Most of the focus (understandably) has been who the Pels will target in free agency with their $32 million + in cap space. But Griff said before the draft that his focus was on using part of his bounty from the AD trade to land an All-Star or near future All-Star to go with his roster of young, promising talent.
That's may be hard to do in Free Agency. Top Tier Free agents are either hurt, super expensive or not really interested in coming to a young team that's years away from contending.
But the Pels seems to have been engaged in some fairly serious trade talks before the draft and can we say for sure that these talks aren't ongoing and might not be a better use of our cap space, especially if some teams are looking to dump contracts in order to remake their rosters? Granted, these types of trades are easier (and cheaper) to make in season at the trade deadline when teams have given up hope for the year, but Griff may not want to wait that long to make his move. So who might be on a short list of good fits for Griff's priorities? Let's take a look:
1. Myles Turner, C/PF Pacers. Remaining Contract: 4 years/$72 million
-Indiana's 23-year-old big man is a player on the rise, averaging 13 points, 6.5 boards and 2 blocks per game while shooting 36% from distance. His fit would seem perfect for the Pels, but why would the Pacer's trade him? It seems odd they drafted Goga when they were already having trouble finding minutes for Turner and their other young big, Domantas Saboins. Could either Turner or Sabonis be gettable? I'm curious. Speaking of which...
2. Domantas Sabonis, C/PF Pacers. Remaining Contract 2 years/$7.2 million
-Sabonis isn't the defensive presence that Turner is, but his offense and rebounding are impressive. At 23 he could form a potent offense/defense pairing with Hayes down the line. Again, seems unlikely Pacers would trade him, but they are crowded in the front court.
3. Kevin Love., C/PF Cavaliers Remaining Contract 4 years/$120 million
-Yikes. Where to start? We know Griffin loves Love and he is a big man with skill. But he clearly seems to be declining and his remaining contract is massive. I get that he would be a good locker room vet and a capable pro who can rebound and hit the 3 at a pretty good clip (37% career), but his contract is Eric Gordon like in terms of its ability to handcuff the franchise going forward. He's just not worth it.
4. Blake Griffin PF/C Pistons Remaining Contract 3 years/$110 million
-In terms of on court fit, Griffin might be ideal. Still an elite athlete he's expanded his offensive game as his career has gone along. Not a great defender but his style of play would blend in with what the Pels want to do. Still, he comes at a pretty high price and I wonder if would really be content to another team to be a second or third wheel.
5. Clint Capela C Rockets Remaining Contract 4 years/$66 million
-Capela's deal isn't horrible and obviously the Pels drafted a center in Hayes who is himself very Capela-like. You could make a case to trade for Clint to play the role you envision Hayes playing in 2 or 3 years when Capela's deal is up. Word is the Rockets were willing to deal him before the draft, but that may have changed if the Rocket's think they can keep their squad together and make a run in the Warrior-less west next year. He also doesn't fit with Griff's desire to get an All Star level player. Capela is good, but in a limited role and couldn't stay on the court against the Warriors, which might give us pause.
6. Aaron Gordon SF/PF Magic Remaining Contract 3 years/$54.4 million
-A bit of a wild card option, but I think Gordon is better suited to playing PF or small ball center rather than small forward where the Magic have been trying to force him. He and Zion would obviously form a young, super-athletic front court with a lot of potential, but I'm not sure on whether they'd step on each other's toes. Also don't know what it would take to pry Gordon loose from the Magic. Quite a bit, I'd imagine.
I'm not advocating making any of these moves. Part of me thinks the Pels should see how this team plays first, and maybe look at making a move at the deadline, if it makes sense then. I wouldn't mind seeing what Okafor could do as a starting center. He was obviously a top 3 pick a few years ago and he showed good offensive skills for us last year in extended minutes. He doesn't really fit what we do, but he may have enough talent to adjust his game. If players like Serge Ibaka and Brooke Lopez can add a three point shot, there's hope for any big...
Would you trade for any of the above...or anyone else?