I can`t believe people are still talking themselves into Melo...
...frikkin' hell
It's not as ridiculous as you think.
Butler and PG13 each require you to blow through almost half your assets.
FA Market will probably have Millsap and Ibaka (a lot of the others are likely staying put).
Then what?
You don't need the Brooklyn Picks or Smart+Brown in any Melo deal.
That's the key. Melo can give you rebounding and scoring , AND a legit star to put with Horford and IT all without giving up Nets picks or Brown or Smart. If that is the price, I would do it.
I think you guys are making a very bad assumption. If Ainge really wants Melo its probably going to take a Nets pick to get him. I think these assumptions that Jackson will only take crap draft picks and expirings for Melo are way off. I know if I was running the Knicks I wouldn't trade a player of Melo's talent level to Boston without getting at least the 2018 Nets pick.
Probably take AB or KO plus the nets 18
Let's say its AB and nets 18 , Amir and filler
Leaves us with
IT. Rozier Smart
Smart Jaylen Green
Jae Jaylen
Melo ko
Horford buyout or trade(bogut)
Might have a shot at an upset over cle if love is still gimpy and we have home court as the #1 seed.
Plus still have nets top 4 pick next year to trade or keep. And some young chips (KO,Smart,Brown) , clips pick, bos 18, men picks to fill out roster.
Oh and Yabu and Zicic coming over.