OKC trade idea.

[barkleynash]

OKC trades Perkins, Lamb and Jones for Afflalo and Jason Maxiel.

OKC gives up on lamb and rids themselves of Perkins.
Brings in Afflalo to start at the two spot. Perkins is on an expiring contract and allows Orlando cap space.

If Orlando says no, OKC might have to offer their first rounder instead of Jones.

OKC westbrook Jackson
Afflalo Jackson
Durant Roberson
Ibaka maxiel
Adams Collison

Draft pick or Jones would add a little better to a thin bench.

[SwishSquared]

I could see Orlando doing your trade if they have no better offers and if OKC offers #21. Just those 2 young guys + big expiring wouldn't get the deal done imho.

[DMAVS41]

OKC trades Perkins, Lamb and Jones for Afflalo and Jason Maxiel.

OKC gives up on lamb and rids themselves of Perkins.
Brings in Afflalo to start at the two spot. Perkins is on an expiring contract and allows Orlando cap space.

If Orlando says no, OKC might have to offer their first rounder instead of Jones.

OKC westbrook Jackson
Afflalo Jackson
Durant Roberson
Ibaka maxiel
Adams Collison

Draft pick or Jones would add a little better to a thin bench.

Would have been a great trade this year at the deadline, but now it doesn't make sense to me.

I also think that is a little much for Afflalo...both Lamb/Jones. My initial trade was Thabo's expiring contract, Jones, and the Dallas pick. I am really high on Lamb though...I don't think you want to lose him.

But that trade doesn't make sense now. Afflalo is in the last year of his deal before he can opt out. And he is going to get PAID...definitely more than what the Thunder can afford or will be willing to pay. So you lose two young players and perhaps a pick for a 1 year rental for Afflalo? Nah...terrible.

The Thunder should just go out and offer Jodie Meeks like 4 years 20 million. That might be slighly overpaying, but it would be worth it. That fixes the sg problem and actually turns a weak position in a position of strength with Meeks/Lamb going forward, but also leaves them enough money for extending Reggie and for future stuff.

To me, the Thunder have it so easy right now. Sign Meeks...and then do 1 of 2 things;

1. Play it safe and sign a guy like Ed Davis as another big.

So you have;

WB/Reggie
Meeks/Lamb
Durant/Jones
Ibaka/Davis
Adams/Perkins

And you also have two first round picks to get young cheap talent to develop or trade.

2. Get super aggressive. Sign Meeks...and then offer Perkins expiring contract, Collison's expiring contract, Jones, Roberson, and both first round picks for Greg Monroe in a sign and trade. If the Pistons are at all torn about keeping him...they would do this deal for sure. You'd still probably be able to extend Reggie unless he's expecting a huge payday;

You'd have a top 8 going forward long term of;

WB, Reggie, Lamb, Meeks, Durant, Ibaka, Adams, and Monroe. Fill out the roster with vets willing to take less for a chance at the title like Miami has done. Even if they didn't get Meeks or lost Reggie...a core of Westbrook, Durant, Ibaka, Monroe, and Adams going forward has a legit 7 to 10 year title window if healthy.

If it was me in place of Presti...I go for the home run here with Monroe and figure the rest out later.

[SwishSquared]

Would have been a great trade this year at the deadline, but now it doesn't make sense to me.

I also think that is a little much for Afflalo...both Lamb/Jones. My initial trade was Thabo's expiring contract, Jones, and the Dallas pick. I am really high on Lamb though...I don't think you want to lose him.

But that trade doesn't make sense now. Afflalo is in the last year of his deal before he can opt out. And he is going to get PAID...definitely more than what the Thunder can afford or will be willing to pay. So you lose two young players and perhaps a pick for a 1 year rental for Afflalo? Nah...terrible.

The Thunder should just go out and offer Jodie Meeks like 4 years 20 million. That might be slighly overpaying, but it would be worth it. That fixes the sg problem and actually turns a weak position in a position of strength with Meeks/Lamb going forward, but also leaves them enough money for extending Reggie and for future stuff.

