Nurk
No. To have that POS bring a ring to Portland when Dame is awesome....it wouldn't be worth it. If it was Durant playing next to Dame, then that's fine. But to give up our heart and soul for Mr. "JOIN THE TEAM THAT BEATS YOU" is wacked out.
I can't stand Durant. I'd be fine to put him next to Dame, fix the 2007 draft, and win a ring, but damn, trade my favorite ever Blazer for a class-A Douchebag? No fucking way!
Absolutely not. I would do Simons at around $20m, Nurkic, other pieces not Shaedon Sharpe, and 1sts—keep Shaedon. I have huge hopes for this guy that I wouldn’t trade him for KD. Sharpe has all the makings to be a better player than a lot of SGs drafted in recent memory imo, like Green and Edwards. Dame/Sharpe/KD where Sharpe takes the toughest guy on defense every night would be the dream. But trading a dude who’s been loyal to your franchise in an era where it’s rare, for a guy who might leave your team after his contract is up, what can go wrong?
I agree with this. If there was another way, that didn’t include Dame, it might very well be next level awesome.
Simons’ $20-25m + Grant’s $20m would match salaries, and I’d unprotect the 2023 pick and offer 2 1sts and 2 pick swaps.
This will never happen, unless Cronin is some magical genius. Look at our history. Who are the biggest players we have pulled in here, in the past? They were all washed up. Done. Looking for a paycheck... Kemp Kerr Pippen Schrempf I could make an argument about Arvydas, Whiteside, and Kenny Anderson. Not worth the time though. Name one other HUGE player that has come to Portland.... Oh yeah, Carmello. After nobody else wanted him....
The more I think about it, the less I want to break up a potential Ant/Sharpe backcourt. From a four year mid major backcourt to a HS2NBA backcourt, I’m about it. What likely happens if KD demands a trade is BRK will sit on him like PHI did Ben until the right deal comes along. I’d guarantee the 2023 1st, then offer any or all of trade where the following can go: Young guys—Nas ($4m), Watford (1m), Keon ($3m), Good role players/cap relief: Grant ($20m), Hart ($13m) Picks: 3 1sts, 3 swaps This really helps if Nas takes that fourth year leap and make BRK feel like they want his RFA rights. Salary cap wise, these are notable: - Dame after another two year extension ends his contract in 2027 - KD’s contract ends in 2026 - Ant’s new contract ends 2026 or 2027, depending on if he has a PO - Sharpe’s new contract doesn’t start until 2027 This could all work out where Dame has a window to compete with a superstar. In 2027, Dame may or may not have a championship. Mike Schmitz may end up being the guy ends up filling the end of this bench. With Dame at $50+m, KD at $50+m, Ant at $20+m, if the Blazers keep finding 2nd round gems that can contribute right away and sign the right veteran minimums, you can still field a deep team around Dame, Ant, Sharpe, and KD until 2027. Whatever happens in that window, KD will probably be gone along with his $50+m salary. If Dame has a ring by then, I can see Dame taking the MLE if not the vet min to continue and preserve his career by playing on the bench. In 2027, the Blazers would still owe only one 1st and one pick swap, with Simons and Sharpe in their primes.
If you exclude Dame Ant Sharpe I don't see how that could ever be the Nets best offer. Little Hart Keon 3 picks 3 swaps just doesn't seem to be enough. Not a single enticing player. Probably the only way this could happen is if Durant preferred it and put a lot of pressure on the Nets while discoursing other team from trading for him. Even then they probably just keep him until the deadline.
