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Post by DERRENMATTS on Jul 18, 2016 12:25:04 GMT -5
(In this hypothetical scenario, presume that Russell Westbrook will guarantee to sign an extension with us next year)
If the centerpiece of OKC's asking price for Westbrook is the 2017 first round pick we have from Brooklyn (and add in a combination of players such as Smart, Bradley, Crowder Rozier), would you pull the trigger on this trade?
Westbrook will play this season as a 28 year old, with more years in his prime to come. He's a triple double machine, and one of the most electrifying players in the league. He's also ball dominant (though he averaged 10 apg last season).
Brooklyn's pick is most likely going to fall in the top 5, with a good chance of it being the [HASH]1 overall. Next year's draft is being hailed as one of the best in recent years. But with any draft, you are gambling on young players reaching their high potential.
Whoever we draft may never reach Westbrook's level.
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Post by jrmzt on Jul 18, 2016 13:03:40 GMT -5
Westbrook is a one year rental, no certainty he resigns with us, has a tendency to look for only his shot even when it isn't falling and plays a game that looks as if his knees will one day give up on him (and not in the far future either).
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Post by DERRENMATTS on Jul 18, 2016 13:41:45 GMT -5
Edited the original post. This is with the agreement Westbrook will extend with us.
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Post by jmost on Jul 18, 2016 16:03:04 GMT -5
If there is certainty that he'd extend 4-5 years (which I'm not sure can be done in a legally binding way) I think I'd be very tempted if it was just the Brooklyn pick and one player. More than that would give me pause.
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Post by oldtimeball on Jul 18, 2016 17:43:32 GMT -5
(In this hypothetical scenario, presume that Russell Westbrook will guarantee to sign an extension with us next year) If the centerpiece of OKC's asking price for Westbrook is the 2017 first round pick we have from Brooklyn (and add in a combination of players such as Smart, Bradley, Crowder Rozier), would you pull the trigger on this trade? Westbrook will play this season as a 28 year old, with more years in his prime to come. He's a triple double machine, and one of the most electrifying players in the league. He's also ball dominant (though he averaged 10 apg last season). Brooklyn's pick is most likely going to fall in the top 5, with a good chance of it being the [HASH]1 overall. Next year's draft is being hailed as one of the best in recent years. But with any draft, you are gambling on young players reaching their high potential. Whoever we draft may never reach Westbrook's level. Expand the poll? No way he pre signs? Unless you convince him you can beat Cleveland this year? It would be so awesome for TV to see Durant vs Westbrook in the finals.. Dear God .. Hope no team is stupid enough to help Cleveland dump salary and add Westbrook. |
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Post by oldtimeball on Jul 18, 2016 17:49:29 GMT -5
Are you serious? You would give them those players? Two starters. A lottery pick.. And change? lol.
There is no guarantee that pick is that high..
Don't trade your best players.. Thomas and smart yes. Rozier and Bradley would look good with Westbrook.. Offense should not be a problem but defense? lol.. Isaiah is good but you improve at pg with Westbrook..
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Jul 19, 2016 21:27:02 GMT -5
I'm not a big Westbrook fan. Yes he is a great player, but he also is a selfish player. There was friction between RW and Durant. I've watched a LOT of Thunder basketball because I watched every game when Perk was there and too often RW will ignore an open teammate to try to make the spectacular play himself. I just don't want selfish players on the team. They are too much fun to watch as they play unselfishly and for one another.
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Post by DERRENMATTS on Jul 19, 2016 22:51:00 GMT -5
That's how I view Westbrook too, FL. But I'm starting to look at it from a different angle, and I think I'm leaning more towards going after him.
We all remember how KG and Pierce and Ray altered their game for one another and for Ubuntu, and they made it work. Westbrook has a chance, if he comes to Boston, to alter his game and make a huge impact by "doing more by doing less".
The question of course is, can Westbrook and Isaiah coexist on the same team? If they are mature and ready to win a championship, I think they will be willing to. Both will need to pick and choose when to be aggressive and control the ball. They will need to learn how to play off the ball and be effective. Both will need to sacrifice their individual games and accolades. But what they will find is by doing this, they will find great success that may very well lead to the elusive title.
It'll be very difficult to stop a backcourt of Westbrook and Isaiah. How can any team double either of them? And with Horford setting picks for them and hitting shots as the pick and pop man, they'll become even more dangerous.
The reason why Westbrook and Durant couldn't win a title in OKC is because Westbrook, and maybe even Durant, couldn't humble himself to allow his teammates to have greater roles and impact. They still wanted the spotlight, the accolades, the stats, etc.
But under Stevens (whom I think is a better coach than Billy Donovan), he can turn the corner with Westbrook and get him to think about his teammates more.
I'm beginning to think it can happen.
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Post by freshnthehouse on Jul 20, 2016 1:21:12 GMT -5
I don't think I would, unless he came to a contract agreement beforehand. I'd offer IT4 (may as well move IT b/c he and Russ would be redundant together and you can only pay 1) as well as 2 non-brooklyn 1st rounders. throw in amir to make salaries match. if they get a better offer, tip your hat and move on.
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Post by oldtimeball on Jul 20, 2016 4:27:21 GMT -5
I don't think I would, unless he came to a contract agreement beforehand. I'd offer IT4 (may as well move IT b/c he and Russ would be redundant together and you can only pay 1) as well as 2 non-brooklyn 1st rounders. throw in amir to make salaries match. if they get a better offer, tip your hat and move on. Redundant yes. Isaiah probably would not be happy as a bench player |
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Jul 20, 2016 13:25:37 GMT -5
I would hope you are right Derren. Everything I see from Westbrook is self centered. I don't know if he can become a team player that would let the spotlight be somewhere else. I also agree that there may be some problems trying to keep both Isaiah and Westbrook happy. I'd just hate to give up too much to get him. And he'd DEFINITELY need to sign an extension before I'd even consider it.
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Post by oldtimeball on Jul 20, 2016 17:15:28 GMT -5
I would hope you are right Derren. Everything I see from Westbrook is self centered. I don't know if he can become a team player that would let the spotlight be somewhere else. I also agree that there may be some problems trying to keep both Isaiah and Westbrook happy. I'd just hate to give up too much to get him. And he'd DEFINITELY need to sign an extension before I'd even consider it. Any value in a expired contract? |
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Jul 20, 2016 19:00:03 GMT -5
The only value in an expired contract is perhaps more cap space. Most teams would rather get something of value in young prospects and draft picks rather than let the players go for nothing but cap space.
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