To me, the Thunder have it so easy right now. Sign Meeks...and then do 1 of 2 things;

1. Play it safe and sign a guy like Ed Davis as another big.

So you have;

WB/Reggie
Meeks/Lamb
Durant/Jones
Ibaka/Davis
Adams/Perkins

And you also have two first round picks to get young cheap talent to develop or trade.

2. Get super aggressive. Sign Meeks...and then offer Perkins expiring contract, Collison's expiring contract, Jones, Roberson, and both first round picks for Greg Monroe in a sign and trade. If the Pistons are at all torn about keeping him...they would do this deal for sure. You'd still probably be able to extend Reggie unless he's expecting a huge payday;

You'd have a top 8 going forward long term of;

WB, Reggie, Lamb, Meeks, Durant, Ibaka, Adams, and Monroe. Fill out the roster with vets willing to take less for a chance at the title like Miami has done. Even if they didn't get Meeks or lost Reggie...a core of Westbrook, Durant, Ibaka, Monroe, and Adams going forward has a legit 7 to 10 year title window if healthy.

If it was me in place of Presti...I go for the home run here with Monroe and figure the rest out later.
Your second proposal gets them out of the West next year for sure. Heck, Miami would lose to them without doing some reloading themselves (and maybe even then).

You're a bit higher than me on Lamb and the reason I think is although he's talented, he's not developing as quickly/well as he should b/c that coaching staff doesn't give him enough burn. I mean he can't improve without minutes lol. Zach Lowe said Lamb was atrocious on defense in the playoffs. Jones is a kinda similar case, but he's not going to play much behind Durant anyway.

Presti should have pulled the trigger on your deadline deal proposal. I wonder if ownership allows him to offer Monroe a near-market value contract considering they have to pay Reggie next summer. I share your "figure it out later" mindset (you have to go all-in when you're legitly a title contender) but Idk if OKC shakes it up that much. I suppose that if they stay below tax, they can retain Reggie using non-tax payer's MLE next summer.

[JohnMax]

I dont think Lamb and Durant can co-exist. They're both skinny and weak.

[Lebronxrings]

Jackson, perkins, 1st rounder for afflalo, nelson

[DMAVS41]

Jackson, perkins, 1st rounder for afflalo, nelson

That doesn't work. Reggie Jackson is super valuable to this team as insurance as the versatile player that can run the point. You don't trade him and a 1st rounder to bring in afflalo on an expiring contract when he's about to get PAID...

Afflalo is no longer a good option for this team.

Especially when for the money it will cost to keep Afflalo long term. You can pay for the Reggie extension and Meeks...and perhaps Lamb as well.

[Le Shaqtus]

F*ck that trade.

We're not taking that garbage

[DMAVS41]

Your second proposal gets them out of the West next year for sure. Heck, Miami would lose to them without doing some reloading themselves (and maybe even then).

You're a bit higher than me on Lamb and the reason I think is although he's talented, he's not developing as quickly/well as he should b/c that coaching staff doesn't give him enough burn. I mean he can't improve without minutes lol. Zach Lowe said Lamb was atrocious on defense in the playoffs. Jones is a kinda similar case, but he's not going to play much behind Durant anyway.

Presti should have pulled the trigger on your deadline deal proposal. I wonder if ownership allows him to offer Monroe a near-market value contract considering they have to pay Reggie next summer. I share your "figure it out later" mindset (you have to go all-in when you're legitly a title contender) but Idk if OKC shakes it up that much. I suppose that if they stay below tax, they can retain Reggie using non-tax payer's MLE next summer.


Lamb was terrible defensively, but that comes with experience. Brooks ****ed up and stopped playing him after the Butler signing. Well, they should have traded for Afflalo or Meeks at the deadline, but they didn't...and they should have continued to give Lamb burn.

I like Lamb and think he fits in well with this team going forward. He's cheap right now and won't demand a ton of money in the future...and he's super talented like you claim. I'd bet a lot of money he's worthy of being a top 8 player on a title team going forward. And that is all they would want out of him anyway.

