OFFICIAL 2018 NBA Off-Season Thread

Originally posted by IT21:

Originally posted by DaBum:

One thing no one seems to talk about is Paul teaming up with LeBron. Paul seems extremely happy in Houston but what if LeBron tells Paul to join him on a team that fits with LeBron's ideas? Would Paul say no to joining him

I've said that I could see Paul joining Lebron in going to LA if PG doesn't join him. It'd actually be a really good fit too.

Ball would be nice trade bait

I was dismissive of it earlier but this can happen. Plus, CP3 can play alongside Ball.
Still think you need bigger guys to guard Durant - Klay - Green.

Pg and Bron along with Ball, Ingram, Kuz, and Randle will be perfect. Maybe get Noel or re-sign KCP in FA too with mid-level (both are represented by Rich Paul).
That lineup can match up with Warriors physically...question will be if the young guys are ready for deep run.

This is where I feel Sixers have the advantage. They got a good taste of the playoffs this season.

He is going to LA if his family really has a big vote.

Cant imagine his family being enthusiastic about going to SLC lol

Originally posted by Bluefalcon61:

He is going to LA if his family really has a big vote.

Cant imagine his family being enthusiastic about going to SLC lol

His kids would love the #nightlife.

Originally posted by 4ML:

Originally posted by IT21:

Originally posted by DaBum:
One thing no one seems to talk about is Paul teaming up with LeBron. Paul seems extremely happy in Houston but what if LeBron tells Paul to join him on a team that fits with LeBron's ideas? Would Paul say no to joining him

I've said that I could see Paul joining Lebron in going to LA if PG doesn't join him. It'd actually be a really good fit too.

Ball would be nice trade bait

I was dismissive of it earlier but this can happen. Plus, CP3 can play alongside Ball.
Still think you need bigger guys to guard Durant - Klay - Green.

Pg and Bron along with Ball, Ingram, Kuz, and Randle will be perfect. Maybe get Noel or re-sign KCP in FA too with mid-level (both are represented by Rich Paul).
That lineup can match up with Warriors physically...question will be if the young guys are ready for deep run.

This is where I feel Sixers have the advantage. They got a good taste of the playoffs this season.

What about Portland? As a fit, that would be great for him. Two guards who can shoot and also handle the ball, what other playoff team really gives him that? Out of all the teams out there who can compete, that's probably the best fit.

Originally posted by TheGore49er:
What about Portland? As a fit, that would be great for him. Two guards who can shoot and also handle the ball, what other playoff team really gives him that? Out of all the teams out there who can compete, that's probably the best fit.

Yea...but he and his family won't live in Portland. To me, when he says Family will have a big say - strictly in my opinion - it's all about Bron Jr's future. Lebron wants to make sure he goes to the right basketball school and he is able to attend those games as much as possible.

I think realistic destinations are:

Lakers
Sixers

Long shots:
Houston
Miami
Boston

Super long shot:
San Antonio - respects Pop so much...he sets up the family in LA but works in San Antonio (very unlikely)

I'll be surprised (more likely shocked) if he stays in Cleveland or goes to any other team.

If the goal is to win right away and long term - I think Boston makes the MOST sense. Their young guys are ready right now and they have the 2nd best coach in the league. Lebron and Stevens respect each other a lot. Trade Gordon Hayward and the Memphis draft pick in 2020 for Lebron. Trade Kyrie as well - rumors are he wants to play for Knicks anyway.

Originally posted by 4ML:

Originally posted by TheGore49er:
What about Portland? As a fit, that would be great for him. Two guards who can shoot and also handle the ball, what other playoff team really gives him that? Out of all the teams out there who can compete, that's probably the best fit.

Yea...but he and his family won't live in Portland. To me, when he says Family will have a big say - strictly in my opinion - it's all about Bron Jr's future. Lebron wants to make sure he goes to the right basketball school and he is able to attend those games as much as possible.

I think realistic destinations are:

Lakers
Sixers

Long shots:
Houston
Miami
Boston

Super long shot:
San Antonio - respects Pop so much...he sets up the family in LA but works in San Antonio (very unlikely)

I'll be surprised (more likely shocked) if he stays in Cleveland or goes to any other team.

If the goal is to win right away and long term - I think Boston makes the MOST sense. Their young guys are ready right now and they have the 2nd best coach in the league. Lebron and Stevens respect each other a lot. Trade Gordon Hayward and the Memphis draft pick in 2020 for Lebron. Trade

You trying to make Kyrie jump off the flat face of the earth?

Originally posted by TheGore49er:
You trying to make Kyrie jump off the flat face of the earth?

Rumors are - he wants to play for Knicks in 2019 anyway. Boston should trade Kyrie if that's true rather than losing him for nothing.

