Love for Paul George in the offseason?

[Roy H.]

Love + Osman + future #1 for George? Maybe swap some contracts around?

[BitterJim]

Has anyone thought about the luxury tax implications of this deal? George is a FA in 2018, a year earlier than Love if he decides to opt out. It would add another $8m to an already huge tax bill in Cleveland. Given that there are already legitimate concerns over their ability to keep their current contracts intact over the next few years I would be very surprised if they added to their problems.

I think George allows them to move some other players.  They could for example package Thompson with Smith for a cheaper big and cut out some of that tax (as an example).

If I were them I would keep Thompson (you need at least one plus-rebounding big), but JR would absolutely be gone.  That way you can play Irving/George/Lebron/Thompson/FA Center most of the season and keep the wear-and-tear on Lebron down (since he wouldn't be playing PF as much).

Then come the playoffs they could stick with that big lineup or go "small" with Irving/Shumpert/George/Lebron/Thompson

[GreenCoffeeBean]

Yes, Paul George has received a ton of love around here this offseason.

[Moranis]

Has anyone thought about the luxury tax implications of this deal? George is a FA in 2018, a year earlier than Love if he decides to opt out. It would add another $8m to an already huge tax bill in Cleveland. Given that there are already legitimate concerns over their ability to keep their current contracts intact over the next few years I would be very surprised if they added to their problems.

I think George allows them to move some other players.  They could for example package Thompson with Smith for a cheaper big and cut out some of that tax (as an example).

If I were them I would keep Thompson (you need at least one plus-rebounding big), but JR would absolutely be gone.  That way you can play Irving/George/Lebron/Thompson/FA Center most of the season and keep the wear-and-tear on Lebron down (since he wouldn't be playing PF as much).

Then come the playoffs they could stick with that big lineup or go "small" with Irving/Shumpert/George/Lebron/Thompson

They need to cut salary though (especially bringing in George who would sign a max and be a lot more expensive than Love going forward though not next year).  That is why I said Thompson + Smith for a cheaper big i.e. a guy that can rebound.  Not sure who that player would be but someone like Mozgov or Noah comes to mind as a way to actually be able to unload both Thompson and Smith in the same trade.  Maybe Noah and O'Quinn for Thompson and Smith.  Or Mozgov and Deng for Thompson, Smith, and Frye.  Maybe you try to get Zeller and/or Plumlee from the Hornets (and maybe get something else in the process) for Thompson and/or Smith.  You know maybe Thompson and Smith for Zeller, Belinelli, and filler.  Thompson is the best player in those trades, but Cleveland cuts salary and still gets some effective players (Noah may be done, but O'Quinn shows some promise).  Again you only do that if you move Love for George, but I think those would be decent enough moves for the Cavs while shedding the salary they need to making up on the George for Love difference. 

[hodgy03038]

Has anyone thought about the luxury tax implications of this deal? George is a FA in 2018, a year earlier than Love if he decides to opt out. It would add another $8m to an already huge tax bill in Cleveland. Given that there are already legitimate concerns over their ability to keep their current contracts intact over the next few years I would be very surprised if they added to their problems.

I think George allows them to move some other players.  They could for example package Thompson with Smith for a cheaper big and cut out some of that tax (as an example).

If I were them I would keep Thompson (you need at least one plus-rebounding big), but JR would absolutely be gone.  That way you can play Irving/George/Lebron/Thompson/FA Center most of the season and keep the wear-and-tear on Lebron down (since he wouldn't be playing PF as much).

Then come the playoffs they could stick with that big lineup or go "small" with Irving/Shumpert/George/Lebron/Thompson

They need to cut salary though (especially bringing in George who would sign a max and be a lot more expensive than Love going forward though not next year).  That is why I said Thompson + Smith for a cheaper big i.e. a guy that can rebound.  Not sure who that player would be but someone like Mozgov or Noah comes to mind as a way to actually be able to unload both Thompson and Smith in the same trade.  Maybe Noah and O'Quinn for Thompson and Smith.  Or Mozgov and Deng for Thompson, Smith, and Frye.  Maybe you try to get Zeller and/or Plumlee from the Hornets (and maybe get something else in the process) for Thompson and/or Smith.  You know maybe Thompson and Smith for Zeller, Belinelli, and filler.  Thompson is the best player in those trades, but Cleveland cuts salary and still gets some effective players (Noah may be done, but O'Quinn shows some promise).  Again you only do that if you move Love for George, but I think those would be decent enough moves for the Cavs while shedding the salary they need to making up on the George for Love difference.

