There is Markannen to Spurs Buzz

[ginobilized]

The Finnisher could open up the offense tremendously
This could put Sochan in the 6th man role as a defensive specialist for more mobile 4's

These things are always a crapshoot, but, I'd be thrilled with adding CP3 and Markkanen this off-season

If we could replace Zollins and Champagne while trading KJ and at least two of Branham/Wesley/Graham we'd be a respectable mid-level team with 1 All-Star, DPOY, 5th in MVP

[Chinook]

I think STers have echo-chambered themselves into having unrealistic expectations for the package that would be necessary for Markkanen.

As some examples:

Trade our pick, the Toronto pick, the Dallas swap, Keldon, and Graham for Mikal Bridges

That idea was later described as "overpaying for Bridges"

Keldon+Collins for Bridges+DFS. With 2 FRPs. Chicago and Toronto.

Nets got offer 4 FRP for Bridges and said NO.

They’re idiots.

I didn't include names because I'm not trying to call folks out. I'm just saying that those who think Mark would be cheap are likely off-base. Whatever Uno reverse card you think the Spurs are going to be able to slap down to win the trade isn't likely to happen. This is what guys cost nowadays, and yes, the price is too damned high. That's why trading for a 2031 pick with the specific idea that it'll be some major trade piece doesn't make sense. It'll be a relative drop in the bucket for a major acquisition. A good player would have been worth a lot more.

The trade I proposed in that other thread basically leaves the Spurs unscathed in terms of their natural picks, which means they can go all-in for the right player if they so choose. I don't anticipate the Spurs getting out of the deal without significant pain, which is why trades involving Collins probably don't work on their face. Being able to swap Branham for Graham might be the best win the team could pull off if their goal is to maintain the free cap to give Lauri a raise this summer.

[baseline bum]

If we trade for Lauri I'll rescind all of my criticisms of this FO and rejoin the Church of Sniff.

So long as we can retain our 25 picks, I don't care how many it will take (within reason). They'll be late FRPs anyway by then, and it's not like I trust these guys to draft anymore anyway.

In the name of Eric Zhang, make it happen please.

I'd only be adamant on keeping the 2025 Atlanta pick if I'm getting Lauri. I think this is a really good offer for him:

* 2026 unprotected Spurs pick with unprotected ATL swap
* 2027 unprotected ATL pick
* 2030 unprotected Spurs pick with top 1 protected swap with Dallas and Minnesota
* 2031 unprotected Minnesota pick
* Keldon Johnson

That's a ing haul and better than Brooklyn got for Bridges. Plus we keep our 25 thanks to the Stepien rule since I'm guessing Ainge would rather have our 26 with the ATL swap than our 25 when improved Wemby + Lauri could push this team to playoff contention.

[Knoxxx]

I think STers have echo-chambered themselves into having unrealistic expectations for the package that would be necessary for Markkanen.

As some examples:



That idea was later described as "overpaying for Bridges"





I didn't include names because I'm not trying to call folks out. I'm just saying that those who think Mark would be cheap are likely off-base. Whatever Uno reverse card you think the Spurs are going to be able to slap down to win the trade isn't likely to happen. This is what guys cost nowadays, and yes, the price is too damned high. That's why trading for a 2031 pick with the specific idea that it'll be some major trade piece doesn't make sense. It'll be a relative drop in the bucket for a major acquisition. A good player would have been worth a lot more.

The trade I proposed in that other thread basically leaves the Spurs unscathed in terms of their natural picks, which means they can go all-in for the right player if they so choose. I don't anticipate the Spurs getting out of the deal without significant pain, which is why trades involving Collins probably don't work on their face. Being able to swap Branham for Graham might be the best win the team could pull off if their goal is to maintain the free cap to give Lauri a raise this summer.

You seem to be continuously surprised that we are reactionary fools. How is that even possible?

[spurraider21]

obviously a markkanen acquisition would be fun but if ainge is going to try to bend us over, i'm not sure its worth. mark is an offensive weapon and a solid enough rebounder but is an average-ish defender, if not slightly below. and offensively he's potent as a scorer/finisher but isnt much of a passer. not that he's a black hole per se, but hes just not a particularly skilled passer

[LeBowen]

The trade I proposed in that other thread basically leaves the Spurs unscathed in terms of their natural picks, which means they can go all-in for the right player if they so choose. I don't anticipate the Spurs getting out of the deal without significant pain, which is why trades involving Collins probably don't work on their face. Being able to swap Branham for Graham might be the best win the team could pull off if their goal is to maintain the free cap to give Lauri a raise this summer.