Durant is locked in through 2016 and WB/Ibaka are locked in through 2017. Like I said before, even if you end up losing Reggie...going forward with a core of WB/Durant/Ibaka/Monroe/Adams is just too good to pass up. Especially when you have some cap space this summer and young players like Lamb and Jones to play more next year in bigger roles.

I think you go get Meeks first. Then go all in on trying to land Monroe. If you can't get him. I think going after Ed Davis in free agency makes a lot of sense as well. I also kind of like the idea of Larry Sanders. While that is a bit riskier, he could probably be had for the 2 first round picks, roberson, jones, and Perkins expiring. I can't imagine the Bucks want to hold onto him going forward in complete rebuild mode.

That probably opens up enough room to sign Meeks and extend Reggie....as with Monroe they likely couldn't. I'm assuming Monroe will get a 4 year 58 million dollar range offer from somebody. I actually think it would be stupid for the Pistons to match...and would be a great chance for Presti to swoop in and make the decision for them. As I said, I don't see how the Pistons say no to Perkins expiring contract (which they can later flip), 2 first round picks, and two young players like Roberson and Jones. That is a great haul for a player you should likely be 50/50 about paying anyway.

Meeks or another sg is the key to me though. No matter what happens...they need to get a guy like that to a 3 or 4 year deal so they no longer have to worry about playing the likes of Thabo, Fisher, or Butler important minutes in the playoffs. They do that and they are far better next year than they were this year. The rest would just be gravy.

It's really sad that Presti didn't make that move at the deadline...not only do I think we'd be watching the Thunder in the finals right now, but the Thunder would have the inside track at keeping Meeks (and his numbers wouldn't have been great either...so he'd be cheaper). Now he's going to cost 10 to 20 percent more...and they might not be able to get him regardless.

Just horrible team management from Presti. Which is odd because he knew last year, obviously, how important it was to have Martin fill in for Harden. Who did he expect to do that this year? Thabo, Fisher, and Butler? He can't be that stupid.

I like Presti and he's drafted well and built a solid team over the last few years, but he ****ed up hugely this year...and it might cost him more than this year...could cost the Thunder next year as well.

[andremiller07]

F*ck that trade.

We're not taking that garbage
This why would they give away one of the best two way SG's in the NBA for two at this point unproven scrubs?

[SwishSquared]

Lamb was terrible defensively, but that comes with experience. Brooks ****ed up and stopped playing him after the Butler signing. Well, they should have traded for Afflalo or Meeks at the deadline, but they didn't...and they should have continued to give Lamb burn.

I like Lamb and think he fits in well with this team going forward. He's cheap right now and won't demand a ton of money in the future...and he's super talented like you claim. I'd bet a lot of money he's worthy of being a top 8 player on a title team going forward. And that is all they would want out of him anyway.

Durant is locked in through 2016 and WB/Ibaka are locked in through 2017. Like I said before, even if you end up losing Reggie...going forward with a core of WB/Durant/Ibaka/Monroe/Adams is just too good to pass up. Especially when you have some cap space this summer and young players like Lamb and Jones to play more next year in bigger roles.

I think you go get Meeks first. Then go all in on trying to land Monroe. If you can't get him. I think going after Ed Davis in free agency makes a lot of sense as well. I also kind of like the idea of Larry Sanders. While that is a bit riskier, he could probably be had for the 2 first round picks, roberson, jones, and Perkins expiring. I can't imagine the Bucks want to hold onto him going forward in complete rebuild mode.

That probably opens up enough room to sign Meeks and extend Reggie....as with Monroe they likely couldn't. I'm assuming Monroe will get a 4 year 58 million dollar range offer from somebody. I actually think it would be stupid for the Pistons to match...and would be a great chance for Presti to swoop in and make the decision for them. As I said, I don't see how the Pistons say no to Perkins expiring contract (which they can later flip), 2 first round picks, and two young players like Roberson and Jones. That is a great haul for a player you should likely be 50/50 about paying anyway.

