Play Spurs GM Before Trade Deadline

**sasaint** · 12-04-2016

Guys like Knight and Len strike me as Spurs (less certain with Bender and Chriss, but nothing I'm aware of suggests otherwise) and we all know how important that is to them. I also think they'll realize there is no move they can make to get back into contention, so taking a step back and restocking the cupboard will be the focus.

Again, I think the Suns would move Bledsoe, but it would be unlikely in a scenario where they trade for Aldridge, because that would defeat the purpose of a would be win now move . . . and if they are that concerned about his knees, then why the Spurs want him?

If, however, the Spurs are confident he can hold up for a while, then the 3 way trade you're alluding to makes sense . . .

To Celtics: Aldridge

To Spurs: Bledsoe and Bender or Chriss

To Suns: Smart, Brown and/or non Nets 1st(s)

I don't think anybody on ST would be happy with that trade - much less PATFO.

**Kawhitstorm** · 12-04-2016

Originally Posted by sasaint

I don't think anybody on ST would be happy with that trade - much less PATFO.

In two years, you would be lucky getting just Bender or Chriss for Softridge.

**sasaint** · 12-04-2016

Originally Posted by Kawhitstorm

In two years, you would be like getting just Bender or Chriss for Softridge.

As much as I would like to see LMA wearing a different uniform, even I want to at least receive commensurate value in exchange.

In two years the Spurs would have whatever Bender or Chriss might become - which is ? Heck I wouldn't swap LMA for Bledsoe, Bender AND Chriss.

**Kawhitstorm** · 12-04-2016

Originally Posted by sasaint

As much as I would like to see LMA wearing a different uniform, even I want to at least receive commensurate value in exchange.

In two years the Spurs would have whatever Bender or Chriss might become - which is ? Heck I wouldn't swap LMA for Bledsoe, Bender AND Chriss.

If they are a bust, you just move on from them like Fat Head & use the cap space on a free agent not name Softridge.

**gambit1990** · 12-05-2016

Sources tell ESPN that Mavs have no immediate intention to shop C Andrew Bogut, as their focus for now is trying to salvage their season. However, Mavs management recognizes that Bogut has significant value in the trade market as a proven championship-caliber complementary piece in a contract year and could become motivated to move him if and when it becomes clear that the Mavs have no hope of making the playoffs this season. Several league sources said the Mavs should be able to get a first-round pick from a contender for Bogut.

**SAGirl** · 12-05-2016

I like Bogut. His screens are great for perimeter players and he's very tough on defense. Health has been an issue, but he's a difference maker and a great passing big. I think he would fit with LMA better than Gasol. I haven't been a fan of Gasol truth be told, he needs offensive touches to help you and will give up a lot on defense.

**HarlemHeat37** · 12-05-2016

Portland should probably trade for Bogut, tbh..keep the pick, move Ed Davis while teams still think he has potential..

**elemento** · 12-05-2016

Boston could use Bogut services as all.

They have the softest BIGs in the NBA. They probably have the best assets to offer as well.

**SAGirl** · 12-05-2016

Originally Posted by elemento

Boston could use Bogut services as all.

They have the softest BIGs in the NBA. They probably have the best assets to offer as well.

That is a good point. They have already hemorraged young picks bc they can't use/keep them all. They keep waiting for the blockbuster deal and in the meantime keep wasting those picks away. We should see if Ainge pulls the trigger or keeps waiting.

He already fleeced Cuban with the Rondo trade, so I would expect Cuban to be tougher this time around.

**$pursDynasty** · 12-05-2016

too bad Pau can't be moved because I might try to move him for Ibaka, only because the offense Pau gives us doesn't make up for what we lose on defense. While Serge could rim protect and help on defense and is at least good for the uncontested 3. So that would be losing a mediocre offensive threat and a defensive detriment, for a pretty good defensive presence that is moderate/mediocre on offense. I wonder if there is an Ibaka-like big (on the defensive side of the ball) that could be available on the trade market?

**TD 21** · 12-05-2016

Originally Posted by sasaint

I don't think anybody on ST would be happy with that trade - much less PATFO.

People on SpursTalk wouldn't be happy with any trade that didn't net a consensus better player or at least someone projected to be, none of which would be attainable for him.

The only way to receive equal or greater return for a star, is to get lucky and hit it out of the park on prospect(s) and/or pick(s).

