Originally Posted by
Rheem654
So assuming the Pels re-sign Boogie this summer for the next few seasons, and for the sake of this exercise assuming he returns to at least 80% of his production by mid-season 2019, it's clear they still could use another key player or two for them to fully make the leap into contender status. A scoring wing who can create off the dribble at a high level would be ideal.
It's been speculated they'll probably look to bring Boogie along slowly over the first half of next season, letting him work his way back to full minutes. So they'll probably keep Mirotic until the 2019 trade deadline to help cover the frountcourt minutes, and hopefully he can increase his trade value playing-wise, plus his and Ajinca's expiring contracts will be more valuable at the deadline. Moore is also available to match salaries for a clear upgrade, who will have 1.5 years left on his deal at 8.5mil. Diallo, F. Jackson, and their 2019 1st and future 2nds are also likely available for clear upgrades, if needed.
1) Fournier
for
Mirotic, Ajinca, F. Jackson, 2019 1st
Why would ORL do this? Good question, they might not. But if by the 2019 trade deadline they look to be headed back to the lotto, they could look to turn Fournier's big deal into expirings and assets in hopes of making a splash in '19 FA. Here they would get back a late 1st and a decent young guard prospect who will have actually played and showed some potential by 2019. If ORL happens to draft Doncic, maybe that also increases the chance of moving Fournier, since having two Euro guard/wings might be redundant, lol. They could very well keep EF since they're in need of talent and probably tired of losing.
NOP gets a high-level wing scorer/shooter/play-maker to take pressure off DMC/AD/Jrue.
Jrue/Fournier/Hill/AD/Boogie with Moore/Rondo/Miller/Diallo off the bench looks niiice.
2) Bazemore, 2nd
for
Mirotic, Ajinca
Moore could be included in place of Ajinca, or as extra to lessen Pels' salary load. ATL does it to lighten their payload and embrace the youth rebuild more with Prince, Bembry already on the wings. NOP adds his length, athleticism, defense, and good enough scoring to be a 4th option. This could appeal to them by keeping their pick, young players, where they would have to include them in other deals. Jrue/Bazemore/Hill/AD/Boogie could be elite defensively, with enough scoring to get by and shooters off the bench.
3) H. Barnes
for
S. Hill, Mirotic, 2019 1st.
Would DAL trade Barnes within their division, making the Pels better? Questionable. But if they see themselves having another non-playoff year, they could look to unload Barnes clearing cap room and getting assets. A variation of this could be Ajinca and Moore in place of Hill. Diallo could be included if it really came down to it. Barnes would add a high-level scorer at SF and excel at the 4 when either of AD or Boogie sits. He would be their 3rd option with the ability to take over games when AD or DMC is having an off night, has the size to guard bigger wings, and can free up some offensive load for Jrue allowing him to put even more energy into defense and assisting. Rondo/Jrue/Barnes/AD/Boogie or Jrue/Moore/Barnes/AD/Boogie. Very nice.
4) Kemba, M. Williams
for
Mirotic, Ajinca, Moore, 2019 unprotected 1st, F. Jackson, Diallo
This is the long shot, but if Kemba is still with CHA next season and it's clear they're not making the playoffs again, and/or he tells MJ he won't re-sign, then CHA looks to trade him. Could there be better offers? Maybe. But if the interested teams don't have the right expirings to make it work, or are reluctant to give up much value with Kemba due to become a FA, then a deal like this could be the offer that gets it done. Moore for Marvin swap saves CHA 5mil each of the next two seasons (as well as not having Kemba's new big deal), but Moore could possibly be re-routed for an expiring contract elsewhere, perhaps to PHI for Bayless, giving CHA more cap relief. The 1st, Diallo, and Duke(NC) guy Frank helps them get the rebuild started.
NOP adding Kemba with a healthy roster going forward puts them firmly in the elite tier. Kemba/Jrue/Hill/AD/Boogie is wow.
Thoughts? Which of these seem possible to happen? What other trades are out there to improve the Pels to help them make the leap?