*NBA THREAD* Abe will be missed (1 Viewer)

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Hard to see Dragic not being dealt. Numerous teams he fits in for. No reason they can't get a 1st rounder or a recent 1st round pick.

They'll only be getting that from LA, NY or MIA now

Naw. 2015: Houston (Pelicans pick), Indy, Detroit. Dragic fills a need/upgrade in both Detroit and Indy short and long term (and both are only game/two out of East playoff picture). Suns would be fine obtaining 2016 1st+ (which you can throw in countless teams) if it came to that. Those are just the future pick scenarios.

1st round picks = Kings (McLemore/Stauskas), Rockets (Jones, etc...). Not going to go around the league with all the possibilities but you get the point.

There's countless scenarios for a Dragic deal which is why I see something getting done. Suns are motivated to deal & if comes to it will take a less than market deal. They know there's no future with 3 PG's (with another 2 waiting in the background in Archie Goodwin and Tyler Ennis)

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Hard to see Dragic not being dealt. Numerous teams he fits in for. No reason they can't get a 1st rounder or a recent 1st round pick.

They'll only be getting that from LA, NY or MIA now

Naw. 2015: Houston (Pelicans pick), Indy, Detroit. Dragic fills a need/upgrade in both Detroit and Indy short and long term (and both are only game/two out of East playoff picture). Suns would be fine obtaining 2016 1st+ (which you can throw in countless teams) if it came to that.

1st round picks = Kings (McLemore/Stauskas), Rockets (Jones, etc...). Not going to go around the league with all the possibilities but you get the point.

There's countless scenarios for a Dragic deal which is why I see something getting done.

That'd be pretty dumb of them.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Dragic saying he won't re-sign with the Suns next year and wants to be traded to the Lakers, Knicks, or Heat.

Would the Knicks or Lakers get any benefit by trading for him now versus waiting until he is a FA this summer? Bird rights just mean they can pay him more $, right?

Sounds like lose/lose to give up assets for him now just to pay more for him in the next contract. I guess that makes perfect Knicks/Lakers sense, though.

It is for sure lose/lose for the Lakers or Knicks. He would make those teams better and they might move up a spot or 2 and lose some ping pong balls. The Heat is a different story.

While he'd surely make the Knicks "better" - they're still not going to win any more often (they are just that bad), especially if his scoring is merely replacing Anthony's after he shuts it down for the season. With that said, unless he commits long term to whatever team that trades for him as a prerequisite to a trade, I agree that there's no benefit to doing it now.

 

[Bobcat10]

i would love to see the bucks get kanter but i do not know if they are willing to pay the price or if he woudl want to come to milwaukee but man another young guy on this roster you would have to worry about the bucks in two or three years take that to the bank brohans

What's the price for Kanter?

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Given how aggressive McDonough's been in Phoenix, it's a slam dunk he's gone IMO. Too many teams that could use him in short and/or long term.

The Celtics and the Kings are the latest teams to express interest in acquiring Goran Dragic from the Suns.
While the Lakers, Heat and Knicks are reportedly his preferred destinations, the Pacers, Rockets, Celtics and Kings are expected to make some noise at the deadline so it's possible that we could see a bidding war for Dragic's services very soon. The Suns are hoping to receive a first-round pick and a player with All-Star potential in return, but they would be playing with fire if they decided to keep him until the end of the season in the hope of trying to convince him to stay. Nothing is imminent at the moment, but this story is only going to heat up as we approach the deadline.


Source: Marc Stein on Twitter


‏@ESPNSteinLine
Teams that would gamble on Dragic deal now (Celtics/Rockets/Kings) are banking on idea fifth year would make big difference in free agency

‏@ESPNSteinLine 1h1 hour ago
Only team with Dragic on roster as of 3PM Thursday can give five years in free agency ... which is why PHX could also take risk and keep him

 

[Kev4029]

Dragic isn't getting traded to the Lakers, Heat or Knicks this week. They just don't have anything to offer and the Suns aren't getting rid of one of their best players for almost nothing when they are in the middle of a fight for the 8 seed.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Dragic isn't getting traded to the Lakers, Heat or Knicks this week. They just don't have anything to offer and the Suns aren't getting rid of one of their best players for almost nothing when they are in the middle of a fight for the 8 seed.