You are joking right? Why would ANYONE want Mozgov or Noah or Zeller?  Nobody wants any of those players for free much less trading someone for them. Thanks for the chuckle. Yeah and you actually associated Zeller with rebounding?

[celticsclay]

Has anyone thought about the luxury tax implications of this deal? George is a FA in 2018, a year earlier than Love if he decides to opt out. It would add another $8m to an already huge tax bill in Cleveland. Given that there are already legitimate concerns over their ability to keep their current contracts intact over the next few years I would be very surprised if they added to their problems.

I think George allows them to move some other players.  They could for example package Thompson with Smith for a cheaper big and cut out some of that tax (as an example).

If I were them I would keep Thompson (you need at least one plus-rebounding big), but JR would absolutely be gone.  That way you can play Irving/George/Lebron/Thompson/FA Center most of the season and keep the wear-and-tear on Lebron down (since he wouldn't be playing PF as much).

Then come the playoffs they could stick with that big lineup or go "small" with Irving/Shumpert/George/Lebron/Thompson

They need to cut salary though (especially bringing in George who would sign a max and be a lot more expensive than Love going forward though not next year).  That is why I said Thompson + Smith for a cheaper big i.e. a guy that can rebound.  Not sure who that player would be but someone like Mozgov or Noah comes to mind as a way to actually be able to unload both Thompson and Smith in the same trade.  Maybe Noah and O'Quinn for Thompson and Smith.  Or Mozgov and Deng for Thompson, Smith, and Frye.  Maybe you try to get Zeller and/or Plumlee from the Hornets (and maybe get something else in the process) for Thompson and/or Smith.  You know maybe Thompson and Smith for Zeller, Belinelli, and filler.  Thompson is the best player in those trades, but Cleveland cuts salary and still gets some effective players (Noah may be done, but O'Quinn shows some promise).  Again you only do that if you move Love for George, but I think those would be decent enough moves for the Cavs while shedding the salary they need to making up on the George for Love difference.

You are joking right? Why would ANYONE want Mozgov or Noah or Zeller?  Nobody wants any of those players for free much less trading someone for them. Thanks for the chuckle. Yeah and you actually associated Zeller with rebounding?

I think it is more of an acknowledgement that Jr Smith is somewhere between a bad and awful contract at this point. He is 32 at the start of next season and has definitely been a better player because of his freak athleticism throughout his career. Between surgeries and wear and tear he is definitely a little slower already. He certainly could bounce back at some point, but for now it really looks like he is a below average player that will earn 14 and 15 million the next few seasons with some money owed the season after that. Given his age, occasional personality issues (with which it seems Lebron has really helped settle him down), a team is only going to take him back for a bad contract of their own like Noah or Mosgov.

[csfansince60s]

Love + Osman + future #1 for George? Maybe swap some contracts around?

That would be wonderful for the Celtics.

Extend Bron Bron's window to 5-7 years.

Great stuff for us.

[Moranis]

Has anyone thought about the luxury tax implications of this deal? George is a FA in 2018, a year earlier than Love if he decides to opt out. It would add another $8m to an already huge tax bill in Cleveland. Given that there are already legitimate concerns over their ability to keep their current contracts intact over the next few years I would be very surprised if they added to their problems.

I think George allows them to move some other players.  They could for example package Thompson with Smith for a cheaper big and cut out some of that tax (as an example).

If I were them I would keep Thompson (you need at least one plus-rebounding big), but JR would absolutely be gone.  That way you can play Irving/George/Lebron/Thompson/FA Center most of the season and keep the wear-and-tear on Lebron down (since he wouldn't be playing PF as much).

Then come the playoffs they could stick with that big lineup or go "small" with Irving/Shumpert/George/Lebron/Thompson

They need to cut salary though (especially bringing in George who would sign a max and be a lot more expensive than Love going forward though not next year).  That is why I said Thompson + Smith for a cheaper big i.e. a guy that can rebound.  Not sure who that player would be but someone like Mozgov or Noah comes to mind as a way to actually be able to unload both Thompson and Smith in the same trade.  Maybe Noah and O'Quinn for Thompson and Smith.  Or Mozgov and Deng for Thompson, Smith, and Frye.  Maybe you try to get Zeller and/or Plumlee from the Hornets (and maybe get something else in the process) for Thompson and/or Smith.  You know maybe Thompson and Smith for Zeller, Belinelli, and filler.  Thompson is the best player in those trades, but Cleveland cuts salary and still gets some effective players (Noah may be done, but O'Quinn shows some promise).  Again you only do that if you move Love for George, but I think those would be decent enough moves for the Cavs while shedding the salary they need to making up on the George for Love difference.

