2024-25 NBA Thread: Finals court designs NBA ordered off Temu finally came in (44 Viewers)

[Jayrod]

Celtics B2B?
I don't see any player movement that is going to change the story arc heading into 2025.
What teams are light years better thru free agency thus far?
Denver is still as good as anyone in the West

And the Heat continue to do nothing, DeRozan now being linked

The Celtics should be the favorites, but who knows if they will repeat. The majority of us thought that the Nuggets were too good not to repeat and they lost in the second round. Weird things can happen. I would say there are 6 to 8 teams that can win it next year.

The East will be tougher just so long as everyone's best player doesn't get hurt.

The Knicks are a clear #2 right now. If Embiid and Giannis come into the playoffs healthy and the Pacers get a little better, there will be some good playoff series.

I don't think the Knicks are the clear #2. Lots of ambiguity after Boston.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Knicks land the #1 seed. They are deep and talented, play great defense, rebound and play hard all season. They needed one more guy to stay healthy to beat Indiana.

Philly has to sort out the rest of their roster and get PG integrated with Embiid and Maxey. Bucks aren't a well built team and getting older. Miami doesn't have enough talent and Butler is getting too old to be their #1. Indiana is probably the closest, but they aren't suddenly going to just play better defense without a personnel or philosophy change. Cavs and Magic are both still a notch below the Knicks as constructed as well.

We'll see, but the only team I have faith in keeping pace with Boston during the season is New York.

 

[mr. furley]

[Charania] Bronny James plans to sign a multiyear guaranteed rookie contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The No. 55 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft starts his NBA career on the Lakers roster.

Outrage!

Is anybody (worth paying attention to) really outraged or is this yet another race baiting, media driven story?

Im a charter member of the Lebron James Hater-wagon but I'm not going to take that out on his kid. Is it nepotism? Maybe, but Bronny still has James DNA and thats worth a 2nd round draft pick on its own.

I feel badly for the situation the young guy is in

It's A LOT of pressure. I admire the drive considering he could just be hitting the clubs with Dads money and nobody would bat an eye.

Yea but then Bronny says “I never really thought about playing with my dad” or something like that. It’s just all so contrived.

Just like LeBron's suggestion that he'd take less to let them sign another player in free agency. So much for that.

2-years at $52 per average is less than Tatum, George, Cunningham and on par with Mitchell so... technically i guess he took less?

 

[Kev4029]

Celtics B2B?
I don't see any player movement that is going to change the story arc heading into 2025.
What teams are light years better thru free agency thus far?
Denver is still as good as anyone in the West

And the Heat continue to do nothing, DeRozan now being linked

The Celtics should be the favorites, but who knows if they will repeat. The majority of us thought that the Nuggets were too good not to repeat and they lost in the second round. Weird things can happen. I would say there are 6 to 8 teams that can win it next year.

The East will be tougher just so long as everyone's best player doesn't get hurt.

The Knicks are a clear #2 right now. If Embiid and Giannis come into the playoffs healthy and the Pacers get a little better, there will be some good playoff series.

I don't think the Knicks are the clear #2. Lots of ambiguity after Boston.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Knicks land the #1 seed. They are deep and talented, play great defense, rebound and play hard all season. They needed one more guy to stay healthy to beat Indiana.

Philly has to sort out the rest of their roster and get PG integrated with Embiid and Maxey. Bucks aren't a well built team and getting older. Miami doesn't have enough talent and Butler is getting too old to be their #1. Indiana is probably the closest, but they aren't suddenly going to just play better defense without a personnel or philosophy change. Cavs and Magic are both still a notch below the Knicks as constructed as well.

We'll see, but the only team I have faith in keeping pace with Boston during the season is New York.

Plus nobody cares about the regular season more than Thibs.

 

[Kev4029]

[Charania] Bronny James plans to sign a multiyear guaranteed rookie contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The No. 55 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft starts his NBA career on the Lakers roster.

Outrage!

Is anybody (worth paying attention to) really outraged or is this yet another race baiting, media driven story?