Gotta think the Suns would like to move him to LA. He'd help them get an extra few wins which may bumped the Lakers down to the 6th picks.

 

[thecatch]

Given how aggressive McDonough's been in Phoenix, it's a slam dunk he's gone IMO. Too many teams that could use him in short and/or long term.



The Celtics and the Kings are the latest teams to express interest in acquiring Goran Dragic from the Suns.

While the Lakers, Heat and Knicks are reportedly his preferred destinations, the Pacers, Rockets, Celtics and Kings are expected to make some noise at the deadline so it's possible that we could see a bidding war for Dragic's services very soon. The Suns are hoping to receive a first-round pick and a player with All-Star potential in return, but they would be playing with fire if they decided to keep him until the end of the season in the hope of trying to convince him to stay. Nothing is imminent at the moment, but this story is only going to heat up as we approach the deadline.

Source: Marc Stein on Twitter



45]

‏@ESPNSteinLine

Teams that would gamble on Dragic deal now (Celtics/Rockets/Kings) are banking on idea fifth year would make big difference in free agency


‏@ESPNSteinLine 1h1 hour ago

Only team with Dragic on roster as of 3PM Thursday can give five years in free agency ... which is why PHX could also take risk and keep him

Wonder how serious the teams outside Dragic's wish list are. May just be a rumor generated by the Suns to drive up the price.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Given how aggressive McDonough's been in Phoenix, it's a slam dunk he's gone IMO. Too many teams that could use him in short and/or long term.

The Celtics and the Kings are the latest teams to express interest in acquiring Goran Dragic from the Suns.

While the Lakers, Heat and Knicks are reportedly his preferred destinations, the Pacers, Rockets, Celtics and Kings are expected to make some noise at the deadline so it's possible that we could see a bidding war for Dragic's services very soon. The Suns are hoping to receive a first-round pick and a player with All-Star potential in return, but they would be playing with fire if they decided to keep him until the end of the season in the hope of trying to convince him to stay. Nothing is imminent at the moment, but this story is only going to heat up as we approach the deadline.



Source: Marc Stein on Twitter

45]

‏@ESPNSteinLine

Teams that would gamble on Dragic deal now (Celtics/Rockets/Kings) are banking on idea fifth year would make big difference in free agency



‏@ESPNSteinLine 1h1 hour ago

Only team with Dragic on roster as of 3PM Thursday can give five years in free agency ... which is why PHX could also take risk and keep him

Wonder how serious the teams outside Dragic's wish list are. May just be a rumor generated by the Suns to drive up the price.

Given he'd be a significant upgrade to what those teams have now + pieces to move, Suns really don't have to create rumors for Dragic. He's drawn trade interest all year but they've remained steadfast they wanted to keep him until now.

He hasn't played any worse than last year (when he won Most Improved/MVP votes). Just has to play off the ball a ton more with a healthy Bledsoe and IT2. A situation that likely isn't going to change anytime soon.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Given how aggressive McDonough's been in Phoenix, it's a slam dunk he's gone IMO. Too many teams that could use him in short and/or long term.

The Celtics and the Kings are the latest teams to express interest in acquiring Goran Dragic from the Suns.

While the Lakers, Heat and Knicks are reportedly his preferred destinations, the Pacers, Rockets, Celtics and Kings are expected to make some noise at the deadline so it's possible that we could see a bidding war for Dragic's services very soon. The Suns are hoping to receive a first-round pick and a player with All-Star potential in return, but they would be playing with fire if they decided to keep him until the end of the season in the hope of trying to convince him to stay. Nothing is imminent at the moment, but this story is only going to heat up as we approach the deadline.



Source: Marc Stein on Twitter

45]

‏@ESPNSteinLine

Teams that would gamble on Dragic deal now (Celtics/Rockets/Kings) are banking on idea fifth year would make big difference in free agency



‏@ESPNSteinLine 1h1 hour ago

Only team with Dragic on roster as of 3PM Thursday can give five years in free agency ... which is why PHX could also take risk and keep him

Wonder how serious the teams outside Dragic's wish list are. May just be a rumor generated by the Suns to drive up the price.

Rockets and Lakers have been the two teams I've heard most around here, so I'd have to believe at least that one is legit. I really don't see how they reach a deal with any of these teams without involving a 3rd team.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Given how aggressive McDonough's been in Phoenix, it's a slam dunk he's gone IMO. Too many teams that could use him in short and/or long term.

