This was my idea in a different thread — glad to see Sam Presti or Zach Lowe agrees with me.
My idea was Baynes for Adams, a 2nd in 2020 or 2021 (I’m indifferent), and their 1st in 2024. This deal would literally save OKC $100 million in salary and luxury taxes over the next two years, and giving them back Baynes provides them with a player who can help make up some of what they lose in sending off Adams.
For us, it gives us a player who’s largely an improvement on Baynes, so we’re not taking a step back in this case. At the same time, after a season he would provide an expiring contract that could be used to match any star that comes on the market next June or July, or the following trade deadline.
Also, it should not be a deal revolving around this draft. Firstly, we have too many firsts already. Secondly, a deal like this is one you pursue after looking into the free agent market (including figuring out if you can get Horford back into the fold), and not something you do that forecloses those options.
We should be able to command a reasonable price. There aren’t many teams with the ability to take on Adams’ contract, and that his deal is for two years instead of one will scare away some teams that might want to try free agency next summer if they miss out this year. With Jaylen being due a hefty raise, we won’t have quite the same flexibility, so using the space now to acquire Adams could make more sense.
