With the NBA Draft in the rear view mirror, the NBA offseason is now in full swing. We have already seen one major trade in the Butler/Levine blockbuster, but many more may be on the horizon. Combining that with some major players announcing their intentions of becoming free agents, i.e. Blake Griffin and CP3, tees up these next few months for major moves that could reshape the NBA landscape. Hunter and Zander had a quick take exchange in light of the most recent news.
Z: Now where is Blake trying to go?
H: Memphis. You heard it here first.
Honestly, I think the Cavs should K-Love trade for cap space and maybe a better SG and then sign Blake.
Z: CP3 is also going to opt out.
If the Cavs got CP3, Kyrie could go to the 2, which is closer to his true position.
H: That would be nuts. I think CP3 is set for Spurs though
Z: #rememberthebananaboat
H: Melo coming then? And Wade?
Z: Not Melo, but the Bulls would love to get rid of Wade’s contract and would probably do a trade for KLove. A straight up trade works in the trade machine, but I would expect some more going to Cleveland.
H: Lavine
Z: I do not know the rules on trading a player you just acquired via trade, but him being a defensive minus would make that addition a little less likely.
D-Wade would likely opt out of his contract if he was traded and sign a more friendly deal so that the Cavs have enough room for CP3.
H: Only rule is that you can’t be traded after PLAYING for 2 teams in same season. So he’s fine.
Z: Oh. Well, there is still the option that the Cavs trade KLove for PG13. If they got him and signed CP3. Warriors/Cavs IV would be an amazing series.
H: But if Pacers take that deal (assuming they don’t work a 3rd team on to get some more talent) they would be stupid. K Love stinks.
Z: The Cers would need more, but getting some for PG is better than nothing. Pritchard is getting thrown into the deep end for his tenure.
H: No kidding. Starting to think Bird just didn’t wanna deal with it.
Z: That is entirely possible. I would have gotten out of his position if I saw this coming.
H: There’s no winning here. Unless the Pacers just absolutely trade rob someone, fans won’t be happy.
Z: I think that KLove’s in Indy would be considerably better than in Cleveland. I think a lineup with him and Turner could have some really good spacing and shooting.
Looking at the Cers and there some really bad contracts on here.
H: Need to get a better SG. And someone to replace George’s scoring ability. Trade George for Greek Freak and whatever else they want.
Z: There is a zero percent chance the Greek Freak will be traded. He is still on his Rookie contract.
H: Turner, George, Leaf and bingo we have a deal.
Z: Crazy trade that will never happen, but works mathematically.
H: Would never happen, but honestly… think it would be great for all teams involved.
Z: I think the Pacers and Cavs would say yes, but it goes against the current mindset of the Bucks to do this trade.
I don’t get how every team gets significantly “worse”.
H: That part makes no sense to me either.
Z: I’ll just chalk it up to the ridiculous ESPN power rankings in general.
H: Those are so dumb.
Photo: NBA.com