Im a charter member of the Lebron James Hater-wagon but I'm not going to take that out on his kid. Is it nepotism? Maybe, but Bronny still has James DNA and thats worth a 2nd round draft pick on its own.

I feel badly for the situation the young guy is in

It's A LOT of pressure. I admire the drive considering he could just be hitting the clubs with Dads money and nobody would bat an eye.

Yea but then Bronny says “I never really thought about playing with my dad” or something like that. It’s just all so contrived.

Just like LeBron's suggestion that he'd take less to let them sign another player in free agency. So much for that.

2-years at $52 per average is less than Tatum, George, Cunningham and on par with Mitchell so... technically i guess he took less?

He's making the max with a player option and a no trade clause.

 

[Kev4029]

Celtics B2B?
I don't see any player movement that is going to change the story arc heading into 2025.
What teams are light years better thru free agency thus far?
Denver is still as good as anyone in the West

And the Heat continue to do nothing, DeRozan now being linked

The Celtics should be the favorites, but who knows if they will repeat. The majority of us thought that the Nuggets were too good not to repeat and they lost in the second round. Weird things can happen. I would say there are 6 to 8 teams that can win it next year.

Murray wasn't even remotely right through the playoffs with his calf. If healthy, I still think they would have given the Celtics a run for their money. Alas, health plays a huge part of playoff basketball. The Nuggets were remarkably healthy last year and very dinged up this year.

 

[Major]

Celtics B2B?
I don't see any player movement that is going to change the story arc heading into 2025.
What teams are light years better thru free agency thus far?
Denver is still as good as anyone in the West

And the Heat continue to do nothing, DeRozan now being linked

The Celtics should be the favorites, but who knows if they will repeat. The majority of us thought that the Nuggets were too good not to repeat and they lost in the second round. Weird things can happen. I would say there are 6 to 8 teams that can win it next year.

The East will be tougher just so long as everyone's best player doesn't get hurt.

The Knicks are a clear #2 right now. If Embiid and Giannis come into the playoffs healthy and the Pacers get a little better, there will be some good playoff series.

I don't think the Knicks are the clear #2. Lots of ambiguity after Boston.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Knicks land the #1 seed. They are deep and talented, play great defense, rebound and play hard all season. They needed one more guy to stay healthy to beat Indiana.

Philly has to sort out the rest of their roster and get PG integrated with Embiid and Maxey. Bucks aren't a well built team and getting older. Miami doesn't have enough talent and Butler is getting too old to be their #1. Indiana is probably the closest, but they aren't suddenly going to just play better defense without a personnel or philosophy change. Cavs and Magic are both still a notch below the Knicks as constructed as well.

We'll see, but the only team I have faith in keeping pace with Boston during the season is New York.

I agree with some of your points but I think you're trading on yesterdays information. I think 2-7 is up for grabs with a lot of younger teams improving.

 

[the moops]

Celtics B2B?
I don't see any player movement that is going to change the story arc heading into 2025.
What teams are light years better thru free agency thus far?
Denver is still as good as anyone in the West

And the Heat continue to do nothing, DeRozan now being linked

The Celtics should be the favorites, but who knows if they will repeat. The majority of us thought that the Nuggets were too good not to repeat and they lost in the second round. Weird things can happen. I would say there are 6 to 8 teams that can win it next year.

Murray wasn't even remotely right through the playoffs with his calf. If healthy, I still think they would have given the Celtics a run for their money. Alas, health plays a huge part of playoff basketball. The Nuggets were remarkably healthy last year and very dinged up this year.

Everyone seems to gloss over the fact that Boston had Porzingis for 3 full games in their 19 game playoff run. If healthy, Boston may have only lost 1 game all playoffs

 

[Anarchy99]

I wouldn't be surprised if the Knicks land the #1 seed. They are deep and talented, play great defense, rebound and play hard all season. They needed one more guy to stay healthy to beat Indiana.

Philly has to sort out the rest of their roster and get PG integrated with Embiid and Maxey. Bucks aren't a well built team and getting older. Miami doesn't have enough talent and Butler is getting too old to be their #1. Indiana is probably the closest, but they aren't suddenly going to just play better defense without a personnel or philosophy change. Cavs and Magic are both still a notch below the Knicks as constructed as well.

