while I hold out significant hope that KG will return at full strength this year I'm also worried enough to start mulling hypothetical trades that could help keep us in contention if KG is done.
KG is invaluable and irreplaceable, he possesses a superstar skill set AND the tude to bring it home. no other player brings the intensity and skills that kg brings every night.
a few have the skills, fewer on both sides of the ball.
The c's have the offensive weapons to weather KG's absence, they do not have a low post defensive presence that can effect the game like KG does. few teams do, fewer would be willing to trade such a player.
a few defenders who come to mind are Marcus Camby, Jokim Noah and Andy Verajo. of these three AV and MC are potentially available.
IMO MC is out of our reach, we don't have the assets to compel portland to make the move.
Cleveland is down for the count this year and aiming at lottery. they may be willing to give up AV and his 5 year deal in order to rebuild from scratch and insure a horrid season.
would they swap him for jermaine o'niel and his smaller, shorter 2 year contract?
if not, how about (gulp) perks expiring and filler?
I'd do JO/AV in a heart beat, maybe the cavs owner is vindictive enough to make the deal just to stop LBJ from getting a title?
Perk would hurt, more out of loyalty then on the court. but AV would be locked up for 5 years, his defensive intensity is well above average and his offensive numbers would def improve playing with RR.
Like i said, I'm optimistic about KG's return, though skeptical that he will come back 100%, so i'd be inclined to make either deal if available.
