[news.google.com] — Monday, June 19, 2023 6:30:00 AM
‘No 1st Rounder?’: Knicks’ Josh Hart Comments on Bradley Beal Trade Sports Illustrated
[news.google.com] — Monday, June 19, 2023 12:35:00 AM
Knicks: Josh Hart’s stunned reaction to Bradley Beal-Suns trade ClutchPoints
[news.google.com] — Sunday, June 18, 2023 7:00:47 PM
Pass or Pursue on Bleacher Report’s ‘sleeper’ Knicks free agent targets Daily Knicks
[news.google.com] — Sunday, June 18, 2023 6:48:00 PM
Bradley Beal headed to the Phoenix Suns as Knicks miss out on another star NJ.com
[news.google.com] — Sunday, June 18, 2023 5:36:08 PM
Knicks: Josh Hart Calls Out Specifics of Suns’ Bradley Beal Trade Heavy.com
[news.google.com] — Sunday, June 18, 2023 5:13:20 PM
Atlantic Notes: Siakam, Knicks, Podziemski, CBA BVM Sports
[news.google.com] — Sunday, June 18, 2023 4:02:35 PM
Knicks Rumors: ‘Realistic’ Trade Proposal for Bradley Beal Heavy.com
[news.google.com] — Sunday, June 18, 2023 3:46:00 PM
Atlantic Notes: Siakam, Knicks, Podziemski, CBA hoopsrumors.com
[news.google.com] — Sunday, June 18, 2023 3:32:33 PM
NBA Trades: Knicks Land Celtics’ Malcolm Brogdon In Proposal NBA Analysis Network
[news.google.com] — Sunday, June 18, 2023 1:56:25 PM
Stewart Dribble: Liberty Cool Mercury, Welcome Back Brittney Griner Sports Illustrated
[news.google.com] — Sunday, June 18, 2023 1:46:58 PM
Knicks Must Sign or Trade for ‘Sniper’ This Offseason Sports Illustrated
[news.google.com] — Sunday, June 18, 2023 10:34:02 AM
Knicks should stay far away from 9x All-Star in free agency Empire Sports Media
[news.google.com] — Sunday, June 18, 2023 10:23:00 AM
Today’s Iconic Moment in New York Sports: Knicks draft Patrick Ewing number one overall New York Post
[news.google.com] — Sunday, June 18, 2023 10:18:51 AM
Should Knicks look to trade for Kyle Kuzma? AMNY
[news.google.com] — Sunday, June 18, 2023 9:24:18 AM
Knicks Insider Dishes on Who Gets Traded for Top Star Heavy.com
[news.google.com] — Sunday, June 18, 2023 8:31:53 AM
Pod Strickland: Episode 307 The Strickland
[news.google.com] — Sunday, June 18, 2023 8:00:00 AM
3 Former Knicks that the team should consider trading for this offseason Daily Knicks
89 replies on “Knicks Morning News (2023.06.19)”
But Obi’s replacement would likely 1)be cheaper, and/or not force you to make a messy contract extension choice, and 2)be a better fit for the needs and style of this team.
Plus, if you believe that one of Leon’s top priorities is demonstrating to the league that he is player-friendly, at some point he owes it to Obi to send him somewhere he can actually play, and play in a style better suited to his strengths.
Btw, when I was suggesting KP, I meant as a Mitch replacement not a Randle replacement. I don’t think we will get KP for a variety of reasons, but I think his fit next to Randle and RJ makes sense.
That said, RJ was clearly the main offender last season, and even replacing his minutes with Hart minutes would probably do a lot. But I also dont see Thibs wanting to abandon his safety blanket.
So I don’t really know what they’ll do — maybe nothing to the starting lineup. Perhaps they trade Obi for a low pick and vet merc, but those optics aren’t great for Leon after picking Obi so high. Leon’s M.O. is more likely to give responsible deals to Obi and Quick so that they can be moved later if need be.
I’m guessing we won’t see much movement unless it’s for a legit star with a history of winning: Embiid, for instance. That means, we might not make such a move until mid-season’s trade deadline.
One bullet dodged…
Doesn’t the tiny return for Beal pretty much say it all?
And wtf is Phoenix doing?
It at least says it all about the perils of a no-trade clause, which we experienced at the end of the Melo era. I still think the contract would have suppressed the return Washington got. But if they’d had they ability to shop him around the league, they absolutely would have done better than just salary relief.