Meeks or another sg is the key to me though. No matter what happens...they need to get a guy like that to a 3 or 4 year deal so they no longer have to worry about playing the likes of Thabo, Fisher, or Butler important minutes in the playoffs. They do that and they are far better next year than they were this year. The rest would just be gravy.

It's really sad that Presti didn't make that move at the deadline...not only do I think we'd be watching the Thunder in the finals right now, but the Thunder would have the inside track at keeping Meeks (and his numbers wouldn't have been great either...so he'd be cheaper). Now he's going to cost 10 to 20 percent more...and they might not be able to get him regardless.

Just horrible team management from Presti. Which is odd because he knew last year, obviously, how important it was to have Martin fill in for Harden. Who did he expect to do that this year? Thabo, Fisher, and Butler? He can't be that stupid.

I like Presti and he's drafted well and built a solid team over the last few years, but he ****ed up hugely this year...and it might cost him more than this year...could cost the Thunder next year as well.

Lamb was terrible defensively, but that comes with experience. Brooks ****ed up and stopped playing him after the Butler signing. Well, they should have traded for Afflalo or Meeks at the deadline, but they didn't...and they should have continued to give Lamb burn.

I like Lamb and think he fits in well with this team going forward. He's cheap right now and won't demand a ton of money in the future...and he's super talented like you claim. I'd bet a lot of money he's worthy of being a top 8 player on a title team going forward. And that is all they would want out of him anyway.

Durant is locked in through 2016 and WB/Ibaka are locked in through 2017. Like I said before, even if you end up losing Reggie...going forward with a core of WB/Durant/Ibaka/Monroe/Adams is just too good to pass up. Especially when you have some cap space this summer and young players like Lamb and Jones to play more next year in bigger roles.

I think you go get Meeks first. Then go all in on trying to land Monroe. If you can't get him. I think going after Ed Davis in free agency makes a lot of sense as well. I also kind of like the idea of Larry Sanders. While that is a bit riskier, he could probably be had for the 2 first round picks, roberson, jones, and Perkins expiring. I can't imagine the Bucks want to hold onto him going forward in complete rebuild mode.

That probably opens up enough room to sign Meeks and extend Reggie....as with Monroe they likely couldn't. I'm assuming Monroe will get a 4 year 58 million dollar range offer from somebody. I actually think it would be stupid for the Pistons to match...and would be a great chance for Presti to swoop in and make the decision for them. As I said, I don't see how the Pistons say no to Perkins expiring contract (which they can later flip), 2 first round picks, and two young players like Roberson and Jones. That is a great haul for a player you should likely be 50/50 about paying anyway.

Meeks or another sg is the key to me though. No matter what happens...they need to get a guy like that to a 3 or 4 year deal so they no longer have to worry about playing the likes of Thabo, Fisher, or Butler important minutes in the playoffs. They do that and they are far better next year than they were this year. The rest would just be gravy.

It's really sad that Presti didn't make that move at the deadline...not only do I think we'd be watching the Thunder in the finals right now, but the Thunder would have the inside track at keeping Meeks (and his numbers wouldn't have been great either...so he'd be cheaper). Now he's going to cost 10 to 20 percent more...and they might not be able to get him regardless.

Just horrible team management from Presti. Which is odd because he knew last year, obviously, how important it was to have Martin fill in for Harden. Who did he expect to do that this year? Thabo, Fisher, and Butler? He can't be that stupid.

I like Presti and he's drafted well and built a solid team over the last few years, but he ****ed up hugely this year...and it might cost him more than this year...could cost the Thunder next year as well.
I'm not ready to give up on Lamb yet, I just think that if he continues to get buried on bench in favor of vets, he's not going to develop and might wash out of OKC. I mean he's not a RFA for 2 more years so he can definitely improve, it's just Presti needs to make sure Brooks understands the importance of developing the young guys to form a usable bench. I also think barely playing in RS post-Butler signing and then getting thrust back into some games in playoffs left him unprepared, so maybe that's why his D was so awful.