If we get Markkanen, that would mean we're most likely not getting any major free agents the next summer.
What's your take on swapping Collins-es?

Lauri+Collins is a perfecty salary match with Keldon+Collins+Tre.

While both Collins-es are overpaid, John is obviously a way more useful player and his contract has the same duration.
I think Wemby/Lauri/Collins trio would do well because they're all interchangeable.
John Collins really got the short end of the stick by having to start at center.

If we talk basketball fit, Jeremy becomes the odd man for me.
CP3 acquisition means Castle will have to spend time off the ball, but having him and Jeremy play together shouldn't really be a thing.

Potential rotation if we do the bigger trade with Jazz:

PG: CP3 (30mpg), Castle (18)
SG: Devin (32), Branham (16)
SF: Castle (12), Batum (20), Champagnie (16)
PF: Lauri (32), J. Collins (12), Batum (4)
C: Wemby (32), J. Collins (16)

Obviously best players would play more in close games, but that looks reasonable and most importantly functional if we get rid of Tre, Keldon and Jeremy.
Branham is a scrub and Champagnie would be more useful than him, those minutes would change as the season goes on.

I just don't want Castle to not have minutes at point guard, which will happen if Tre sticks around.


So the trade would be Tre, Keldon, Collins, Jeremy for Lauri, Collins, with Chicago, Charlotte, Minnesota and '27 Spurs picks included. Maybe add another lottery protected Spurs pick.

[Dejounte]

obviously a markkanen acquisition would be fun but if ainge is going to try to bend us over, i'm not sure its worth. mark is an offensive weapon and a solid enough rebounder but is an average-ish defender, if not slightly below. and offensively he's potent as a scorer/finisher but isnt much of a passer. not that he's a black hole per se, but hes just not a particularly skilled passer

It’s about as good as it gets. Any other star like this will be either too old (DeMar, Butler, Lillard) or has flaws that are equally as bad, like Trae.

No player is going to be above average at everything AND will be available.

[DAF86]

Empty stats on a bad team. Can't get his team wins.

Look, again, a couple off-brand picks are fine. But he's due $40 million after this season and has never improved a team he's been on. He is not the player too many people here think he is. I mean, just look at all the teams lining up for his services...

Dude, stop it. Not every player that is putting stats on a bad team is empty calories. Is Wemby empty calories? Because unless one more drastic move is made, he will put up big numbers again, and the Spurs will suck, again.

[spurraider21]

It’s about as good as it gets. Any other star like this will be either too old (DeMar, Butler, Lillard) or has flaws that are equally as bad, like Trae.

No player is going to be above average at everything AND will be available.

to be fair, this is the benefit of tanking, trading all our parts for a load of picks, and then just landy wemby with our first natural pick after that point

have a lot of extra parts to spare without emptying the cupboard

[MannyIsGod]

Yes, man, over the years these are the players this forum has gone absolutely GAGA over. Which is why I always laugh when they get angry that we didn't sign some also-ran or get angry at the Front Office, because we all know their ideas are about 1000% worse. People here were incredibly upset we didn't pay Tobias Harris the huge amount of money that became a lead weight for the Sixers. Every single one of those players were obsessed over here.

s sake man this is TIRED. Stop responding to INDIVIDUALS based on something someone else on a forum may or may not have claimed. People shoudln't have to defend against arguments they never ing made.


Is there any thread that this doesn't derail? Its so ing annoying.

[MannyIsGod]

As always Body is conflating a handful of posters with the entire forum

Every. ing. Time.

[Mugen]

If the price is right, then I'd like Markkanen. I just don't see a scenario where BWrong doesn't get fleeced though. And for that reason, I'm out.

[Raven]

It’s about as good as it gets. Any other star like this will be either too old (DeMar, Butler, Lillard) or has flaws that are equally as bad, like Trae.

No player is going to be above average at everything AND will be available.

he's not a star, come on... he doesn't handle the ball and is entirely reliant on 3 pt shooting. I like him, but he is a 2nd/3rd option at best.

[Darkwaters]

I hear Petteri Koponen's draft rights are floating around in the open these days. Let's acquire Lauri Markannen and former Honka Playboy Koponen and Finnish this roster!

