2024 Offseason Thread

All of y'all's little planning for a new center will soon be rendered moot when Griffin unvails:

Point Zion the Rim Protector Three Point Shooter

Nicolas Batum will not be returning to the Philadelphia 76ers, sources tell @TheAthletic.

— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) June 30, 2024

Surprisingly a big loss for them, even if they get PG13. He was excellent for them.

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Originally Posted by AUSSIE_PELICAN

So when BI is traded, what will you do?

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Same thing I'm doing now. :)

I like seeing NY do well because of Josh.. I liked seeing the Bulls do well because of Ball.. If Zion was traded, I'd like to see him do well wherever he is. It's hard to root for a team, even if it's my favorite, that has a bunch of hired guns on it.

This team has Herb, Trey, and Zion on it. All young pups that were drafted with this team. You feel a bit more invested when you see young players develop and flourish with a particular team.

And like I said, my family is from Louisiana. My grandma had 6 boys, and 6 girls.. That's a lot of cousins and uncles and aunts from NO.. It feels natural rooting for the Pels.

I don't like Ingram for JA.. It's a bad move in my opinion. I've already made clear that I get why many here want him moved. It makes sense, though I'd prefer he made the necessary adjustments to be a more effective player and stay.

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Originally Posted by Pelicanidae

Would absolutely have to be. Any straight up deal with Sacramento seems like a loss. They're not giving up Sabonis or Fox, obviously, so nothing else they have blows me out of the water.

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Kings: BI

Magic: Huerter and a good 1st

Pels: Barnes, Wendell Carter, Jr, a decent first and a swap

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Originally Posted by AUSSIE_PELICAN

Kings: BI

Magic: Huerter and a good 1st

Pels: Barnes, Wendell Carter, Jr, a decent first and a swap

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Get that swap out of there but otherwise yeah that would be the kind of fine but ultimately uninteresting move I could see happening.

We'd get a C with some upside and a wing whose fit is obvious (Barnes is an excellent shooter) and a pick which is fine I guess, but it's not setting off alarm bells. Good, serviceable trade that makes sense but doesn't light fires.

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Originally Posted by Pelicanidae

Get that swap out of there but otherwise yeah that would be the kind of fine but ultimately uninteresting move I could see happening.

We'd get a C with some upside and a wing whose fit is obvious (Barnes is an excellent shooter) and a pick which is fine I guess, but it's not setting off alarm bells. Good, serviceable trade that makes sense but doesn't light fires.

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BI has to agree to the trade effectively as he'll just say I won't sign. So the trade offers aren't there.

Philadelphia can only offer Reed, McCain and picks.
Cleveland is essentially Allen and Strus.

I think if Sac add Carter instead of a pick then it's a great trade.

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Originally Posted by AUSSIE_PELICAN

BI has to agree to the trade effectively as he'll just say I won't sign. So the trade offers aren't there.

Philadelphia can only offer Reed, McCain and picks.
Cleveland is essentially Allen and Strus.

I think if Sac add Carter instead of a pick then it's a great trade.

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BI absolutely does not have to agree to anything. The number of trades that have taken place, even with big names, in recent years where teams bet on their ability to retain someone over the course of a year regardless of what they say is large. BI does not have a no trade clause. Even just recently, Siakam was rumoured to be refusing to re-sign for anyone who traded for him. He goes to Indiana, they have a successful year and what happens? He re-signs.

Any team that believes in themselves should not care.

League sources have indicated Westbrook has interest in playing in Denver https://t.co/F15FAF4E5w

— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) June 30, 2024

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Originally Posted by AUSSIE_PELICAN

BI has to agree to the trade effectively as he'll just say I won't sign. So the trade offers aren't there.

Philadelphia can only offer Reed, McCain and picks.
Cleveland is essentially Allen and Strus.

I think if Sac add Carter instead of a pick then it's a great trade.

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This is partially correct. Most teams aren't going to take a chance on delivering significant assets to acquire a guy that's not willing to commit.

Honestly..

Trade BI + 1 1st for Allen + Straus (replaces Naji)

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Originally Posted by WhyHornetsWhy

Honestly..

Trade BI + 1 1st for Allen + Straus (replaces Naji)

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We shouldn't be giving up picks in a JA deal.