On WAS’s end, is this a case of addition by subtraction?
“But if they’d had they ability to shop him around the league, they absolutely would have done better than just salary relief.”
Probably somewhat, but I do wonder how much value he would have had even without the NTC given the new ecosystem combined with his massive contract and 4 years of underperformance. I mean, what teams would have given up substantially more than what PHX gave up?
Yeah I mean Beal is basically equal to Buddy Hield now, but at more than double the price… and Hield has been hard to move. Therefore, no smart team would pay much for Beal even without the NTC.
Also, I wonder if Leon would consider trading for Long Island’s own Tobias Harris? Yes he’s wildly overpaid, but he’s still a bit above average, can shoot the three, and would probably only cost us Fournier, Rose (optioned), and maybe one 2nd at most. He could either start of come off the bench and would fit the rotation well since he can play the 3 or 4. Although if your going to try for an older guy, you might as well look at DeRozan first or even some other guys.
Looking at the Wizards’ roster, seems like a full rebuild is the only way to go…can’t imagine that they want to fill in around KP and Kuz. Johnny Davis looked terrible….Avdija is not developing….doesn’t appear to be a franchise player available at #8…they might be the very worst team in the NBA next year.
OTOH maybe the new CBA accelerates the rebuilding process by minimizing the teams that can make blockbuster trades.
“Also, I wonder if Leon would consider trading for Long Island’s own Tobias Harris?”
I’m not interested in Harris. He may have been the most overrated and overpaid “healthy” player in the NBA during the entirety of his contract. The only way it would make sense is to dump RJ’s contract in an even swap, but that’s not gonna happen, nor should it imo. That said, I do agree in principle that swapping out Harris for RJ would improve the team at least somewhat, barring a huge leap from RJ.
Also, I don’t think he is that plugged in, but:
Bill Simmons: “I had somebody tell me yesterday that I trust, Zion Williamson will not be on that team Thursday.”
Either a Charlotte or Portland trade, I assume…
I am still totally flustered by the Beal trade. How is it possible that you make a trade to add a 3rd All NBA player AND GET WORSE?? They have no flexibility unless they can find a good trade for Ayton. And from what I’ve seen- all the teams that have interest in Ayton don’t have packages to help the Suns’ rotation this year. At least optimally. I am fascinated with seeing how being a full time PG affects Booker’s game.
Even thought PHX gave up basically nothing to get Beal, I’m a little glad the Knicks didn’t make this trade because it would cost us one or both of Grimes and Quickley. That being said, the Wiz seem to be in fire sale mode- so I’m wondering if there’s a trade for KP that works without us giving up good picks. I don’t want to lose Mitch, but we’d have to in that scenario. And we’d have to depend on Hartenstein and Sims stepping up as a paint defender because they would have to play alot so we can keep KP upright. As long as Randle is a Knick, KP fits because he’s always been a capable offensive rebounder. I’d much rather have him than someone like Turner because we’ve seen KP actually play well inside and out on both ends more consistently than Turner. Plus I trust KP’s shooting twice as much. So..if that happens, I wonder if we can use RJ to add a bigger 3&D wing. I don’t think that would be a priority with KP as the starting C before the trade deadline though. Regardless, this Washington fire sale has me warming up to the idea of bringing KP back a little
Who has the ability/interest to trade for CP3 now? Almost all of his contract got guaranteed after the trade, so he’s a $30 million expiring.
https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/271979/Heat-Offered-Kyle-Lowry-Duncan-Robinson-First-Round-Picks-For-Bradley-Beal
Something is fishy here, since the Miami offer is FAR superior to what the Suns gave up. If this is true, the only possible explanation for why the Wiz turned it down is that Beal refused to waive the NTC, which doesn’t make sense either since Miami makes more sense for Beal as well.
big bullet dodged with Beal going to PHX.
I think it’s bad but not terrible for PHX (new CBA notwithstanding) – they are really going for it and likely are hoping that Vogel can smoke-and-mirror an acceptable defense somehow. They prob were going to be a 2nd apron team anyway, so if they’re willing to burn their future seasons to the ground for 1-2 year window while Durant is still elite, then all power to them. But it was never a good idea for us. I just don’t think Beal is that good.