The Celtics and the Kings are the latest teams to express interest in acquiring Goran Dragic from the Suns.

While the Lakers, Heat and Knicks are reportedly his preferred destinations, the Pacers, Rockets, Celtics and Kings are expected to make some noise at the deadline so it's possible that we could see a bidding war for Dragic's services very soon. The Suns are hoping to receive a first-round pick and a player with All-Star potential in return, but they would be playing with fire if they decided to keep him until the end of the season in the hope of trying to convince him to stay. Nothing is imminent at the moment, but this story is only going to heat up as we approach the deadline.



Source: Marc Stein on Twitter

45]

‏@ESPNSteinLine

Teams that would gamble on Dragic deal now (Celtics/Rockets/Kings) are banking on idea fifth year would make big difference in free agency



‏@ESPNSteinLine 1h1 hour ago

Only team with Dragic on roster as of 3PM Thursday can give five years in free agency ... which is why PHX could also take risk and keep him

Wonder how serious the teams outside Dragic's wish list are. May just be a rumor generated by the Suns to drive up the price.

Given he'd be a significant upgrade to what they have now + pieces to move, Suns really don't have to create rumors for Dragic. He's drawn trade interest all yea but they've remained steadfast they wanted to keep him until now.

He hasn't played any worse than last year (when he won Most Improved/MVP votes). Just has to play off the ball a ton more with a healthy Bledsoe and IT2. A situation that likely isn't going to change anytime soon.

Sadly, I think their preference all along was to have Bledsoe and Dragic. They signed Thomas because they had the money, they couldn't attract anybody bigger, and they needed insurance for Dragic walking. Even as the season has progressed, it seemed like their preference was to re-sign Dragic and move Thomas. But they shot themselves in the foot with the way they've used them.

 

[thecatch]

Given how aggressive McDonough's been in Phoenix, it's a slam dunk he's gone IMO. Too many teams that could use him in short and/or long term.

The Celtics and the Kings are the latest teams to express interest in acquiring Goran Dragic from the Suns.

While the Lakers, Heat and Knicks are reportedly his preferred destinations, the Pacers, Rockets, Celtics and Kings are expected to make some noise at the deadline so it's possible that we could see a bidding war for Dragic's services very soon. The Suns are hoping to receive a first-round pick and a player with All-Star potential in return, but they would be playing with fire if they decided to keep him until the end of the season in the hope of trying to convince him to stay. Nothing is imminent at the moment, but this story is only going to heat up as we approach the deadline.



Source: Marc Stein on Twitter

45]

‏@ESPNSteinLine

Teams that would gamble on Dragic deal now (Celtics/Rockets/Kings) are banking on idea fifth year would make big difference in free agency

‏@ESPNSteinLine 1h1 hour ago

Only team with Dragic on roster as of 3PM Thursday can give five years in free agency ... which is why PHX could also take risk and keep him

Wonder how serious the teams outside Dragic's wish list are. May just be a rumor generated by the Suns to drive up the price.

Given he'd be a significant upgrade to what those teams have now + pieces to move, Suns really don't have to create rumors for Dragic. He's drawn trade interest all year but they've remained steadfast they wanted to keep him until now.He hasn't played any worse than last year (when he won Most Improved/MVP votes). Just has to play off the ball a ton more with a healthy Bledsoe and IT2. A situation that likely isn't going to change anytime soon.

Well, would he be an upgrade for a lot of teams? Certainly. Is he a franchise, max salary guy? Is he worth a valuable asset or two for a half season rental on a bad team if he has no interest at all in reupping there? I don't think so.

 

[thecatch]

that is crappy i hope that he is ok

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Given how aggressive McDonough's been in Phoenix, it's a slam dunk he's gone IMO. Too many teams that could use him in short and/or long term.

The Celtics and the Kings are the latest teams to express interest in acquiring Goran Dragic from the Suns.

While the Lakers, Heat and Knicks are reportedly his preferred destinations, the Pacers, Rockets, Celtics and Kings are expected to make some noise at the deadline so it's possible that we could see a bidding war for Dragic's services very soon. The Suns are hoping to receive a first-round pick and a player with All-Star potential in return, but they would be playing with fire if they decided to keep him until the end of the season in the hope of trying to convince him to stay. Nothing is imminent at the moment, but this story is only going to heat up as we approach the deadline.