[scott]

I'd only be adamant on keeping the 2025 Atlanta pick if I'm getting Lauri. I think this is a really good offer for him:

* 2026 unprotected Spurs pick with unprotected ATL swap
* 2027 unprotected ATL pick
* 2030 unprotected Spurs pick with top 1 protected swap with Dallas and Minnesota
* 2031 unprotected Minnesota pick
* Keldon Johnson

That's a ing haul and better than Brooklyn got for Bridges. Plus we keep our 25 thanks to the Stepien rule since I'm guessing Ainge would rather have our 26 with the ATL swap than our 25 when improved Wemby + Lauri could push this team to playoff contention.

This is the way

[baseline bum]

This is the way

Another reason I think this could be realistic other than essentially getting two Atlanta unprotected firsts is it expands Ainge's control over Minnesota's drafts to now go from 2025-31 with the exception of 2028 instead of 2025-29 with the exception of 28.

[scott]

If we get Markkanen, that would mean we're most likely not getting any major free agents the next summer.

Just wanted to comment on this - because when I look at potential FA's next summer, Markkanen is the top FA target anway.

If we could get Lauri while keeping our 25 picks, then we'll have a natural injection of talent coming anyway and would honestly still have some room for minor additions to fill in the gaps.

If UTA needs a 25 pick, I'd give them the worst of ATL/SA

[RC_Drunkford]

he's not a star, come on... he doesn't handle the ball and is entirely reliant on 3 pt shooting. I like him, but he is a 2nd/3rd option at best.

well we don’t need a 1st option so…

[baseline bum]

Just wanted to comment on this - because when I look at potential FA's next summer, Markkanen is the top FA target anway.

If we could get Lauri while keeping our 25 picks, then we'll have a natural injection of talent coming anyway and would honestly still have some room for minor additions to fill in the gaps.

If UTA needs a 25 pick, I'd give them the worst of ATL/SA

There's no way Utah would go for that when they can just get the Spurs 26 unprotected with the ATL swap that's probably a way better asset and gives them a shot at Dybantsa or Boozer. Taking the Spurs 25 means they can't get the 26 due to the Stepien Rule.

[Knoxxx]

Not sure if still just parroting but a third article today on MSN from SB Nation:

Rumor: Spurs interested in trading for Lauri Markkanen (msn.com)

[Manu&Duncan fan]

No we don't need to pay that much. All we need to do is to outbid Warriors. Here is the deal to get it done:

Keldon; Braham
2025 Chicago 1st
2025 Charlotte 1st
2027 Spurs unprotected
2029 Spurs unprotected
2031 Spurs unprotected
4 SRPs

[Mugen]

Would be an interesting fit to say the least. I don't like taking touches away from Victor but Markkanen gives them a ton of shooting which this roster desperately needs tbh.

[LeBowen]

There's no way Utah would go for that when they can just get the Spurs 26 unprotected with the ATL swap that's probably a way better asset and gives them a shot at Dybantsa or Boozer.

CHI '25, CHA '25, MIN '31, worse of SAS/ATL '25 and '27 would be as far as I'd go pick wise.
I'd still want to keep at least one FRP in every of the three upcoming drafts.

I'd make Jeremy available and value him equal to one of our own FRPs.
I'd do all those picks and Jeremy if our Collins is the only player they take.

Then we could get another frontcourt player with Tre and Keldon package.
I'd do Tre+Keldon for Brook Lopez if Bucks can match salaries.

Would be an interesting fit to say the least. I don't like taking touches away from Victor but Markkanen gives them a ton of shooting which this roster desperately needs tbh.

The thing is that he's not taking touches, just opening space.



He basically stopped taking mid-range shots and is either standing on the perimeter or cutting to the basket.

[baseline bum]

Just wanted to comment on this - because when I look at potential FA's next summer, Markkanen is the top FA target anway.

If we could get Lauri while keeping our 25 picks, then we'll have a natural injection of talent coming anyway and would honestly still have some room for minor additions to fill in the gaps.

If UTA needs a 25 pick, I'd give them the worst of ATL/SA

Also yeah Markkanen looks like by far the best available 2025 FA. Tatum and Brunson aren't leaving and I'd strongly prefer Lauri to Mitc or Ingram. Wagner and Sengun are restricted so they're not worth considering and so is Mobley too (though he'd be a horrible fit anyways). Cunningham is off the market with the contract he got yesterday. Murray might be gettable but I'd prefer Markkanen.

[spurraider21]