Los Angeles Clippers are working with Russell Westbrook to find a trade partner that works for both sides and it’s believed the star has played his last game for the franchise, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 30, 2024

Free agent center Andre Drummond plans to sign a two-year, $10-plus million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. pic.twitter.com/pyWXWafW26

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2024

Would not mind Westbrook coming off the bench

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Here’s my wish list

Dream is to somehow find a third trade partner to get us KAT (C)

Bring CP3 home for 5 Million (PG)

Find a veteran to replace Naji (SF)

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There’s your championship team

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Originally Posted by AUSSIE_PELICAN

Kings: BI

Magic: Huerter and a good 1st

Pels: Barnes, Wendell Carter, Jr, a decent first and a swap

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I dont really see why the magic are getting a 1st here.

Kevin Porter Jr. has agreed to a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, including a player option, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. After six weeks of strong play in Greece in April and May, Porter had multiple NBA suitors and chose the Clippers. pic.twitter.com/0R19BUW6bu

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2024

Yuck.

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Originally Posted by WhyHornetsWhy

Would not mind Westbrook coming off the bench

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Here’s my wish list

Dream is to somehow find a third trade partner to get us KAT (C)

Bring CP3 home for 5 Million (PG)

Find a veteran to replace Naji (SF)

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There’s your championship team

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If you get the Clippers version I guess that's fine. If you get the Lakers version, that's a disaster.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope leaving the Denver Nuggets and headed to the Orlando Magic on a three-year deal, I’m told.

— Jeff Zillgitt (@JeffZillgitt) June 30, 2024

Nuggets taking a clear step back there on the wings, Orlando loading up.

Woj adds: 3yr/$66m contract. $22m a year for KCP.

Wow, that is not a move I expected at all.

Need to see confirmation by a more usual NBA source.

Edit: A more usual NBA source has not materialised

Gotta say, Free Agency feeling pretty washed about now

The Clippers’ exit leaves the 76ers as strong frontrunners to land Paul George on a free agent deal, sources tell ESPN. The Sixers contingent is set to meet with George in California tonight. https://t.co/gkke3FW4gc

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2024

Just sign with Philly, man, stop wasting everyone's time. We know you're going there PG!

The Detroit Pistons plan to sign Cade Cunningham to a five-year, $226 million maximum rookie extension, sources tell me and @JLEdwardsIII. pic.twitter.com/Zu828t1jNe

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2024

More than just "unlikely," the Clippers and Paul George are moving on from each other, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2024

Woj confirms: PG13 is definitely leaving the Clippers. Sixers continue to loom.

Eric Gordon has agreed to a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2024

Eric Gordon is also Sixers bound

Clippers’ statement on Paul George parting ways following a significant gap in contract talks, exploring an opt-in and trade scenario and excitement about new opportunities and greater flexibility under new CBA to field a “highly competitive team” moving forward: pic.twitter.com/Uajbail3Hk

— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) July 1, 2024

This may be the first time I think I've ever seen a team come out and explain themselves for losing someone in free agency :hihi:

Free agent star Chris Paul intends to sign with the San Antonio Spurs, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport. pic.twitter.com/drgZmqeO1b

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 1, 2024

CP3 to the Spurs - the Point God likely ends his career alongside Wembanyama, throwing lobs to one of the only guys in the league who doesn't need to jump to catch them.

Edit: 1yr/$11m according to Woj

CP round three in the division

Free agent center Jonas Valanciunas has agreed on a three-year, $30 million deal with the Washington Wizards, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/0XnEyWotOw

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2024

JV officially gone - he is a Wizard.

JV to the Wizards.

At that price I would have taken JV back. Thats backup center money.

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Originally Posted by Pelifan

At that price I would have taken JV back. Thats backup center money.

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If I had to guess, I'd say that the length was more of a sticking point for the Pels than the annual cost. Probably don't want to have to move JV towards the end of that deal once Trey's extension kicks in, since you'd probably have to attach assets.

Chris Paul won games on Victor Wembanyama's 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 9th, 16th and 18th birthdays.

They're teammates now.

— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) July 1, 2024

What a stat.

Going forward what are the preferences here for backup point? If CJ is moved, Jose? If CJ isn't moved is he liked in that position.. even though he isn't a real point?

willie green smh...

cj bad defense in the playoffs made jonas look bad...cj getting beat from point of attack just killed jonas and made willie go with nance and took away our inside scoring....

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Originally Posted by Nichols

Going forward what are the preferences here for backup point? If CJ is moved, Jose? If CJ isn't moved is he liked in that position.. even though he isn't a real point?