Source: Marc Stein on Twitter

45]

‏@ESPNSteinLine

Teams that would gamble on Dragic deal now (Celtics/Rockets/Kings) are banking on idea fifth year would make big difference in free agency

‏@ESPNSteinLine 1h1 hour ago

Only team with Dragic on roster as of 3PM Thursday can give five years in free agency ... which is why PHX could also take risk and keep him

Wonder how serious the teams outside Dragic's wish list are. May just be a rumor generated by the Suns to drive up the price.

Given he'd be a significant upgrade to what those teams have now + pieces to move, Suns really don't have to create rumors for Dragic. He's drawn trade interest all year but they've remained steadfast they wanted to keep him until now.He hasn't played any worse than last year (when he won Most Improved/MVP votes). Just has to play off the ball a ton more with a healthy Bledsoe and IT2. A situation that likely isn't going to change anytime soon.

Well, would he be an upgrade for a lot of teams? Certainly. Is he a franchise, max salary guy? Is he worth a valuable asset or two for a half season rental on a bad team if he has no interest at all in reupping there? I don't think so.

Yeah he'd be an upgrade for a lot of teams. Do I think he's a max guy? No. Do I think Gordon Hayward was? No. Do I think some team will blow their load on him this offseason? Unquestionably.

So many teams will have money to burn. There's not going to be much better than comes along the pipe in free agency that's better (and realistic for some of these teams to obtain) than Dragic. As posted above in Stein's tweet, that 5th year will be pretty valuable for a 32-33 year old non-superstar.

Money talks. Always has. Always will. Especially for a guy signing what will be far and away the biggest deal of his career.

Here's a good article below showing the difference the 5th year would be. 4yrs for ~$80mil and 5yrs for ~$110 mil..

http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/02/18/report-suns-will-try-to-trade-goran-dragic-celtics-and-kings-show-interest/

 

[thecatch]

I'm suspicious that money will be the primary motivating factor when his wish list consists of three of the best markets in the league (LA, MIA, and NY). Could be wrong though. I'd deal an asset for him in a heartbeat if I were the Kings and I was convinced he would stay.

 

[SWC]

i would love to see the bucks get kanter but i do not know if they are willing to pay the price or if he woudl want to come to milwaukee but man another young guy on this roster you would have to worry about the bucks in two or three years take that to the bank brohans

What's the price for Kanter?

last i read they wanted a first and a young player bromigo

 

[TobiasFunke]

Cool graphic from fivethirtyeight on teams' winning percentages at a given point in the game

Blazers and Bulls are monster second-half teams. Not would I'd expect from the Bull given their heavy minutes for the starters, wonder if there's something else at work in the first half. Rockets are interesting too, they fall apart late. Is that on McHale? Couple East teams that fall apart in the second half too- Nets and Heat, both revolve around vets and lack depth.

You can see John Wall's substitution pattern in the Wiz graphic. Uptick when he's usually in the game (most of first quarter, all of third quarter, closes out halves), flattens out or drops off without him.

 

[msudaisy26]

i would love to see the bucks get kanter but i do not know if they are willing to pay the price or if he woudl want to come to milwaukee but man another young guy on this roster you would have to worry about the bucks in two or three years take that to the bank brohans

What's the price for Kanter?

last i read they wanted a first and a young player bromigo

So he is still going to be with the Jazz.

 

[Joe Summer]

Cool graphic from fivethirtyeight on teams' winning percentages at a given point in the game

Blazers and Bulls are monster second-half teams. Not would I'd expect from the Bull given their heavy minutes for the starters, wonder if there's something else at work in the first half. Rockets are interesting too, they fall apart late. Is that on McHale?

When you know who's going to take every single shot, it becomes easier to defend them...

 

[mcintyre1]

New Space Jam/Zach LaVine video from the Timberwolves outsourced Spanish PR department.

 

[Bobcat10]

i would love to see the bucks get kanter but i do not know if they are willing to pay the price or if he woudl want to come to milwaukee but man another young guy on this roster you would have to worry about the bucks in two or three years take that to the bank brohans

What's the price for Kanter?

last i read they wanted a first and a young player bromigo

So he is still going to be with the Jazz.