In a vacuum, definitely having Monroe over maybe losing Reggie is the right move imo. However, they have to be careful with their moves this summer. From http://*********.com/salaries/oklahoma_city.htm this link, it shows that OKC has nearly $68M on the books next season, so they're capped-out. They only have MLE, BAE, & minimum deals to upgrade sans trades and they will not go over the tax . I think Monroe will get shopped by Detroit (personally think he'd be a great fit next to Anthony Davis- A Monroe S&T for Ryan Anderson + whatever wouldn't be bad for Detroit imo) so they can find a reasonable S&T package for him. I realize he's a RFA so he can seek out potential places to sign an offer sheet on his own but Detroit can help him get to a preferred destination while receiving something worthwhile.

I don't think Sanders would help them offensively, but his interior D and rim protection would be great. He's a bit of a headcase and with his contract, I'm guessing Presti would rather spend $11M/yr (or more in the Monroe case) for a big with a post game. I feel that with Ibaka & Adams, they are set with defensive-minded big men. They need a post-up threat more than anything imo (other than a non-inept coach). Ed Davis could be an interesting piece off the bench. I don't know what Memphis will do with him since he's a RFA. I'm not sure Memphis is too stable right now lol so we'll see what happens with them.

I agree that a guy like Meeks would be great for this squad and he could potentially be had for full MLE I think. He's coming off a 2 year, $12M deal right (off top of my head, so I might be wrong)? SG is a talent-bare position, but he may sacrifice some $ for in pursuit of a ring. I don't think he gets Affalo-type $ (in terms of annual pay) this summer.

Presti may have not made the move because ownership forced him to stand pat. We don't know. Kerr did some funny stuff in Phoenix but it was because Sarver made him do it. He's done a good job overall so him not upgrading was a bit odd. Maybe they trusted Perkins more than Adams at the time? I also think Perkins is beloved in that locker room because he would serve as counselor for the young guys complaining about each other. Maybe they value a "Dwight stopper" that much, idk.

[DMAVS41]

I'm not ready to give up on Lamb yet, I just think that if he continues to get buried on bench in favor of vets, he's not going to develop and might wash out of OKC. I mean he's not a RFA for 2 more years so he can definitely improve, it's just Presti needs to make sure Brooks understands the importance of developing the young guys to form a usable bench. I also think barely playing in RS post-Butler signing and then getting thrust back into some games in playoffs left him unprepared, so maybe that's why his D was so awful.

In a vacuum, definitely having Monroe over maybe losing Reggie is the right move imo. However, they have to be careful with their moves this summer. From http://*********.com/salaries/oklahoma_city.htm this link, it shows that OKC has nearly $68M on the books next season, so they're capped-out. They only have MLE, BAE, & minimum deals to upgrade sans trades and they will not go over the tax . I think Monroe will get shopped by Detroit (personally think he'd be a great fit next to Anthony Davis- A Monroe S&T for Ryan Anderson + whatever wouldn't be bad for Detroit imo) so they can find a reasonable S&T package for him. I realize he's a RFA so he can seek out potential places to sign an offer sheet on his own but Detroit can help him get to a preferred destination while receiving something worthwhile.

I don't think Sanders would help them offensively, but his interior D and rim protection would be great. He's a bit of a headcase and with his contract, I'm guessing Presti would rather spend $11M/yr (or more in the Monroe case) for a big with a post game. I feel that with Ibaka & Adams, they are set with defensive-minded big men. They need a post-up threat more than anything imo (other than a non-inept coach). Ed Davis could be an interesting piece off the bench. I don't know what Memphis will do with him since he's a RFA. I'm not sure Memphis is too stable right now lol so we'll see what happens with them.

I agree that a guy like Meeks would be great for this squad and he could potentially be had for full MLE I think. He's coming off a 2 year, $12M deal right (off top of my head, so I might be wrong)? SG is a talent-bare position, but he may sacrifice some $ for in pursuit of a ring. I don't think he gets Affalo-type $ (in terms of annual pay) this summer.