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CJ's hopefully coming off the bench in a combo guard role. I don't really like him that much as a point at this stage, not enough burst in his movement and his vision was never all that great.

Probably Jose as the true 'backup point guard', which isn't exactly the best thing in the world (he's good but he's more of a sparkplug defensive hustle guy than the picture perfect ball handler) but there's not really much in the way of options right now.

I'd love Tyus Jones but he's going to cost far more in FA than we can afford. We can't give anything but minimums and he's getting at least $10m per, imo.

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Originally Posted by Pelicanidae

CJ's hopefully coming off the bench in a combo guard role. I don't really like him that much as a point at this stage, not enough burst in his movement and his vision was never all that great.

Probably Jose as the true 'backup point guard', which isn't exactly the best thing in the world (he's good but he's more of a sparkplug defensive hustle guy than the picture perfect ball handler) but there's not really much in the way of options right now.

I'd love Tyus Jones but he's going to cost far more in FA than we can afford. We can't give anything but minimums and he's getting at least $10m per, imo.

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I've mentioned him before. He's actually solid enough to be a starting point in a pinch. I asked this question because it can be a real issue when Murray is resting. Zion, at point in spot minutes should be sufficient though.

Jose is a fine backup point guard if cj is the scorer off the bench Jose can push the ball and control the pace he’s one of the few players we have with high iq

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Originally Posted by Nichols

I've mentioned him before. He's actually solid enough to be a starting point in a pinch. I asked this question because it can be a real issue when Murray is resting. Zion, at point in spot minutes should be sufficient though.

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I agree, but I think that relegating point-Zion minutes to feasting on backups when DJM is off the court is probably a solid way to keep the offense hot when the PG sits while also preventing Zion from over-exerting himself and risking injury by having him do it too often. At least in the regular season.

I'm also hopeful that Herb's improvement on-ball continues. He showed signs of being able to handle the ball at least in transition last year, and if that stays and we play a fast pace, it should help get someone else involved on ball.

Anything else could be a bonus; Jose, for example, or if we get a C who can do any elbow-hub action stuff (doubtful but hey, we dream).

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Originally Posted by Nichols

Going forward what are the preferences here for backup point? If CJ is moved, Jose? If CJ isn't moved is he liked in that position.. even though he isn't a real point?

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In a playoff game, Murray is probably getting 32 to 38 min. So we're really only talking about 10 to 16 playoff min and spot regular season starts......I'd say we are perfectly set with Jose and CJ there.

Edit: Just looked, he played 46 min in his last game (playin tournament) against CHI. We good.

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Originally Posted by Pelicanidae

I agree, but I think that relegating point-Zion minutes to feasting on backups when DJM is off the court is probably a solid way to keep the offense hot when the PG sits while also preventing Zion from over-exerting himself and risking injury by having him do it too often. At least in the regular season.

I'm also hopeful that Herb's improvement on-ball continues. He showed signs of being able to handle the ball at least in transition last year, and if that stays and we play a fast pace, it should help get someone else involved on ball.

Anything else could be a bonus; Jose, for example, or if we get a C who can do any elbow-hub action stuff (doubtful but hey, we dream).

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Agreed, so I guess it's not much of an issue. Jose is the guy by default.

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Originally Posted by msusousaphone

In a playoff game, Murray is probably getting 32 to 38 min. So we're really only talking about 10 to 16 playoff min and spot regular season starts......I'd say we are perfectly set with Jose and CJ there.

Just looked, he played 46 min in his last game against CHI. We good.

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I was looking at some of the DJM numbers, particularly regarding his 3pt shooting since that's going to be vital in the context of this team.

Did you know he took at least 7 3PAs in 43 games last season and at least 6 in 57 of them? He had 10 games where he took at least 10 3PAs.

If he would have been on the Pelicans, he would have taken more threes than everyone but CJ. Now, in fairness he played 21 games more than Trey, who took more per game, but even by per game metrics, he would have been 3rd in attempts on the Pelicans last year.

I know this guy hasn't been a shooter throughout his career (I, myself, have argued in the past that a reason that Trae Young was a better fit is that he is the better and more willing shooter, and I still think that because off-the-dribble is a larger threat than C&S) but man, he put the work-boots on from behind the line last year. 36% on that kind of volume isn't perfect, I'd like to see it a little closer to 38%, but if it's a sign of a trend that's big.