Originally posted by TheGore49er:

What about Portland? As a fit, that would be great for him. Two guards who can shoot and also handle the ball, what other playoff team really gives him that? Out of all the teams out there who can compete, that's probably the best fit.

Portland is a better fit than Houston? Lillard usage wasn't far from Harden's and Portland had 3 players in top 50 for usage (min 1000 minutes). Houston had one person in the top 50. Paul was 74th. And Portland isn't anywhere close to as good as Houston.

Originally posted by Bluefalcon61:

He is going to LA if his family really has a big vote.

Cant imagine his family being enthusiastic about going to SLC lol

He will get exposed in the West, but at least he won't have to worry about making his finals record even s**tier

Originally posted by Aj_hwd954:

He will get exposed in the West, but at least he won't have to worry about making his finals record even s**tier

You think he's only this good because he's in the East. He's the best player in the league regardless of conference. Depending on the team, he could easily win multiple titles.

Originally posted by 4ML:

Originally posted by TheGore49er:
What about Portland? As a fit, that would be great for him. Two guards who can shoot and also handle the ball, what other playoff team really gives him that? Out of all the teams out there who can compete, that's probably the best fit.

Yea...but he and his family won't live in Portland. To me, when he says Family will have a big say - strictly in my opinion - it's all about Bron Jr's future. Lebron wants to make sure he goes to the right basketball school and he is able to attend those games as much as possible.

I think realistic destinations are:

Lakers
Sixers

Long shots:
Houston
Miami
Boston

Super long shot:
San Antonio - respects Pop so much...he sets up the family in LA but works in San Antonio (very unlikely)

I'll be surprised (more likely shocked) if he stays in Cleveland or goes to any other team.

If the goal is to win right away and long term - I think Boston makes the MOST sense. Their young guys are ready right now and they have the 2nd best coach in the league. Lebron and Stevens respect each other a lot. Trade Gordon Hayward and the Memphis draft pick in 2020 for Lebron. Trade Kyrie as well - rumors are he wants to play for Knicks anyway.

I think Boston would be a super long shot as well. Honestly, I think it has to be Philly or LA if he moves on.

Originally posted by DaBum:

Originally posted by Aj_hwd954:
He will get exposed in the West, but at least he won't have to worry about making his finals record even s**tier

You think he's only this good because he's in the East. He's the best player in the league regardless of conference. Depending on the team, he could easily win multiple titles.

He could but obviously the road to the finals is MUCH tougher if he has to go through the Warriors just to get there. This is why I think Philly is the most logical destination for him.

Originally posted by Aj_hwd954:

Originally posted by Bluefalcon61:

He is going to LA if his family really has a big vote.

Cant imagine his family being enthusiastic about going to SLC lol

He will get exposed in the West, but at least he won't have to worry about making his finals record even s**tier

Lol

Originally posted by DaBum:

Originally posted by TheGore49er:
What about Portland? As a fit, that would be great for him. Two guards who can shoot and also handle the ball, what other playoff team really gives him that? Out of all the teams out there who can compete, that's probably the best fit.

Portland is a better fit than Houston? Lillard usage wasn't far from Harden's and Portland had 3 players in top 50 for usage (min 1000 minutes). Houston had one person in the top 50. Paul was 74th. And Portland isn't anywhere close to as good as Houston.

Yea...Houston is a better option and I'm not too concerned about the fit. Elite players figure out a way to play with each other and in CP3 and Bron - you got two of the smartest players in the league...they will figure it out. Plus, Harden and CP3 are damn good shooters.

For me, Houston is unlikely because Lebron will have to opt in and force Cavs to trade him to Houston for Anderson and Gordon. Why would Cavs do this? If Lebron is leaving - Cavs will go into a clearance mode so they can avoid paying tax...unless they can get a young star-level player in return.

Originally posted by Ninerjohn:
I think Boston would be a super long shot as well. Honestly, I think it has to be Philly or LA if he moves on.

Yea...lot of moves have to go thru for Boston. But, if Boston determines that Kyrie may leave - I think they could aggressively pursue Lebron.

Also, It will be really interesting if Lebron and PG talk and decide to play together. PG can easily pull a CP3 and opt in on the premise that he'll be traded to a specific team. Now, PG will only (lol only) 20M if he opts in and can make 30M if he opts out. So, why would PG do this? It's actually better for him to opt in and get traded.

A 8 year vet signing with a new team this summer:
4 years 131M approx

A 9 year vet re-signing with his own team next summer:
5 year 176M appox (could bemore if Cap goes up)

Why would OKC do this - they won't lose PG for a bagel.
Why would PG's new team do this - they'll only have to fit in 20M of PG's salary this season instead of 30M.

I think this off-season is going to another wild one. Lot of crazy things can happen. Can't wait to see how it unfolds.