Depends who the player is I'd imagine. He's certainly worth somebody's 1st, no?

 

[SWC]

you know i have not looked at any mock drafts for the next nba draft yet and i guess it will depend on how many of the kentucky guys come out i mean this could actually be a pretty deep draft right take that to the bank brohans

 

[msudaisy26]

i would love to see the bucks get kanter but i do not know if they are willing to pay the price or if he woudl want to come to milwaukee but man another young guy on this roster you would have to worry about the bucks in two or three years take that to the bank brohans

What's the price for Kanter?

last i read they wanted a first and a young player bromigo

So he is still going to be with the Jazz.

Depends who the player is I'd imagine. He's certainly worth somebody's 1st, no?

I think he worth a first that is out of the lottery, but to add a young player in? It sounds like the Jazz want you to pay what he could be worth if he reaches his ceiling. Not what he is worth right now.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Would fit in nicely in LA for the next 5 years as a piece of the championship puzzle Kupchak is putting together.

 

[SWC]

Would fit in nicely in LA for the next 5 years as a piece of the championship puzzle Kupchak is putting together.

how do you put together a puzzle when you have one huge piece that repels other pieces that just sort of makes it hard take that to the bank brohan

 

[tommyGunZ]

Would fit in nicely in LA for the next 5 years as a piece of the championship puzzle Kupchak is putting together.

how do you put together a puzzle when you have one huge piece that repels other pieces that just sort of makes it hard take that to the bank brohan

That huge piece also tends to attract championship rings.

 

[Gr00vus]

It would be idiotic for the Lakers to trade for Dragic. Just sign him in the offseason if he's available. No way they should give up any useful assets and mess with the probabilities of landing a top 5 pick. With the way the league salary cap keeps changing I don't know that being able to offer a 5th year is that big an advantage if you're dealing with a player (or a player's agent) who has half a brain.

 

[saintfool]

Would fit in nicely in LA for the next 5 years as a piece of the championship puzzle Kupchak is putting together.

how do you put together a puzzle when you have one huge piece that repels other pieces that just sort of makes it hard take that to the bank brohan

That huge piece also tends to attract championship rings.

who is your coach again?

 

[tommyGunZ]

Would fit in nicely in LA for the next 5 years as a piece of the championship puzzle Kupchak is putting together.

how do you put together a puzzle when you have one huge piece that repels other pieces that just sort of makes it hard take that to the bank brohan

That huge piece also tends to attract championship rings.

who is your coach again?

That piece of the puzzle hasn't been acquired yet.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

It would be idiotic for the Lakers to trade for Dragic. Just sign him in the offseason if he's available. No way they should give up any useful assets and mess with the probabilities of landing a top 5 pick. With the way the league salary cap keeps changing I don't know that being able to offer a 5th year is that big an advantage if you're dealing with a player (or a player's agent) who has half a brain.

It's a huge advantage for Goran Dragic. (5th year) To the point it's not really even worth debating. He's not going to get back that money as a 33 year old free agent no matter the cap.

I don't think they have the assets that it'd take anyway. They've already reportedly rejected (and rightfully so) Phoenix's request to remove the Nash pick Top 5 protection for 2015.

 

[TobiasFunke]

It would be idiotic for the Lakers to trade for Dragic. Just sign him in the offseason if he's available. No way they should give up any useful assets and mess with the probabilities of landing a top 5 pick. With the way the league salary cap keeps changing I don't know that being able to offer a 5th year is that big an advantage if you're dealing with a player (or a player's agent) who has half a brain.

It's a huge advantage for Goran Dragic. (5th year) To the point it's not really even worth debating. He's not going to get back that money as a 33 year old free agent no matter the cap.

I don't think they have the assets that it'd take anyway. (They've already rejected (and rightfully so) Phoenix's request to remove the Nash pick protection.

Kind of agree. I think for most guys Groovus would be absolutely right, but Dragic's age and recent career year make him a bit of an exception here.