We'll see, but the only team I have faith in keeping pace with Boston during the season is New York.

The Knicks should be better if they are healthier, but IMO, they still are a long way from catching up and passing BOS. We have no idea if the puzzle pieces they have fit together, and as of now, I think center could be a weak spot. I'm not saying the Knicks won't be good, but I think there are guys on that team that when playing a bigger role put up numbers they won't produce as role players (or with fewer minutes).

I get it, BOS could be the team that sees a bunch of injuries this upcoming season, but assuming everyone is healthy on both teams, a case could be made that Boston's 5 starters rank in the Top 40ish players in the league while the Knicks probably only have one in Brunson. New York probably has 5 other players ranked in the 50-100 range, but I don't think they will have enough to outclass BOS this year. I also think BOS could be better this year with the monkey off their backs, Mazzulla earning more street cred as a coach, and the team as constituted having a full year under their belt playing together. Nothing has changed as far as BOS being a nightmare to match up with on offense and defense.

One thing I forgot to mention during the Finals is BOS was preemptively switching guys off the ball and away from pick and roll action before DAL even set up their offense. The Mavs then couldn't get the match ups they wanted and couldn't figure out how to reset their chess pieces, resulting in many possessions where Luka had no choice but to hold onto the ball and then shoot a tough shot as the clock was expiring. If you look at clips or plays in slow motion, JB and Horford were usually the two guys involved in the defensive set above the break, but Jrue, White, and Tatum were constantly shifting and rotating to take away what the Mavs were trying to run. Those three usually minimized cuts, corner threes, lobs, and passing angles. They really nailed the game plan on how to handle Dallas defensively.

 

[Yo Mama]

Basically, Lakers have until LeBron officially signs his deal to be able to aggregate players in trades and take in more salary than they send out. Once he signs they are a second apron team. No rush, Rob!

 

[Yo Mama]

Lakers scrimmages after adding their two new assistant coaches:

x.com

x.com

 

[Yo Mama]

Lakers scrimmages after adding their two new assistant coaches:

x.com

x.com

Better footage:

x.com

x.com

 

[Beef Ravioli Part 2]

Lavine, Reaves, Bridges, Lebron, AD is a good lineup

And then you throw in Bronny!

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

4-years and $7.9MM for Bronny. Is that normal?

 

[Kev4029]

Celtics B2B?
I don't see any player movement that is going to change the story arc heading into 2025.
What teams are light years better thru free agency thus far?
Denver is still as good as anyone in the West

And the Heat continue to do nothing, DeRozan now being linked

The Celtics should be the favorites, but who knows if they will repeat. The majority of us thought that the Nuggets were too good not to repeat and they lost in the second round. Weird things can happen. I would say there are 6 to 8 teams that can win it next year.

Murray wasn't even remotely right through the playoffs with his calf. If healthy, I still think they would have given the Celtics a run for their money. Alas, health plays a huge part of playoff basketball. The Nuggets were remarkably healthy last year and very dinged up this year.

Everyone seems to gloss over the fact that Boston had Porzingis for 3 full games in their 19 game playoff run. If healthy, Boston may have only lost 1 game all playoffs

Totally agree, and I made some comment before the Mavs series started that people were underselling the Celtics with Porzingis. Even prior to the playoffs starting I would have had the Celtics as reasonably strong favorites to win the title and slight favorites against the Nuggets (although I obviously had to pick the nuggets in are little playoff pick thing).

 

[Kev4029]

4-years and $7.9MM for Bronny. Is that normal?

Yeah. Rookie second round pick minimum is like $1.2m but the second year jumps to like $2.2. If he has 4 guaranteed years, that would be remarkably uncommon, but I assume at least the last two years are non - guaranteed which is more typical.

 

[Yo Mama]

4-years and $7.9MM for Bronny. Is that normal?

Yes. Its the new 2nd round player exemption that lots of players get.

 

[Kev4029]

4-years and $7.9MM for Bronny. Is that normal?