Feels like we are down to Lavine and maybe (please?) trying to get Zion while his value is low. I know people have reservations about both these players, but they’re both not on supermaxes, Lavine is a massive upgrade over RJ offensively, and Zion is a top 5-7 offensive player when/if healthy (and clearly an upgrade over Randle) — gotta take your swings at those guys when they’re even a little available.
If neither of those 2 are realistic, then I think we just run it back and hope for some internal improvement. There are worse things than keeping our powder dry and getting to the 2nd round of the playoffs.
I would like to take a flyer on Deni Avdija. He has shown flashes, is still just 22, and we are desperate for a big wing who can play D.
That Washington pick we own has unique value to the Wiz because it frees them from Stepien complications. The Fugazi first for Avdija and a 2nd is good asset maximization.
The Wiz are terrible at player development. Thibs is good at it. It’s a good fit.
Last summer, Indy signed Ayton to a max contract, so now the Suns send him where they want him (Indiana) for McConnell and Turner. I think McConnell can be a starter on a team with as much offense as this KD-Book-Beal Suns. He won’t need to score and he’s a pest on defense. And Turner is a lot better than Ayton on the defensive end.
Only issue with that is that Ayton took a step back in 22-23 and Turner took a step forward — and Ayton has a terrible contract (owed 30–>35MM yearly over the next 4 seasons) while Turner has a pretty great contract ($20MM/year for next 2 seasons). Ergo I am pretty sure Turner has much more value around the league than Ayton, and now PHX literally has nothing left to trade.
KP, Kuzma, and Beal hardly played together because someone was always hurt. When they did play together they weren’t very good anyway.
IMO, they were wise to get rid of Beal. They didn’t get nothing for him. Shamet is a decent backup and it looks like they got a bunch of 2nd round picks and maybe some swaps. It’s hard to value picks vs. players to begin with, but someone reported is was 6 2nd rounders. With 6 of them you are pretty likely to come up with a pretty good player unless they are all late 2nd round. I don’t know any details of what picks and what years.
If I were them I’d get rid of Kuzma too. The problem is if you get rid of Beal and Kuzma (the correct things to do), there’s no point in trying to keep KP. He is probably not going to want to stay anyway. He can opt out. So they might as well do whatever they can to accumulate assets and go all in on a tank.
by the way I would also be in favor of some sort of a trade for Porzingis. I’ve been away from KB for a while so I apologize if this has been dissected ad nauseam already – but Porzingis would be an unbelievable upgrade offensively over Mitch. Yes, he’s not a great offensive rebounder, but you know what? Offensive rebounding isn’t so necessary when you have a 62.7 TS on 27 usage, and can clear the lane for Brunson/Randle etc.
by the way – looking back at Dallas stats… overall KP+Brunson without Luka lineups were not great… but if DFS was on the court (ie. a shooter who can also guard), those KP+Brunson+DFS without Luka lineups were AMAZING.
2020-2021 –> 442 possessions –> +18.6 net rating, 128 ORtg
2021-2022 –> 178 possessions —> +14.9 net ration, 125.8 ORtg
Just imagining a Brunson + Grimes + Hart/Quickley + Randle + KP lineup — that would be very difficult to stop. KP’s not nearly as good as Mitch on D but offensively — not even close.
Z–Man, agree re Beal on the Heat makes more sense (as does Paul on the Heat). Apparently Miami was/is waiting on Lillard, so something had to happen.
Good piece on Beal by Aldridge on The Athletic outlining how bad a trade it was, and why it still had to happen (and what a good guy Beal actually is).
https://theathletic.com/4620896/2023/06/18/wizards-bradley-beal-trade-aldridge/
If they are going all in in the tank like it appears they might, I think they will keep him as a building block going forward.
I actually don’t hate the implications the trade has for our WAS pick. It’s definitely below 50/50 to convey as a first, but trading Beal now gives them 3 full seasons to rebuild and get into the top 22 by 2026.
That’s not the tallest order–Utah was 9th this year after trying to tear it down to the studs. I’d feel worse about the chances if they kept trudging along with Beal. This gives them a chance to build a team that doesn’t suck.
Phoenix is so leveraged that it makes sense to continue to make moves that emphasize the present. The bar for evaluating their moves is pretty much “does this make them better right this second” and I think trading for Beal passes that test. It’s not an opportunity they would’ve had absent his NTC. It could blow up spectacularly and I still wouldn’t favor them in the West, but if it blows up I don’t think it will have much to do with the Beal trade specifically.