Presti may have not made the move because ownership forced him to stand pat. We don't know. Kerr did some funny stuff in Phoenix but it was because Sarver made him do it. He's done a good job overall so him not upgrading was a bit odd. Maybe they trusted Perkins more than Adams at the time? I also think Perkins is beloved in that locker room because he would serve as counselor for the young guys complaining about each other. Maybe they value a "Dwight stopper" that much, idk.


there is no way that we can blame ownership for Presti not making a move at the deadline. Thabo's expiring contract, Fisher, and a first round pick for Meeks actually would have saved the Thunder money.

that was my point. meeks actually was on a 2 year deal worth 1.5 million a year.

as for the other stuff...i agree with most of it.

the reason i brought up larry sanders was that the Thunder could just destroy teams with their athleticism and bigs with him there. also, 11 million would be around 4 million less a year than monroe would cost. so you could essentially get a guy like meeks and sanders for the cost of Monroe. I'm torn on which one I prefer there...probably lean towards Monroe, but not if I was the coach.

If I was coaching the Thunder...I'd go all in on trying to get my team to play elite defense. If they really focused on it...they could be elite.

But the point about the cap situation for the Thunder moving forward is exactly why I said that Presti ****ed up so much by not making a move this past season.

It's time for them to move Perkins's expiring contract and the picks for something real. I don't care what it is honestly, but that needs to happen. Shit, right before the season last year the Suns gave up Gortat for an expiring contract in an effort to tank. That is why I think Larry Sanders is very real here. Perkins expirer, Jones, and the 21st pick to let the Bucks out of a 4 year 44 million dollar deal? They'd be stupid not to do it.

[GimmeThat]

the principle trade isn't bad.

But I'd go for Afflalo + Vucevic for anything they want

Perkins + Lamb + Picks, I would even throw in Jackson
If they value Jackson as their potential starting PG.

I think without getting Vucevic back, the Thunders aren't really contending
Especially looking at their cap situation, they would still be one big man away.

I'm not sure why Orlando would do it besides maybe they are aiming for some other big name FA and doesn't want to pay Vucevic big bucks in his upcoming contract negotiation.

They could win the Melo sweepstake if there's no indication that DRose is returning without being injury prone for all we know.


Nope, I can't think of why the Magic would do it besides signing some big name FAs.

But if the Thunders pull off this trade, Presti did his job, and all he has to do is resign FA use picks to fill up the holes.

That's a very legitimate 6-7 man roster.

[kurple]

Would have been a great trade this year at the deadline, but now it doesn't make sense to me.

I also think that is a little much for Afflalo...both Lamb/Jones. My initial trade was Thabo's expiring contract, Jones, and the Dallas pick. I am really high on Lamb though...I don't think you want to lose him.

But that trade doesn't make sense now. Afflalo is in the last year of his deal before he can opt out. And he is going to get PAID...definitely more than what the Thunder can afford or will be willing to pay. So you lose two young players and perhaps a pick for a 1 year rental for Afflalo? Nah...terrible.

The Thunder should just go out and offer Jodie Meeks like 4 years 20 million. That might be slighly overpaying, but it would be worth it. That fixes the sg problem and actually turns a weak position in a position of strength with Meeks/Lamb going forward, but also leaves them enough money for extending Reggie and for future stuff.

To me, the Thunder have it so easy right now. Sign Meeks...and then do 1 of 2 things;

1. Play it safe and sign a guy like Ed Davis as another big.

So you have;

WB/Reggie
Meeks/Lamb
Durant/Jones
Ibaka/Davis
Adams/Perkins

And you also have two first round picks to get young cheap talent to develop or trade.