Yeah. Rookie second round pick minimum is like $1.2m but the second year jumps to like $2.2. If he has 4 guaranteed years, that would be remarkably uncommon, but I assume at least the last two years are non - guaranteed which is more typical.

From Bobby Marks.

 

[Yo Mama]

4-years and $7.9MM for Bronny. Is that normal?

Yeah. Rookie second round pick minimum is like $1.2m but the second year jumps to like $2.2. If he has 4 guaranteed years, that would be remarkably uncommon, but I assume at least the last two years are non - guaranteed which is more typical.

The 4th year is a team option for the Bronny deal. Some times the 3rd year isn’t guaranteed but looks like it is guaranteed here.

 

[msudaisy26]

Celtics B2B?
I don't see any player movement that is going to change the story arc heading into 2025.
What teams are light years better thru free agency thus far?
Denver is still as good as anyone in the West

And the Heat continue to do nothing, DeRozan now being linked

The Celtics should be the favorites, but who knows if they will repeat. The majority of us thought that the Nuggets were too good not to repeat and they lost in the second round. Weird things can happen. I would say there are 6 to 8 teams that can win it next year.

Murray wasn't even remotely right through the playoffs with his calf. If healthy, I still think they would have given the Celtics a run for their money. Alas, health plays a huge part of playoff basketball. The Nuggets were remarkably healthy last year and very dinged up this year.

That happens with deep playoff runs the year before, the extra games, the celebration that seems to go on for weeks after and it turns a full offseason into half an offseason.

It wouldn't surprise me if the Celtics were tired and dinged up going into playoffs and the 2nd seeded Celtics got bounced in round 2 by the the 3rd seeded Knicks, Bucks, 76ers, Magic, or Pacers.

 

[the moops]

4-years and $7.9MM for Bronny. Is that normal?

1) This is the son of the best or 2nd best player ever drafted by his team.
2) That fact is not normal, nor is anything related to Lebron
3) Other 2nd round picks have indeed gotten guaranteed 4 year deals. Last year Denver gave Pickett a 4/8.2 deal

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

4-years and $7.9MM for Bronny. Is that normal?

1) This is the son of the best or 2nd best player ever drafted by his team.
2) That fact is not normal, nor is anything related to Lebron
3) Other 2nd round picks have indeed gotten guaranteed 4 year deals. Last year Denver gave Pickett a 4/8.2 deal

Just curious. He definitely needs the money. lol

 

[msudaisy26]

The Warriors are obviously trying to go for it one last time, but Slo-Mo and Hield can't be the only moves, can it? They can't honestly believe those two put them in contention. Are they going after Markkanen, Ingram or Derozan?

 

[Major]

4-years and $7.9MM for Bronny. Is that normal?

1) This is the son of the best or 2nd best player ever drafted by his team.
2) That fact is not normal, nor is anything related to Lebron
3) Other 2nd round picks have indeed gotten guaranteed 4 year deals. Last year Denver gave Pickett a 4/8.2 deal

Probably taking a pay cut after all that NIL money

 

[msudaisy26]

4-years and $7.9MM for Bronny. Is that normal?

1) This is the son of the best or 2nd best player ever drafted by his team.
2) That fact is not normal, nor is anything related to Lebron
3) Other 2nd round picks have indeed gotten guaranteed 4 year deals. Last year Denver gave Pickett a 4/8.2 deal

Just curious. He definitely needs the money. lol

I think Shaq said it best when his kids said we are rich.

Shaq said " I am rich, you all need to go get a job"

 

[Major]

The Warriors are obviously trying to go for it one last time, but Slo-Mo and Hield can't be the only moves, can it? They can't honestly believe those two put them in contention. Are they going after Markkanen, Ingram or Derozan?

They definitely are. Think it's Lauri but sure Ainge is demanding a king's ransom

 

[Yo Mama]

4-years and $7.9MM for Bronny. Is that normal?

Yeah. Rookie second round pick minimum is like $1.2m but the second year jumps to like $2.2. If he has 4 guaranteed years, that would be remarkably uncommon, but I assume at least the last two years are non - guaranteed which is more typical.