It’s wild that Washington has to send Phoenix a half-decent player in Jordan Goodwin.
Agreed.
Offensive rebounding is always a plus and was critical to our offense being so good this year, but when you add a player that can be very efficient on his own and help with the efficiency of others, it’s a much closer call.
That has always been the debate with the stretch PF/C.
You gain spacing value that accrues to the efficiency of the other players, but that player is less likely to get an OREB.
And that’s exactly the case I used to make about some boxscore models tending to undervalue guys like Dirk, KP and others because they don’t get many OREBs if you stick them out on the perimeter for extra spacing. The value they add goes to boxscore metrics of players like RJ, Brunson, and Randle.
A notable excerpt from the Aldridge column Raven linked to above:
I like that idea of Advija, Hubert. I think he’d be a nice combo forward behind Randle and RJ and a good starter between Randle and Brunson provided that Grimes takes another step and RJ is moved.
I guess #HeatCulture ain’t for everybody.
The problem with an Advija trade, though, is that you are now going to have three guys on the team who are extension-eligible right now, in him, IQ, and Obi. Even if we move Obi in a deal, I don’t know that this FO would be eager to take a flyer on a guy they might have to pay without knowing if he’s actually good yet.
Advija currently sucks so it’s fine to get him for nothing and try to develop him you can’t really plan on playing him
This is the third year in a row we’re not going to have a 1RP, and you can see the consequences of it: we have to move Obi now and find a replacement, and IQ is also getting expensive, and we don’t have any rookie scale players coming up through the system who can give us some cheap production. I appreciate that we have some flexibility and some future assets, but we’re starting to run out of rookie contract guys who can actually play.
This is the third year in a row we’re not going to have a 1RP,
Grimes?
The reason I made my hot take a couple of days ago about Zion dogging it in Nola it because I believe (mostly) in getting the talent first, and figuring the rest out later – particularly in a sport where you can only play 5 at a time.
That said, that’s about a perfect of homerun-or-strikeout swing kind of move imaginable in current times, and there’s several sensible and practical reasons why Leon wouldn’t look to make such a move.
I also can’t see him not do due diligence in the event there is a even a slightly plausible chance to trade for Zion. And there would be a LOT of due diligence needed.
That’s a real concern, Alan, even though Obi is a non-issue to me.
I would be willing to extend Deni at something like two years, 16mm. That puts him on a 3 year, $20mm deal, which in line with what the Caleb Martins and Bruce Browns of the world make.
I like his chances to succeed under Thibs. He’s an excellent defender and a good passer. If his shooting numbers can improve in a defined role, he’d fit very nicely in our starting lineup as the big wing.
Who was our bad contract, I wonder?
Fournier?
Yeah, but Fournier is expiring. It sounds like other teams wanted to give Washington some bad longer-term money.
Here are my questions for a potential Zion trade if I were running the team:
1. Does my organization have the infrastructure to create a comprehensive plan to have Zion completely buy in physically and mentally?
2. What could the Knicks trade would compete with the two teams that have the #2 and #3 picks in this month’s draft? This is where Dallas’ screwjob of them keeping their pick hurts bc a late lottery pick plus the Knicks’ other future 1RPs would’ve made things juicier. Alas, the Knicks would have to convince Nola that, say, Toppin+Grimes/IQ+Mitch/RJ*+at least 4 1RPs** is better than nabbing a #2 or #3 overall later this week. Delayed gratification 😅.
3. Would I be willing to take a minor step back this upcoming season to A. Get Zion ready, and B. Figure out how best to restructure the team around him and Brunson?
*I’m trying my hardest to have Nola take RJ unless I receive word that Zion really wants to play with his fellow Dukie. Also, I can’t see Randle being able to play with Zion (maybe start the season with Zion at the 3?) nor could I see Randle wanting to go back to New Orleans. I’d look to trade him in a separate deal.
**i would start the bidding at 2 unprotected plus 2 pick swaps. I probably would go all in at 4 unprotected picks if I had to.
I guess Beal didn’t want the Knicks because Fournier, DRose, filler (DaQuan, Roby), one first and two swaps would top the Suns deal.
If the Pelicans want Scoot Henderson, it looks like the asking price will be Ingram.
Take my trade scenario and add this one. New Orleans could really reset their franchise on the good foot with a potential franchise lead guard, a bushel of good young players that could use a lead guard and a bunch of picks.
