This is an obvious hole that needs filling. I don’t think we need a superstar talent to fill it though. We need a complementary piece, but one at least 6’-8” and 225 lbs, that is less than 28 years old. One that is at least average at defending the perimeter. So no to Kevin Love and LaMarcus Aldridge.
Aaron Gordon is an obvious target. So is John Collins, but both are expensive. I like Lauri Markkanen. Who is a less obvious target? One that could be a starter level role player? I don’t see any Chris Bosh types being misused on someone else’s bench. A Robert Horry is more what I am thinking anyway.
Rui Hachimura, Brandon Clarke, Nemanja Bjelica or Maxi Kleber maybe? They’re more in the line of what I am thinking. How do you acquire any of them. I like Clarke’s energy, but think Hachimura is a better fit. Kyle Anderson isn’t a knockdown 3pt shooter, but he has grown into a starter.
Could the Kings be misusing Marvin Bagley and be ready to move on?
If we can’t get Aaron Gordon with the TPE, can we do something else with it? Say pick up a point guard who’s more of a facilitator than scorer and trade Kemba for a stretch 4? Or a small forward that say, Washington wants, and send that player along with Grant Williams for Hachimura?
Can you even flip a player you acquire with the TPE? I just think if you can’t get the guy you want directly with the TPE, perhaps you get creative?
If you target a stretch 4, than it would seem that Theis, G-Will, and maybe Nesmith would be expendable. They probably aren’t worth a Markkanen, or a Bagley, but could 2 of them and a 1st and 2nd do it? Could you get Bjelica for Theis and a couple of 2nds? Or Grant and a 1st?