 

[SWC]

Would fit in nicely in LA for the next 5 years as a piece of the championship puzzle Kupchak is putting together.

how do you put together a puzzle when you have one huge piece that repels other pieces that just sort of makes it hard take that to the bank brohan

That huge piece also tends to attract championship rings.

i just do not think that is the case anymore i mean jee whiz look at this year before he got hurt he was just chucking it up left and right not making anyone better and playing worse than just about everyone else but still pretty clearly the focus on o i can not see anyone who matters wanting to play with that take that to the bank brohan

 

[Juxtatarot]

Cool graphic from fivethirtyeight on teams' winning percentages at a given point in the game

Blazers and Bulls are monster second-half teams. Not would I'd expect from the Bull given their heavy minutes for the starters, wonder if there's something else at work in the first half. Rockets are interesting too, they fall apart late. Is that on McHale? Couple East teams that fall apart in the second half too- Nets and Heat, both revolve around vets and lack depth.

You can see John Wall's substitution pattern in the Wiz graphic. Uptick when he's usually in the game (most of first quarter, all of third quarter, closes out halves), flattens out or drops off without him.

Interesting. The Bulls issue, in my opinion, has been a lack of effort. They seemingly often are just "going through the motions" to start but play harder when the game is on the line. It's funny because in recent years they were known as a team that competes hard in the regular season but lacks talent to perform well in the playoffs. This year, they might be the opposite.

 

[SWC]

Cool graphic from fivethirtyeight on teams' winning percentages at a given point in the game

Blazers and Bulls are monster second-half teams. Not would I'd expect from the Bull given their heavy minutes for the starters, wonder if there's something else at work in the first half. Rockets are interesting too, they fall apart late. Is that on McHale? Couple East teams that fall apart in the second half too- Nets and Heat, both revolve around vets and lack depth.

You can see John Wall's substitution pattern in the Wiz graphic. Uptick when he's usually in the game (most of first quarter, all of third quarter, closes out halves), flattens out or drops off without him.

Interesting. The Bulls issue, in my opinion, has been a lack of effort. They seemingly often are just "going through the motions" to start but play harder when the game is on the line. It's funny because in recent years they were known as a team that competes hard in the regular season but lacks talent to perform well in the playoffs. This year, they might be the opposite.

i think it will be interesting to see what tom t does with this roster and its talent in the playoffs i hope that he does really well and then when they can him in the second dumbest firing after harbaugh he goes somewhere else and beats the bulls every time he plays them take that to the bank bromigos

 

[RUSF18]

It would be idiotic for the Lakers to trade for Dragic. Just sign him in the offseason if he's available. No way they should give up any useful assets and mess with the probabilities of landing a top 5 pick. With the way the league salary cap keeps changing I don't know that being able to offer a 5th year is that big an advantage if you're dealing with a player (or a player's agent) who has half a brain.

It's a huge advantage for Goran Dragic. (5th year) To the point it's not really even worth debating. He's not going to get back that money as a 33 year old free agent no matter the cap.

I don't think they have the assets that it'd take anyway. (They've already rejected (and rightfully so) Phoenix's request to remove the Nash pick protection.

Kind of agree. I think for most guys Groovus would be absolutely right, but Dragic's age and recent career year make him a bit of an exception here.

Probably strong support for why teams should be hesitant to give out that deal in the first place too.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Cool graphic from fivethirtyeight on teams' winning percentages at a given point in the game

Blazers and Bulls are monster second-half teams. Not would I'd expect from the Bull given their heavy minutes for the starters, wonder if there's something else at work in the first half. Rockets are interesting too, they fall apart late. Is that on McHale? Couple East teams that fall apart in the second half too- Nets and Heat, both revolve around vets and lack depth.

You can see John Wall's substitution pattern in the Wiz graphic. Uptick when he's usually in the game (most of first quarter, all of third quarter, closes out halves), flattens out or drops off without him.

Raptors one is pretty interesting and kind of confirms what my eyes tell me.

Their 2nd unit typically comes in and hammers opposing teams second units; as shown in the graph by the big jumps at the start of the 2nd Q and towards the mid/end of the 3rd Q.

 

[tommyGunZ]

It would be idiotic for the Lakers to trade for Dragic. Just sign him in the offseason if he's available. No way they should give up any useful assets and mess with the probabilities of landing a top 5 pick. With the way the league salary cap keeps changing I don't know that being able to offer a 5th year is that big an advantage if you're dealing with a player (or a player's agent) who has half a brain.

It's a huge advantage for Goran Dragic. (5th year) To the point it's not really even worth debating. He's not going to get back that money as a 33 year old free agent no matter the cap.