Just sayin…
The way the Aldridge article makes it sound is that every team interested in Beal other than Miami and Phoenix offered long-term contracts to dump. If that’s true, then the implication has got to be that RJ plus whatever else was offered, as he’s the only one currently on a “bad” long-term deal (as others mentioned, Fournier is expiring.)
If you’re the Wiz GM I understand why you don’t make deal, especially if you’re looking to mega-tank.
Beal’s a well known warm weather guy (so no Milwaukee, no Boston, no New York, no Sacramento), he had a NTC and his list did include Miami and Phoenix (some rumors are saying maybe Lakers and Clippers too, who aren’t interested for different reasons).
Washington has no leverage at all, Miami kept his powder dry for Lillard, Bradley Beal decided where he want to go.
Alan’s right, the only lesson is: NEVER give a NTC to a player.
I’m just so happy things have turned out this way for Kevin Durant. Not cool being on the Knicks, huh?
I mean, them preferring Ingram over Zion doesn’t mean that’s how it will go, though, right?
If Deni Advija was on the Knicks we’d all be complaining about how long it’s taking for him to develop and that he can’t shoot for shit.
Oh my.
More here: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/19/sports/basketball/chris-paul-phoenix-suns.html
Yeah it seems like Isiah definitely has his hooks in another owner.
How great does that Durant trade look for Brooklyn now? They have unprotected rights to Phoenix’s picks in 2027, 2028 (swap) and 2029.
They also have Dallas’ unprotected 2029 pick.
Not to mention Mikal Bridges. What an extraordinary pivot.
Can anyone name a player remotely as good as Chris Paul who’s been traded 5 (or even 4) times?
I mean, there aren’t many players better than Paul in league history, but what’s another superstar journeyman as a reference?
Wilt played for both Philly franchises and the Lakers, and tried to go to the ABA briefly, but that’s still not as many. Hmm….
Isiah is not going to kick trading for scoring to the curb….
Today is the anniversary of Game 6 in the 1994 NBA Finals, if only Hakeem had shorter fingers:
https://twitter.com/NBACobwebs/status/1670870636548223008?s=19
That explains a lot…
I can think of a bunch of guys who’ve been traded 3 times: Shaq, Ray Allen, Kidd. But I’m struggling to think of someone who’s at 4+.
James Harden is right there Jowles, but that’s the only guy I can think of
As soon as I posted I thought of one: Moses Malone who was traded 4x in the NBA and 1x in the ABA
EDIT: Oh he’s not on the same level as CP3 but our very own Carmelo Anthony was traded 4x.
Former MVP Russell Westbrook?
P.S.
Westbrook over Harden for MVP, what a year for the league…
He was only traded 3x, wasn’t he? OKC to Houston, then to Brooklyn, and then to Philly.
This is not a comment on the deal. The deal could work out fine if they can find some solid cheap ring chasers to join them. It’s on the total lack of due diligence involved in choosing Isiah Thomas to give you basketball advice. How do some of these idiots become billionaires?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dtb10PeLF2s
Westbrook was a one-man team that year.
Led the league in AST% and USG%, led his own team in every stat save blocks. He had half of his team’s assists, nearly a third (!!!) of their points, more than 20% of their team rebounds. He scored nearly 500 points more than their #2 and #3 scorers combined.
Granted, Harden shares a lot of those accolates — also led his own team in just about everything, but by slimmer margins.
Westbrook wasn’t the best player in the league that year but definitely soaked up the usage enough to arguably be the Most Valuable. It leans toward MVP Derrick Rose territory, only the Bulls had a ridiculously good defense that year and the Thunder would’ve been bottom-feeder if not for Russ.
Kind of a superhuman feat of a season. I wish I had some of them hormones.
Right.
Getting better or more picks is great, but if it comes along with trash (which it almost always does), it reduces flexibility and costs more money. We don’t know what their plans are for Kuzma and KP yet.
Personally, I think the Knicks weren’t interested in Beal. They are too smart to take on that salary (and the NTC) for multiple years for a player that’s not even a star anymore.
IMO the Heat weren’t nearly as interested as people are saying either, especially if it was going to cost Herro. I’m not a huge Herro fan, but I’d WAY WAY rather have a young improving scorer like Herro than Beal at their relative salaries. It’s not even close to me.
I think the issue with Paul is that not many players play at a high level at his age, and late in careers is where you often see a lot of movement in players (even Karl Malone left Utah, after all), it’s just that Paul’s “late career” has been uncommonly good.
