From an excitement standpoint, should the NBA’s history of disappointing trade deadlines temper our enthusiasm?
I’ve held that mindset many times before. But considering what All-Star weekend provided, a high the basketball world has yet to come down from, it really is difficult to keep one’s anticipation in check. So I can only assume we’re all eagerly awaiting what might take place regardless of the letdowns in years past. And when dealing with matters concerning the Raps, the interest in this squad is operating at a level that’s higher than ever before. Locally and league wide.
I’d be going against what I usually preach if I simply let my guard down, though, as this city and fan base is well acquainted with the need for an even-keel approach. Not to mention how complex even a tweak to a team’s roster can get, let alone acquiring a major name.
Still, until the clock strikes 3pm, I choose to remain optimistic. The Raps have created a window of opportunity and should be seeking an addition (some Bling, if you will) to help bolster what has the makings of the deepest postseason run in franchise history.
Be careful of wild speculation, however, as “reports” tend to promote false hope. Though that shouldn’t hinder overall confidence in something of substance getting done, which is a realistic point of view.
With that said, a few recommendations before we dive in deeper:
- Twitter notifications on? Double check that.
- Add a Salary Cap/Contract cheat sheet to your home screen.
- Have the Trade Machine on standby.
- Call in sick! … Or perhaps you booked the day off in advance. If so, well played.
Now, the narrative has shifted a bit in regards to what’s out there. Particularly speaking of names like Al Horford and Pau Gasol.
Which in turn, has spun off into discussions over whether or not a potential “rental” player would be worth risking a part of this team’s future.
The “David Price Theory” has been thrown around numerous times. While that applies on the surface, it doesn’t exactly hold up. The Blue Jays opted to use their last remaining name-brand prospects to get the deal done. As for the Raps, their prospects come in the form of picks, which will undoubtedly need to be involved in almost any deal made. Yet with four first-rounders over the course of the next two years, the cupboard won’t exactly be stripped of future resources if they decide to dip into that collection of picks.
I realize the Raps should do whatever they can to hold on to the coveted Knicks/Nuggets pick. And it would be frustrating if that pick was put on the table in any Markieff Morris or Thaddeus Young trade no matter how much they would present an upgrade in the club’s current frontcourt. But I severely doubt Masai would even entertain giving it up in any deal that didn’t involve a name like the aforementioned Horford or Gasol. Though even if it is, should there be that much of an uproar over it?
The thought of Price signing a contract after the fact was wishful thinking from the jump. But the outcry from fans and pundits alike who were against the move was almost nonexistent. That’s because WHEN THERE’S A WINDOW, YOU PULL THE TRIGGER. Is there anyone who disagrees with the notion that the Eastern Conference Finals is within reach? At this point, if you’re still a naysayer to that idea, you’re just making up excuses.
Better yet, does anybody have any regrets from how the Blue Jays made them feel this summer? If so, what are you truly after? A team has to take the plunge when an opportunity presents itself.
Even if a move isn’t made, a deep run is still a realistic outcome. I get the fact that the addition of DeMarre Carroll back into the fold at some point can be viewed as a trade in itself. But doesn’t that just speak to where this club can ultimately go if that trigger gets pulled?
To land a big fish, Ujiri would have to get creative. Blake Murphy went into detail explaining why it would be problematic involving Valanciunas or Ross due to the league’s Poison Pill Provision. Blake summarized the scenario nicely in his November column:
If a player is dealt between the date of signing an extension and the date the extension kicks in (July 1 for Valanciunas and Ross), then a sparsely used rule called the “poison pill provision” comes into play. The poison pill provision prevents teams from signing players to an extension and then using their current rookie-scale salary for the purposes of matching salaries in a trade.
Let’s see what the Machine has to say for itself:
A swap of Valanciunas, Patterson and James Johnson for Horford and Kyle Korver may be successful on the Trade Machine but, the likely reality is that a third team would need to get involved for anything like that to happen. What better day of the year to accomplish that feat than today? The overall defense would take a hit, but with Carroll added back into the equation and the offensive possibilities opened up inside and out, where do I sign?!
With Jeff Teague on the outside looking in, Delon Wright could be a name that pops into the discussion to have some kind of project piece behind Dennis Schroder moving forward. Though how ironic would it be if Wright ended up on the Bulls through a Gasol trade and suited up alongside Bobby Portis…
Is Masai too conservative to let loose? Probably. Though he is one to strike when we least expect it.
T-Ross is a different animal altogether. Not only because his upside is finally beginning to meet consistency halfway, but also for the fact that he’s DeRozan’s insurance policy.
As much as I tend to believe that DeRozan signing an extension is pretty much a formality at this point, I’m not prepared to set it in stone. If given the chance, wouldn’t you seriously consider playing in your hometown? Especially when that town is Los Angeles? His relationship with the city of Toronto, not to mention his bond with Lowry, can’t be overlooked. So I’m confident yet skeptical.
The fact that K-Low re-signed makes me think DeMar will want to return the favor and take this team as far as they can. But it’s not like Lowry is locked up for the long haul as we currently speak, and the Lakers’ future of Randle, Russell, Clarkson, a high draft pick, cap space and the imminent removal of Byron Scott as head coach means they won’t be roaming the bottom for much longer.
With that scenario still a question mark, I wouldn’t think Ross is a moveable piece. At least not until the offseason. Wait, not a moveable piece? Interesting turn of events.
The perfect storm:
One could argue what’s the point of “going all in” and trading away assets when the Raps wouldn’t be able to get past any Western Conference opponent if an NBA Finals appearance were to happen. I’d counter with the fact that it’s important to capitalize on what’s happening in this city, Finals appearance or not.
Do we really want to mix a tremendous first half and one of the best All-Star weekends in recent memory with simply playing the sidelines? The chance to shift the thought process of any sought after Free Agent is right in front of them. Just imagine the ability to sign Kevin Durant existing as something other than a pipedream.
Hopefully, your popcorn doesn’t go to waste.
