Here's an idea for a blockbuster:
https://tradenba.com/trades/8kaJzPSnfBlazers in: Middleton
Bucks in: Kemba
Celtics in: McCollum
Feel free to include pick(s) if you deem it necessary. Based on the following link from BlazersEdge, the Blazers might be willing to include a couple of firsts for Middleton. Apparently, most Blazers fans would be on board with it.
https://www.blazersedge.com/2020/9/4/21423109/portland-trail-blazers-trades-2020-salary-cap-khris-middleton-cj-mccollum-celtics-bucksWhy for the Blazers:- CJ is a bad fit next ro Lillard. They are both below average defenders.
- They already have a promising replacement at the SG position in Gary Trent Jr.
- Middleton would be a massive upgrade for them over Ariza/Melo.
Why for the Bucks:- The Bucks need a closer. Giannis is a below average shooter and Middleton is an average shot creator. Time and again, he has failed to deliver in the clutch. Not sure whether Kemba is the answer to their problem, but imo he's a better shot creator than Middleton.
- Rumor has it that the Bucks are looking to move on from Bledsoe. If so, they may be interested in Kemba.
Why for the Celtics:- Kemba got 4+ months of rest during the quarantine, yet he still wasn't himself in the playoffs. It's possible that he's facing a chronic issue with his left knee.
- I fully believe CJ is underrated cause he's playing off the ball. Imo, he's at his best when running the point. Fwiw, CJ has played 29 games without Lillard in his career. In these 29 games he has averaged 28.4 points, 6.2 assists and 5.1 rebounds.
https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/cj-mccollum-career-stats-without-damian-lillard- I'm not a fan of Kemba's contract (especially given his knee issue). CJ's contract ain't exactly a bargain either, but it's well below the max. We'd save $5,024,948 next season. That's basically the equivalent of the taxpayer MLE.
Kemba
2020/21: $34,379,100
2021/22: $36,016,200
2022/23: $37,653,300 (player option)
$36,106,200 per year
McCollum
2020/21: $29,354,152
2021/22: $30,864,198
2022/23: $33,333,333
2022/23: $35,802,469
$32,338,538 per year