Handlogten's Heros
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Ed would fit into a trade exception they have. If we want to get some room under the cap we could offer Ed plus 3.5M in cash to just take him. Basically like them getting him for the minimum. They will operate over the cap but really aren't in danger of going into the tax.I think we are looking at paying the tax in 21-22. Don's extension+Rudy's extention+Joe+Royce+Clarkson maybe+Bojan+anything else we add. Rudy and Don alone could be $60+. Since we are likely in the tax area in 21-22, I see no reason to go barely over for the upcoming season. Going into the tax one time is okay. Repeater tax has to be avoided. I don't think our FO goes there.
Olynyk is unlikely, but worth the question. Who knows what Miami does, but it will be aggressive. I wouldn't be shocked if they pursued somebody like Beal this summer and then Giannis next summer.
Ariza is also unlikely, but he's a good fit for what we need.
Ed Davis for Hezonja makes perfect sense for both teams honestly. It keeps Lillard happy and gives them a much needed extra big since Collins is always hurt. For us, we save money and we shouldn't have to use a pick to get this done. Hezonja upgrades our bench even if only marginally.
That move just doesn't make us any better unless we sign someone with our exceptions. The guys I'm seeing at the full MLE type level are not guys I love. I'd almost rather shop for value at a lower level using part of the MLE. Say you offer Shaq Harrison a 4 year 12M deal (this doesn't happen often but has potential to get value). Its a little risky because of the length but has upside if his shooting last year is closer to the player he will be. Could probably justify that deal based on defense alone.
Paying a premium for a basic backup big isn't ideal... but then I look at the wings in the Full MLE group and its not great. If a player is close to that level you usually end up having to throw the entire MLE at them.
Thad is really interesting to me and I think he's gettable (in part because of his contract/age). I also just don't see a guy like Baynes playing a big role late in the playoffs... even Favs locks you into one style of play. I could see Thad playing on either team. Even guys that many love like Derrick Jones aren't playing in the finals because he's too light in the shorts and doesn't shoot it well enough. The defensive versatility is really enticing and I think he could have a different role as a backup 5 that might help him be at least semi-useful on that end.