The 4th year is a team option for the Bronny deal. Some times the 3rd year isn’t guaranteed but looks like it is guaranteed here.

I was wrong, sounds like there is a partial guarantee for the third year. Very typical contract.

 

[thecatch]

The Warriors are obviously trying to go for it one last time, but Slo-Mo and Hield can't be the only moves, can it? They can't honestly believe those two put them in contention. Are they going after Markkanen, Ingram or Derozan?

They got Melton who is probably better than Klay at this point. Absent a Markkanen trade I guess they'll be banking on Kuminga making a huge leap to offset the declines of Curry and Green. Wiggins is probably too far removed from competence to hope he starts playing like he did in 2022 again, but that'd obviously help as well.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Sixers in talks for Dorian Finney-Smith apparently, in addition to working on sign-and-trade of Hield to Warriors. Wonder if 3-team possible?

 

[the moops]

They got Melton who is probably better than Klay at this point

That was a good get but it is a marginal upgrade at best. This team was a play in team last year that got trounced by Sacramento. They need huge improvements from young guys and father time to hold off on Steph and Draymond to be anything but a play in team again.

 

[msudaisy26]

I think the league is in good hands with all.the young superstars coming up, but this is the end of a great era with Lebron, Durant, Steph etc. Sad to see them go.

 

[Capella]

4-years and $7.9MM for Bronny. Is that normal?

Yeah. Rookie second round pick minimum is like $1.2m but the second year jumps to like $2.2. If he has 4 guaranteed years, that would be remarkably uncommon, but I assume at least the last two years are non - guaranteed which is more typical.

The 4th year is a team option for the Bronny deal. Some times the 3rd year isn’t guaranteed but looks like it is guaranteed here.

I was wrong, sounds like there is a partial guarantee for the third year. Very typical contract.

But how can I be outraged then

 

[Desert_Power]

Kemba Walker finally retired yesterday and joined Charlotte's staff as a "player enhancement coach"

Such a fun player to watch here in Charlotte. It was a big kick in the nads when he left for Boston and a shame he couldn't stay healthy up there.

 

[msudaisy26]

Just seen something that says only two players in the NBA have a no trade clause. Lebron James and Bradley Beal.

 

[Kev4029]

Just seen something that says only two players in the NBA have a no trade clause. Lebron James and Bradley Beal.

And I think Beal was the first player to get one since Kobe. That is half of the reason it was so baffling to give Beal one.

 

[Eephus]

Just seen something that says only two players in the NBA have a no trade clause. Lebron James and Bradley Beal.

Trading Bronny for a future 2nd would be quality schtick.

 

[Yo Mama]

Taurean Prince at the minimum for the Bucks was a nice get.

 

[Frostillicus]

Wolves steal Joe Ingles from the Magic. Suck on that @Capella @Crapella

 

[the moops]

Taurean Prince at the minimum for the Bucks was a nice get.

Is it? He’s been bad for a few years now. Bucks need more than that if they are hoping to compete with the Boston, New York, Philly top 3.

 

[Yo Mama]

Taurean Prince at the minimum for the Bucks was a nice get.

Is it? He’s been bad for a few years now. Bucks need more than that if they are hoping to compete with the Boston, New York, Philly top 3.

He was pretty good once Ham figured out how to properly use him better (not as a starter / facilitator). He was much more efficient post all star break.

 

[Frostillicus]

Taurean Prince at the minimum for the Bucks was a nice get.

Is it? He’s been bad for a few years now. Bucks need more than that if they are hoping to compete with the Boston, New York, Philly top 3.

He was pretty good once Ham figured out how to properly use him better (not as a starter / facilitator). He was much more efficient post all star break.

I would have been happy if the Wolves got him back at that salary.

 

[Yo Mama]

Taurean Prince at the minimum for the Bucks was a nice get.

Is it? He’s been bad for a few years now. Bucks need more than that if they are hoping to compete with the Boston, New York, Philly top 3.

He was pretty good once Ham figured out how to properly use him better (not as a starter / facilitator). He was much more efficient post all star break.

I would have been happy if the Wolves got him back at that salary.

I’d definitely rather have him at the minimum instead of Cam frickin Reddish.