2. Get super aggressive. Sign Meeks...and then offer Perkins expiring contract, Collison's expiring contract, Jones, Roberson, and both first round picks for Greg Monroe in a sign and trade. If the Pistons are at all torn about keeping him...they would do this deal for sure. You'd still probably be able to extend Reggie unless he's expecting a huge payday;

You'd have a top 8 going forward long term of;

WB, Reggie, Lamb, Meeks, Durant, Ibaka, Adams, and Monroe. Fill out the roster with vets willing to take less for a chance at the title like Miami has done. Even if they didn't get Meeks or lost Reggie...a core of Westbrook, Durant, Ibaka, Monroe, and Adams going forward has a legit 7 to 10 year title window if healthy.

If it was me in place of Presti...I go for the home run here with Monroe and figure the rest out later.
why would the pistons do that?

they can get at least 15 better offers for monroe than that.

maybe if you make it Smith instead of Monroe

[DMAVS41]

why would the pistons do that?

they can get at least 15 better offers for monroe than that.

maybe if you make it Smith instead of Monroe

I'm not sure you can honestly.

Two first round picks, a couple solid young players on great contracts, and 11 million worth of expiring contracts is a pretty big haul for a player like Monroe.

It depends on the goal of the Pistons though I guess. I'm assuming they aren't trying to go all in to win now...as they would make 0 sense given their current roster.

[SwishSquared]

there is no way that we can blame ownership for Presti not making a move at the deadline. Thabo's expiring contract, Fisher, and a first round pick for Meeks actually would have saved the Thunder money.

that was my point. meeks actually was on a 2 year deal worth 1.5 million a year.

as for the other stuff...i agree with most of it.

the reason i brought up larry sanders was that the Thunder could just destroy teams with their athleticism and bigs with him there. also, 11 million would be around 4 million less a year than monroe would cost. so you could essentially get a guy like meeks and sanders for the cost of Monroe. I'm torn on which one I prefer there...probably lean towards Monroe, but not if I was the coach.

If I was coaching the Thunder...I'd go all in on trying to get my team to play elite defense. If they really focused on it...they could be elite.

But the point about the cap situation for the Thunder moving forward is exactly why I said that Presti ****ed up so much by not making a move this past season.

It's time for them to move Perkins's expiring contract and the picks for something real. I don't care what it is honestly, but that needs to happen. Shit, right before the season last year the Suns gave up Gortat for an expiring contract in an effort to tank. That is why I think Larry Sanders is very real here. Perkins expirer, Jones, and the 21st pick to let the Bucks out of a 4 year 44 million dollar deal? They'd be stupid not to do it.
That trade would have saved them money but the trade is impossible financially. I didn't realize Meeks was on such a bargan deal, wow. Anyway, even Fisher's cap hit is too low for just him to work. They could have sent Thabeet + #21 and likely it would have been done. He's non-guaranteed for next season anyway. I don't disagree with the idea of getting Meeks, just your proposed trade wouldn't work financially.

Even if they got Meeks long-term, I still think they need a true post-up threat. Sanders would be easily attainable imo (depending on what direction Bucks are taking) with your proposal. I just think with a guy like Adams on a rookie deal already on the roster if you're about to spend 8-figures per year on another big man he should be offensive-minded. Adams can develop into a very good defensive center (not as athletic as Sanders but he's bigger/bulkier) and is cheap for another 3 years.

Sure, in terms of actual $$$ the Meeks + Sanders would roughly equal just Monroe (and they'd have fewer younger guys left over on roster with a Monroe S&T) but I still think if they struggle to score efficiently in the half court deep in the playoffs, what's the point of getting Sanders, if that makes sense.

I'm not absolving Presti of blame at the trade deadline- I'm saying if there was ownership interference then I don't blame him. If there wasn't any, I do place blame at his feet but for some reason this guy won't ship out Perkins and I think it's because he wanted to keep the locker room chemistry intact with Westbrook's injury this year. Maybe he had his eyes on making a trade in the summer. We don't know. We just know in hindsight it wasn't the best idea. He did try to get Shumpert for a first (has shot 39% and 42% on corner 3s past 2 years) but NYK demanded for Felton to be part of the deal.