This trade would give the Spurs at shot at that (at his position, no less), as well a cut below an All-Star level player, that's 4 years younger and would address their greatest current need.

**sasaint** · 12-05-2016

Originally Posted by TD 21

People on SpursTalk wouldn't be happy with any trade that didn't net a consensus better player or at least someone projected to be, none of which would be attainable for him.

The only way to receive equal or greater return for a star, is to get lucky and hit it out of the park on prospect(s) and/or pick(s).

This trade would give the Spurs at shot at that (at his position, no less), as well a cut below an All-Star level player, that's 4 years younger and would address their greatest current need.

Even though I am not a fan of LMA, I think you are seriously undervaluing the guy to suggest dumping him for an injury-prone guard and only ONE of two unproven prospects. And there are ways to get commensurate value in return. Trade for a player or players with expiring contracts who you believe you could re-sign. Or trade for a player or players who are not happy with their current team/role. Or a player or players who have lost favor with a new coaching regime. Or trade LMA because a team chasing the playoffs/seeding thinks LMA could be the missing piece.

**sasaint** · 12-05-2016

Originally Posted by $pursDynasty

too bad Pau can't be moved because I might try to move him for Ibaka, only because the offense Pau gives us doesn't make up for what we lose on defense. While Serge could rim protect and help on defense and is at least good for the uncontested 3. So that would be losing a mediocre offensive threat and a defensive detriment, for a pretty good defensive presence that is moderate/mediocre on offense. I wonder if there is an Ibaka-like big (on the defensive side of the ball) that could be available on the trade market?

Pau can be traded on 12/15. Personally, I would rather trade LMA. With his larger contract LMA would fetch much greater value in return than Pau.

**TD 21** · 12-05-2016

Originally Posted by sasaint

Even though I am not a fan of LMA, I think you are seriously undervaluing the guy to suggest dumping him for an injury-prone guard and only ONE of two unproven prospects. And there are ways to get commensurate value in return. Trade for a player or players with expiring contracts who you believe you could re-sign. Or trade for a player or players who are not happy with their current team/role. Or a player or players who have lost favor with a new coaching regime. Or trade LMA because a team chasing the playoffs/seeding thinks LMA could be the missing piece.

An injury prone guard, who's probably a top 40ish player and a prospect, who's one of the better current ones and doesn't have obvious bust potential.

You can't get immediate commensurate value in return for a top 15-20 player. If you're thinking Cousins, as stupid as the Kings are, they can't be that stupid, because in addition to being a half decade older, he'd be unhappy, opt out and leave in a year.

Typical fan behavior: claim a player(s) sucks, then act like you'd only trade them for a premiere asset. You can't have it both ways.

**sasaint** · 12-05-2016

Originally Posted by TD 21

An injury prone guard, who's probably a top 40ish player and a prospect, who's one of the better current ones and doesn't have obvious bust potential.

You can't get immediate commensurate value in return for a top 15-20 player. If you're thinking Cousins, as stupid as the Kings are, they can't be that stupid, because in addition to being a half decade older, he'd be unhappy, opt out and leave in a year.

Typical fan behavior: claim a player(s) sucks, then act like you'd only trade them for a premiere asset. You can't have it both ways.

I didn't say he sucks; I just don't like his game. If he sucked he would not have generated all of the interest he did as a free-agent. Plenty of FOs place a high value on him. I believe the evidence we have suggests that the Suns probably value LMA more than just Bledsoe plus Bender or Chriss. For various disparate reasons I don't think either the Spurs or the Kings would seriously consider a LMA/Cousins trade.

**Gagnrath** · 12-06-2016

Cousins is currently a step above Aldridge... During the summer of 2015 there was a slight advantage to Aldridge and Aldridge had way less crazy. Cousins is also a couple of years younger. Now A year and a half later Aldridge hasn't gotten better and is still prone to taking mid-ranve 2s over putting in The effort to post up his man. He has also been a bit out of shape in the off seasons. Cousins has gotten better as a player added some range to his jumper and is making better decisions. The on and off court craziness has also calmed down significantly. So one has taken a clue of strides In. The right direction as he hits peak the other has stood Pat to taken a small step back in the midst of it.

**DPG21920** · 12-06-2016

Brooklyn is definitely going to deal you would think. They desperately need draft picks to replenish their depleted ranks. Maybe someone like Lin will shake loose.