 

[the moops]

I’d definitely rather have him at the minimum instead of Cam frickin Reddish.

I don't love all in one metrics but when trying to compare guys, I find these DARKO charts to be pretty slick. Added a couple other guys that have been talked about on this last page.

https://apanalytics.shinyapps.io/DARKO// Click on "historical career trajectory"

https://imgur.com/a/imieSWJ

 

[Major]

I’d definitely rather have him at the minimum instead of Cam frickin Reddish.

I don't love all in one metrics but when trying to compare guys, I find these DARKO charts to be pretty slick. Added a couple other guys that have been talked about on this last page.

https://apanalytics.shinyapps.io/DARKO// Click on "historical career trajectory"

https://imgur.com/a/imieSWJ

I forgot about Darko. I'm sure MSU tries as well. What a historic bust in a can't miss draft. Makes you wonder how different their history would have been if they hit on Wade, Bosh, etc.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I’d definitely rather have him at the minimum instead of Cam frickin Reddish.

I don't love all in one metrics but when trying to compare guys, I find these DARKO charts to be pretty slick. Added a couple other guys that have been talked about on this last page.

https://apanalytics.shinyapps.io/DARKO// Click on "historical career trajectory"

https://imgur.com/a/imieSWJ

I forgot about Darko. I'm sure MSU tries as well. What a historic bust in a can't miss draft. Makes you wonder how different their history would have been if they hit on Wade, Bosh, etc.

Melo swears darko was really good though in workouts they had together. Just never put it all together

 

[Juxtatarot]

@thecatch I'm curious what you think of these rumors/reports about the Kings' interest in DeMar DeRozan. Assuming DeMar gets more than the MLE, the Kings seem like the only destination that might work out financially and logistically in a sign-and-trade. It's been reported that the Bulls have interest in Huerter so he could be most of the salary coming back. The problem with this for the Bulls, though, is they are only $13 million under the tax threshold and Huerter makes almost $17 million. A third team would probably have to be involved to dump some salary on.

 

[thecatch]

@thecatch I'm curious what you think of these rumors/reports about the Kings' interest in DeMar DeRozan. Assuming DeMar gets more than the MLE, the Kings seem like the only destination that might work out financially and logistically in a sign-and-trade. It's been reported that the Bulls have interest in Huerter so he could be most of the salary coming back. The problem with this for the Bulls, though, is they are only $13 million under the tax threshold and Huerter makes almost $17 million. A third team would probably have to be involved to dump some salary on.

If the Kings are actually interested, I'm sure that it is a backup plan at best. They might need Huerter and/or his salary for some of the other bigger trades they're looking at. Derozan would be an upgrade but not a massive one, I don't think. I suspect the rumors are probably coming from Derozan's camp trying to create some leverage to get one of the teams he'd actually like to play for (Lakers or Heat?) to do a sign and trade instead of just offering some version of the MLE.

 

[Yo Mama]

@thecatch I'm curious what you think of these rumors/reports about the Kings' interest in DeMar DeRozan. Assuming DeMar gets more than the MLE, the Kings seem like the only destination that might work out financially and logistically in a sign-and-trade. It's been reported that the Bulls have interest in Huerter so he could be most of the salary coming back. The problem with this for the Bulls, though, is they are only $13 million under the tax threshold and Huerter makes almost $17 million. A third team would probably have to be involved to dump some salary on.

If the Kings are actually interested, I'm sure that it is a backup plan at best. They might need Huerter and/or his salary for some of the other bigger trades they're looking at. Derozan would be an upgrade but not a massive one, I don't think. I suspect the rumors are probably coming from Derozan's camp trying to create some leverage to get one of the teams he'd actually like to play for (Lakers or Heat?) to do a sign and trade instead of just offering some version of the MLE.

DeRozan is definitely out for the Lakers. The only way the Lakers could use the TPMLE (which DeRozan says he doesn’t want anyway) or to do a S&T is if they’re capped at the first apron, which would have required LeBron to take a $25m haircut. That’s out the window now.

