So there are many ways that could help the Pels get more consistent with winning. Coaching could be one, specifically this switch on everything defense that doesn't seem to be working since we're near the bottom in D now. Or maybe we currently don't have the right mix of players for that scheme. Depth is another thing, specifically back-up PG, back-up C/PF, and another quality perimeter defender who actively closes out on shooters.
So if the Pels and Cousins are set on sticking with each other, then here's two trades that could help.
http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=y8u974dx
Trade 1 with ATL
-Ajinca
-Diallo
-2019 2nd rounder (if needed)
for
+ D. Dedmon
Ajinca's out for the year and who knows how/if he will return next year. He's not that good even when healthy. Diallo is still so raw and not ready to contribute quality minutes, and he may not be ready next year either. And this staff hasn't been great with developing young players, anyway.
Dedmon is the athletic, rebounding shot-blocking Center they need to spell AD/DC and he can fit well next to either of them or as the main big while both of them sit. He makes 6mil this season and has a player-option for 6.3mil next season. If he opts-in, awesome, we have a great 3rd big on a good contract and don't have to worry about filling that role. If he opts-out, fine, we clear that Ajinca salary for next season and use the capspace to fill other areas and sign a cheap 3rd big like Tarik Black for even cheaper.
Atlanta takes on Ajinca's salary to get a young PF/C prospect to develop for their rebuild and a future 2nd, if needed. Diallo has a better chance to reach his potential with a good coach and system.
Trade 2 with CHI
-Asik
-2018 top-10 protected 1st
-F. Jackson (if needed)
for
+ J. Grant
+ Just. Holiday
Grant gives the Pels a good back-up PG with size and length for the switch defense, and he's a capable scorer and improved 3-pt. shooter now. He's more than capable of starting when Rondo goes out, and could even be groomed as the eventual starter for the future as Rondo eases into a back-up in the next season or two. No more depending on Jameer for big minutes, or any minutes at all, possibly.
Justin Holiday gives the Pels a long, quick defender unlike any of the other wings on the roster. Hopefully he likes closing out on shooters and can spread that to the rest of the squad. He's also a capable scorer, although quite streaky. Hopefully with a better supporting cast he would be able to raise his overall shooting %, although he's currently at a respectable 36% from 3. Of course, the Holiday bro connection is cool, and could help both guys and team chemistry. He seems like a guy who understands his role and could mesh in really well. He takes much of Tony Allen's minutes, and pushes Miller to play more at PF with Cunningham's minutes being reduced. Or whoever the best option is for the particular match-up. Depth yo.
Meanwhile, this trade instantly shaves off 4.3 mil off the Pels cap this season and next season, plus the 3mil of Asik's partial-guarantee he's owed in 2019-20. Really helps with flexibility with Cousins' new big contract and re-signing Rondo and possibly Miller if he opts out.
Bulls embrace the rebuild and get the Pels' lightly protected 2018 1st for the value of swapping contributing players for Asik's big contract, plus they get rookie Frank Jackson for more value to as young PG/SG prospect with potential to replace Grant's role. They can then continue to add picks and/or prospects by trade Mirotic and/or Lopez.
New, Deep Roster / Depth Chart
Cousins/ Dedmon
Davis.../ Miller.... / Cunningham
Hill....../ Justin H./ Allen
Jrue..../ Moore..../ Clark
Rondo./ Grant...../ Nelson
Starting Line-up
Cousins
Davis
Hill
Jrue
Rondo
Super Bench
Moore
Grant
Miller
Justin H.
Dedmon
Cunningham
Clark
Vet Leadership Section
T. Allen
J. Nelson
2-Way Contract Playas
Cooke
J. Jones
= Championship. Or at least a much better equipped roster for after the all-star break and into the playoffs, and set up very nicely for next season, too. Coaching and mindset is another story, doe.