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Originally Posted by msusousaphone

In a playoff game, Murray is probably getting 32 to 38 min. So we're really only talking about 10 to 16 playoff min and spot regular season starts......I'd say we are perfectly set with Jose and CJ there.

Just looked, he played 46 min in his last game against CHI. We good.

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Yeah during the regular season, Jose seemed fine. And in our playoff run I liked what I saw from him for the most part. But what I have noticed is that the offense can sometimes appear helter skelter with him. Which sometimes works because of the young legs on this squad. In other cases it leads to Ingram, or Zion getting stuck with the rock with about 4 seconds left to make something happen. Maybe it isn't fair to put that all on Jose, though. Maybe better coaching can reduce how often we see those kind of situations.

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Originally Posted by Pelicanidae

CJ's hopefully coming off the bench in a combo guard role. I don't really like him that much as a point at this stage, not enough burst in his movement and his vision was never all that great.

Probably Jose as the true 'backup point guard', which isn't exactly the best thing in the world (he's good but he's more of a sparkplug defensive hustle guy than the picture perfect ball handler) but there's not really much in the way of options right now.

I'd love Tyus Jones but he's going to cost far more in FA than we can afford. We can't give anything but minimums and he's getting at least $10m per, imo.

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Pels seem to be pretty insistent that CJ is moving to the 2, not to the bench. Which becomes a real issue when you've got Herb and Trey but only one starting position.

The 6th man on most teams is the 4th most important players. I like Trey more as the 6th man than CJ because he's so well rounded.

And I agree about Jose, Nichols. He's still a few years away from his prime though so I'm excited to see if he can settle the offense down as he gets older.

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Originally Posted by RobertM320

Pels seem to be pretty insistent that CJ is moving to the 2, not to the bench. Which becomes a real issue when you've got Herb and Trey but only one starting position.

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Pels haven't said any such thing, as far as I've seen. Do you have a link to somewhere that Griff or Green have said otherwise?

Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't be surprised, but it seems to me the height of foolishness to keep Trey glued to the bench when you've got BI on the move. Unless you don't have BI on the move, in which case lmao at Herb getting bumped to the bench too so that CJ can start. Talk about sacking off the future of the team to preserve the present.

We need to do a 3 team deal with the Kings and another team to land us Barnes (to replace Naji) + land us a starting 5 in the process

These two positions are all we need remaining...I have taken off back up PG as I forgot CJ may be coming off the bench.

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Originally Posted by Pelicanidae

I was looking at some of the DJM numbers, particularly regarding his 3pt shooting since that's going to be vital in the context of this team.

Did you know he took at least 7 3PAs in 43 games last season and at least 6 in 57 of them? He had 10 games where he took at least 10 3PAs.

If he would have been on the Pelicans, he would have taken more threes than everyone but CJ. Now, in fairness he played 21 games more than Trey, who took more per game, but even by per game metrics, he would have been 3rd in attempts on the Pelicans last year.

I know this guy hasn't been a shooter throughout his career (I, myself, have argued in the past that a reason that Trae Young was a better fit is that he is the better and more willing shooter, and I still think that because off-the-dribble is a larger threat than C&S) but man, he put the work-boots on from behind the line last year. 36% on that kind of volume isn't perfect, I'd like to see it a little closer to 38%, but if it's a sign of a trend that's big.

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Yeah. I heard someone quoting his numbers when Trae was injured and they were impressive. Something like averaging 9 assists over like a 20 game stretch.

Not sure what the finished project will be but just that addition is game changing. I think we'll see a revitalized CJ. He looks so much better when he isn't one of THE guys.

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Originally Posted by msusousaphone

Yeah. I heard someone quoting his numbers when Trae was injured and they were impressive. Something like averaging 9 assists over like a 20 game stretch.

Not sure what the finished project will be but just that addition is game changing. I think we'll see a revitalized CJ. He looks so much better when he isn't one of THE guys.

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Trae Young missed from February 23rd this year to April 10th. It was a 26 game span in which Dejounte Murray averaged 24.5/5.8/8.7 with 1.7stls a game. His efficiency was mediocre (45/36/73 splits) but yes the volume was there. He can put numbers up, if he has to - in his final season in San Antonio he averaged 21/8/9.

Luckily, we don't really need him to do that here. If he can give us like, 20/4/8 reliably, shoot 37% from 3 on volume, and play solid defense, that would be huge.