 

[Juxtatarot]

@thecatch I'm curious what you think of these rumors/reports about the Kings' interest in DeMar DeRozan. Assuming DeMar gets more than the MLE, the Kings seem like the only destination that might work out financially and logistically in a sign-and-trade. It's been reported that the Bulls have interest in Huerter so he could be most of the salary coming back. The problem with this for the Bulls, though, is they are only $13 million under the tax threshold and Huerter makes almost $17 million. A third team would probably have to be involved to dump some salary on.

If the Kings are actually interested, I'm sure that it is a backup plan at best. They might need Huerter and/or his salary for some of the other bigger trades they're looking at. Derozan would be an upgrade but not a massive one, I don't think. I suspect the rumors are probably coming from Derozan's camp trying to create some leverage to get one of the teams he'd actually like to play for (Lakers or Heat?) to do a sign and trade instead of just offering some version of the MLE.

DeRozan is definitely out for the Lakers. The only way the Lakers could use the TPMLE (which DeRozan says he doesn’t want anyway) or to do a S&T is if they’re capped at the first apron, which would have required LeBron to take a $25m haircut. That’s out the window now.

I don't think Miami makes much sense either. I don't think they have players available at the salaries the Bulls would accept so another team would have to be added and heavily involved in taking on salary. I also question DeMar's fit with Jimmy.

 

[trader jake]

I’d definitely rather have him at the minimum instead of Cam frickin Reddish.

I don't love all in one metrics but when trying to compare guys, I find these DARKO charts to be pretty slick. Added a couple other guys that have been talked about on this last page.

https://apanalytics.shinyapps.io/DARKO// Click on "historical career trajectory"

https://imgur.com/a/imieSWJ

I forgot about Darko. I'm sure MSU tries as well. What a historic bust in a can't miss draft. Makes you wonder how different their history would have been if they hit on Wade, Bosh, etc.

Melo swears darko was really good though in workouts they had together. Just never put it all together

Yeah, and Packers fans heard how good Tony Mandarich was in pre draft workouts too. Darko is the "Incredible Bulk" of the NBA. Among the biggest draft busts in league history, made even more painful by the 3-4 time champion taken at #1 in front of them and the Hall of Fame talent taken immediately after their selection.

1989 NFL Draft
1- Troy Aikman QB (Dallas)
2- Tony Mandarich OL (Green Bay)
3- Barry Sanders RB (Detroit)
4- Derrick Thomas OLB (Kansas City)
5- Deion Sanders CB (Atlanta)

2003 NBA Draft
1- LeBron James SF (Cleveland)
2- Darko Milicic C (Detroit)
3- Carmelo Anthony SF (Denver)
4- Chris Bosh PF (Toronto)
5- Dwayne Wade SG (Miami)

 

[thecatch]

@thecatch I'm curious what you think of these rumors/reports about the Kings' interest in DeMar DeRozan. Assuming DeMar gets more than the MLE, the Kings seem like the only destination that might work out financially and logistically in a sign-and-trade. It's been reported that the Bulls have interest in Huerter so he could be most of the salary coming back. The problem with this for the Bulls, though, is they are only $13 million under the tax threshold and Huerter makes almost $17 million. A third team would probably have to be involved to dump some salary on.

If the Kings are actually interested, I'm sure that it is a backup plan at best. They might need Huerter and/or his salary for some of the other bigger trades they're looking at. Derozan would be an upgrade but not a massive one, I don't think. I suspect the rumors are probably coming from Derozan's camp trying to create some leverage to get one of the teams he'd actually like to play for (Lakers or Heat?) to do a sign and trade instead of just offering some version of the MLE.

DeRozan is definitely out for the Lakers. The only way the Lakers could use the TPMLE (which DeRozan says he doesn’t want anyway) or to do a S&T is if they’re capped at the first apron, which would have required LeBron to take a $25m haircut. That’s out the window now.

I don't think Miami makes much sense either. I don't think they have players available at the salaries the Bulls would accept so another team would have to be added and heavily involved in taking on salary. I also question DeMar's fit with Jimmy.

I guess that begs the question why someone would pay more than the MLE for him if he doesn’t have any market.