EDIT: Oh he’s not on the same level as CP3 but our very own Carmelo Anthony was traded 4x.
Moses led 2 separate teams to the Finals, one pretty much single handily Ala LeBron and was arguably the best player in the NBA for at least 3 seasons.
A buddy met Westbrook and said he is definitely one of those “you can’t believe how big this guy is in person” types.
Paul is always hurt and can’t defend and is playing well beyond a normal time frame for a career. Choosing Beal to fade that injury risk, I don’t know….
He was just saying Melo wasn’t the same level as Paul, not Moses.
If the only offer on the table was Zion for Brunson, what do you say?
Think it’s some combo of longevity and just the way the league is now, it at least feels like guys are getting moved more than they used it.
How sure are we that Washington isn’t running it back with Paul/Kuz/KP?
That seems very on brand for them and they can blow it up at the deadline if needed.
“If the only offer on the table was Zion for Brunson, what do you say?”
I say no (ducks, runs for cover…)
“How sure are we that Washington isn’t running it back with Paul/Kuz/KP?”
My understanding is that they were going to waive CP3, is that not the case? Or maybe work out a cost-splitting deal sort of like the one we worked out with OKC for Kemba?
Brunson > Zion
I haven’t paid enough attention to know, but yeah that’s probably what will happen
I’m ducking and running for cover with you ZMan cause I say no too.
I think the “duck and run for cover” opinion on that one would be the other way around? I wouldn’t even consider it.
Not sure if this got posted but I really liked Julius on Paul George’s podcast.
https://youtu.be/FRpn4kR8fw8
It really made me think Randle has a place in what we’re doing here moving forward. He really seems like he’s working on becoming the best version of himself.
Dude is just too strong, its like he can’t listen to his body, he’s pushed it too far lol. Tells some great stories.
Zion’s stock is low as hell rn but if you can put him with Brunson as your 1-2, I think you try it.
I have no real interest in Zion right now. Absolutely not for Brunson.
Zion should appeal to rebuilding teams who can tolerate him never playing. Or teams that only need him to play during the playoffs.
I haven’t heard the podcast, BJ, but count me in the Randle has a place here camp. Dude got way too much grief for this postseason. He shouldn’t even have been playing on that ankle.
I’d feel much better, though, if he bucked that every other year trend.
“Brunson > Zion”
This is the shit being that it’s coming from my dude who had Zion chiseled into the granite of the NBA’s Mt. Rushmore before he was even drafted…
What’s next? That Zion is no Kenneth Faried?
Actually i just listened to the end of it and he’s into Wim Hof so now I don’t know ha
Wim Hof is pretty good on breathing
Zion has played 3,650 minutes in 4 NBA seasons. No thanks.
Or a team that either afford to sit him out a chunk of next season to revamp his fitness regimen, or is willing to wait one-third of the season while you use the summer and fall to rebuild his fitness.
Whichever that team is better know beyond a shadow of a doubt that he’s dogging it because he wants out if N.O.
Zion fascinates me but with Brunson here and on one of the best contracts in the NBA we are in too good a position to take a risk on him.
But I’m not as down on him as most. I do think it’s all down to New Orleans being a shit show.
I feel like all athletes hate the lottery/draft process deep down, but they force themselves to go along with it. He felt entitled enough not to.
Honestly I wish more athletes said “nah, fuck that” when they get drafted places they don’t want to go.
Any interest in Draymond? What if the price was Fournier and Rose in a sign and trade, with his contract being as low as 2x 25?
Zion to play (it’s a big if, i know, because he never plays) with our best player, i think i’d do it. Zion to replace our best player, it’s an instant no.
CP3’s contract is partially guaranteed, so there was no guaranteeing of the whole money with the trade, that’s only for options on the contract. Partially or non guaranteed money goes with the trade, so the Wiz can waive Paul until June 28 to get a cap hit of 15.8M instead of 30M. Meaning, any trade for Paul will be until that day, because if they don’t manage to trade him until then, they’ll waive him. And as teams know he’ll be waived, why would they trade for him?
I’m not sure about that. I think the Suns had to guarantee most of his contract to make the salaries match. The deal isn’t totally finalized because the Wiz are looking around for a landing spot for Paul, but I’m pretty sure Paul is going to get paid.
My bad, ThisChicanery