Hypothetical Deron example 1: Sign Deron to a max deal. Trade Rondo straight up for Josh Smith (13 mil next season)... that leaves only aprox 6.6 mil left over.
I like this Josh Smith idea.
PG - Deron, Bradley
SG -
SF - Pierce,
PF - Josh Smith, JaJuan Johnson
C - Garnett
They'd have that $2.5 million exception for teams who have spent up to the cap limit. A couple of key free agents still in Ray, Bass, Pietrus, J.Green and Stiemsma. I'd try to give that $2.5 million to Pietrus first, J.Green second and Stiemsma as third choice should the other two reject it. So hopefully the team gets to keep one of those three players with that exception.
Then throw in two first round picks. Hopefully get two guys capable of playing some rotation minutes for you. Lot of empty time on the wing and at backup PF.
And then minimum contract players
- Starting two guard -- This could be Bradley's role if his impressive play continues. If not, I like DeShawn Stevenson in a 16-20 minute a night part time starter role with Bradley getting extended minutes as the backup two guard. I also like Jamario Moon as a big two guard. Nice long athlete who plays good team defense, creates possessions and is a decent perimeter shooter (34-35% three point range) and athletic finisher in the open court. I don't like J.Moon as much as a three.
- Backup PG -- If Bradley is otherwise occupied, I'd love to try and bring back Delonte. I am guessing that is a non-starter though since they let him leave so easily this past off-season so we'd likely be stuck with a Ronnie Price type. Or maybe take a chance on someone like Tony Wroten with one of the first round draft picks.
- Backup SF -- I like Damion James and Derrick Brown. Both are strictly defender/rebounders who struggle offensively. Someone like Josh Howard may be another alternative but I prefer him as a big two than a three nowadays due to lost quickness (can bully smaller guards but not threes).
- Backup PF -- Hopefully land a Royce White with one of the first rounders. If not, I'd give DJ White a call. DJ White may not accept a minimum contract ... in that case, a Anthony Tolliver (more than minimum? yeah, probably), Reggie Evans or a Josh Powell. Something like that.
PG - Deron, R.Price
SG - Bradley, D.Stevenson
SF - Pierce, Evan Fournier, D.James
PF - Josh Smith, Royce White, JJ Johnson
C - Garnett, Stiemsma