I don't think they have the assets that it'd take anyway. (They've already rejected (and rightfully so) Phoenix's request to remove the Nash pick protection.

Kind of agree. I think for most guys Groovus would be absolutely right, but Dragic's age and recent career year make him a bit of an exception here.

It's a dangerous game the Lakers would be playing. As you guys point out, not dealing for Dragic makes it extremely unlikely that you end up with him long term. Dealing for him may mean you've found your PG for the next 5 years, but if he's too good over the next 2 months, not only do you lose whatever assets you deal for him, you may lose a top 5 pick by winning a game or two too many.

Safe play is to acquire him (Jordan Hill?), then sit him against all non playoff teams due to "back spasms".

 

[Cliff Clavin]

It would be idiotic for the Lakers to trade for Dragic. Just sign him in the offseason if he's available. No way they should give up any useful assets and mess with the probabilities of landing a top 5 pick. With the way the league salary cap keeps changing I don't know that being able to offer a 5th year is that big an advantage if you're dealing with a player (or a player's agent) who has half a brain.

It's a huge advantage for Goran Dragic. (5th year) To the point it's not really even worth debating. He's not going to get back that money as a 33 year old free agent no matter the cap.

I don't think they have the assets that it'd take anyway. (They've already rejected (and rightfully so) Phoenix's request to remove the Nash pick protection.

Kind of agree. I think for most guys Groovus would be absolutely right, but Dragic's age and recent career year make him a bit of an exception here.

It's a dangerous game the Lakers would be playing. As you guys point out, not dealing for Dragic makes it extremely unlikely that you end up with him long term. Dealing for him may mean you've found your PG for the next 5 years, but if he's too good over the next 2 months, not only do you lose whatever assets you deal for him, you may lose a top 5 pick by winning a game or two too many.

Safe play is to acquire him (Jordan Hill?), then sit him against all non playoff teams due to "back spasms".

Gonna take a lot more than just Hill to get him.

 

[tommyGunZ]

It would be idiotic for the Lakers to trade for Dragic. Just sign him in the offseason if he's available. No way they should give up any useful assets and mess with the probabilities of landing a top 5 pick. With the way the league salary cap keeps changing I don't know that being able to offer a 5th year is that big an advantage if you're dealing with a player (or a player's agent) who has half a brain.

It's a huge advantage for Goran Dragic. (5th year) To the point it's not really even worth debating. He's not going to get back that money as a 33 year old free agent no matter the cap.

I don't think they have the assets that it'd take anyway. (They've already rejected (and rightfully so) Phoenix's request to remove the Nash pick protection.

Kind of agree. I think for most guys Groovus would be absolutely right, but Dragic's age and recent career year make him a bit of an exception here.

It's a dangerous game the Lakers would be playing. As you guys point out, not dealing for Dragic makes it extremely unlikely that you end up with him long term. Dealing for him may mean you've found your PG for the next 5 years, but if he's too good over the next 2 months, not only do you lose whatever assets you deal for him, you may lose a top 5 pick by winning a game or two too many.

Safe play is to acquire him (Jordan Hill?), then sit him against all non playoff teams due to "back spasms".

Gonna take a lot more than just Hill to get him.

You're probably right, but Hill is an interesting piece. He's a $10M expiring contract, and it's not like he's dead weight. He's a solid rotation/bench energy big who can help lots of teams in the playoffs this year.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

It would be idiotic for the Lakers to trade for Dragic. Just sign him in the offseason if he's available. No way they should give up any useful assets and mess with the probabilities of landing a top 5 pick. With the way the league salary cap keeps changing I don't know that being able to offer a 5th year is that big an advantage if you're dealing with a player (or a player's agent) who has half a brain.

It's a huge advantage for Goran Dragic. (5th year) To the point it's not really even worth debating. He's not going to get back that money as a 33 year old free agent no matter the cap.

I don't think they have the assets that it'd take anyway. (They've already rejected (and rightfully so) Phoenix's request to remove the Nash pick protection.

Kind of agree. I think for most guys Groovus would be absolutely right, but Dragic's age and recent career year make him a bit of an exception here.

It's a dangerous game the Lakers would be playing. As you guys point out, not dealing for Dragic makes it extremely unlikely that you end up with him long term. Dealing for him may mean you've found your PG for the next 5 years, but if he's too good over the next 2 months, not only do you lose whatever assets you deal for him, you may lose a top 5 pick by winning a game or two too many.

Safe play is to acquire him (Jordan Hill?), then sit him against all non playoff teams due to "back spasms".

Gonna take a lot more than just Hill to get him.

You're probably right, but Hill is an interesting piece. He's a $10M expiring contract, and it's not like he's dead weight. He's a solid rotation/bench energy big who can help lots of teams in the playoffs this year.

His contract is the best thing about him but that entirely depends on whether the Suns will have plans use it. Just declining the option is a waste. Its best served for a team that is trying to trade for an expensive player in the offseason.

ie. Toronto trading Salmons' un-guaranteed deal for Williams. Hawks wanted the cap space. Toronto wanted the player.

If the Suns aren't looking to add a bunch of salary this summer, Hill's contract is no different than an expiring from any other team.

ETA: And keeping Dragic >>> Hill for the rest of the season.

 

[Bobcat10]

That'd be a nice graphic to see month by month.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

I think he's got his suitcase packed. The trade return won't be great, but something's better than nothing.

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2015/02/18/goran-dragic-phoenix-suns-trust-broken-trade/23628145/

 

[Village Idiot]

Cool graphic from fivethirtyeight on teams' winning percentages at a given point in the game

Blazers and Bulls are monster second-half teams. Not would I'd expect from the Bull given their heavy minutes for the starters, wonder if there's something else at work in the first half. Rockets are interesting too, they fall apart late. Is that on McHale? Couple East teams that fall apart in the second half too- Nets and Heat, both revolve around vets and lack depth.

You can see John Wall's substitution pattern in the Wiz graphic. Uptick when he's usually in the game (most of first quarter, all of third quarter, closes out halves), flattens out or drops off without him.

Interesting. The Bulls issue, in my opinion, has been a lack of effort. They seemingly often are just "going through the motions" to start but play harder when the game is on the line. It's funny because in recent years they were known as a team that competes hard in the regular season but lacks talent to perform well in the playoffs. This year, they might be the opposite.

One of the other issues I see with the bulls is Thibs aversion to playing newer players too much.He has stuck with Hinrich too long, he is bad.

I was unhappy when the Cavs were getting ready to play the Bulls in the last game because Hinrich was going to be out.

Hinrich will get back and if Thibs starts him again I'll laugh and laugh,

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Hinrich will get back and if Thibs starts him again I'll laugh and laugh,

I can't imagine after seeing Snell play terrific D on LeBron (and knocking down another 4 3's) that Hinrich will be playing as much going forward (unless Rose goes down). Snell was the star of that game. And he did it on both ends.

Then again, Thibs love affair for Hinrich is just ####### bizarre.

 

[Capella]

Dragic isn't near good enough to be acting anything like this.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

@Chris_Broussard ·

Sources say Denver trying to move Ty Lawson and that Nuggets coach Brian Shaw wants his old Indiana pupil George Hill as replacement

 

[Kev4029]

@Chris_Broussard ·

Sources say Denver trying to move Ty Lawson and that Nuggets coach Brian Shaw wants his old Indiana pupil George Hill as replacement

I'm all for trading Lawson if they are going all in on this rebuild but bringing in Hill is beyond idiotic.

 

[SWC]

i thought lawson was an ok player why would you give him up for george hill that guy is a game manager and not really all that good what the heck take that to the bank

 

[Arsenal of Doom]

@Chris_Broussard ·

Sources say Denver trying to move Ty Lawson and that Nuggets coach Brian Shaw wants his old Indiana pupil George Hill as replacement

I'm all for trading Lawson if they are going all in on this rebuild but bringing in Hill is beyond idiotic.

Don't understand for the life of me how Shaw still has a job.

 

[Kev4029]

@Chris_Broussard ·

Sources say Denver trying to move Ty Lawson and that Nuggets coach Brian Shaw wants his old Indiana pupil George Hill as replacement

I'm all for trading Lawson if they are going all in on this rebuild but bringing in Hill is beyond idiotic.

Don't understand for the life of me how Shaw still has a job.

Because Kroenke is embarrassed to admit he made a mistake in firing Karl and hiring Shaw. Instead of cutting his losses he is letting Shaw point all the blame at the players.