You are joking right? Why would ANYONE want Mozgov or Noah or Zeller?  Nobody wants any of those players for free much less trading someone for them. Thanks for the chuckle. Yeah and you actually associated Zeller with rebounding?

I think it is more of an acknowledgement that Jr Smith is somewhere between a bad and awful contract at this point. He is 32 at the start of next season and has definitely been a better player because of his freak athleticism throughout his career. Between surgeries and wear and tear he is definitely a little slower already. He certainly could bounce back at some point, but for now it really looks like he is a below average player that will earn 14 and 15 million the next few seasons with some money owed the season after that. Given his age, occasional personality issues (with which it seems Lebron has really helped settle him down), a team is only going to take him back for a bad contract of their own like Noah or Mosgov.

That was what I was getting at.  Smith has a pretty bad contract.  Now Noah's is worse, but I'm a fan of O'Quinn so I think there is some value there.  Mozgov isn't very good, but I think he could do some nice things for the Cavs (like he did in the past), plus they are getting Deng as well (who is also old, but would be a pretty decent small ball 4).  I think he was confused about which Zeller, as Cody, while not a great rebounder, isn't terrible like his brother either.  Plus Belinelli is a pretty nice shooter and would be a decent rotation player.

[Donoghus]

I'm not sure swapping Love for George does anything to help CLE with their little Golden State problem.

[Roy H.]

I'm not sure swapping Love for George does anything to help CLE with their little Golden State problem.

I disagree. It might not get them over the hump, but adding another elite scorer and very good defender would help.  Love can't be counted on for anything other than spacing.

[TheSundanceKid]

Has anyone thought about the luxury tax implications of this deal? George is a FA in 2018, a year earlier than Love if he decides to opt out. It would add another $8m to an already huge tax bill in Cleveland. Given that there are already legitimate concerns over their ability to keep their current contracts intact over the next few years I would be very surprised if they added to their problems.

I think George allows them to move some other players.  They could for example package Thompson with Smith for a cheaper big and cut out some of that tax (as an example).

I don't think they find a better big than Thompson. They would have to simply dump JRs contract anyway to control the tax. They'd be like this year's warriors but with less depth and simply not as good.
Without the George trade they are severely limited in their options, adding him just makes it worse. I can't see it happening at all. Does he become the 3rd option?

[Jvalin]

That's it? Pacers will actually make that move? Idk why they would.

I'm sure they'd want back picks and other young assets.

Would need to be a 3-team deal IMO. Scary thought if the Cavs could pull this off though.. 

Think a 3-team trade a more likely scenario than a Love-George swap. Pacers will need to rebuild if they lose PG and that seems a foregone conclusion. Love doesn't help that. They can't be too picky, but Pacers have the leverage of waiting until the trading deadline. We could be that 3rd team in theory given our asset stockpile and I would think Love would find such a deal acceptable.

Love to Boston
George to cle
Zeller, ,AB, Crowder, picks(hopefully not brk)

I don't think we would have the cap space for Hayward though, if we do this.

I think it works with Rozier instead of Zeller.

Love to Boston
George to Cleveland
Crowder/IT (not both) + Bradley + Rozier + non Brooklyn pick(s) to Indy

This way, we can add Hayward as well (provided that we sign him before the trade).

IT - Fultz - Smart
Brown
Hayward
Love
Horford

alternatively :

Fultz - Smart
Brown
Hayward - Crowder
Love
Horford

Problem is we would have no bench. Not even sure if we could bring in Zizic. In all likelihood we would have to stash him overseas for another year.

Not to mention that our defense would be horrible.

[hodgy03038]

Skal is already talking about it on NBA radio. Love for George. He thinks it makes Cleveland able to compete with GSW.

[Moranis]

Has anyone thought about the luxury tax implications of this deal? George is a FA in 2018, a year earlier than Love if he decides to opt out. It would add another $8m to an already huge tax bill in Cleveland. Given that there are already legitimate concerns over their ability to keep their current contracts intact over the next few years I would be very surprised if they added to their problems.

I think George allows them to move some other players.  They could for example package Thompson with Smith for a cheaper big and cut out some of that tax (as an example).

I don't think they find a better big than Thompson. They would have to simply dump JRs contract anyway to control the tax. They'd be like this year's warriors but with less depth and simply not as good.
Without the George trade they are severely limited in their options, adding him just makes it worse. I can't see it happening at all. Does he become the 3rd option?

If they did any of the trades I suggested I think any of those teams could realistically compete with the Warriors because in all of them they end up with George and James, which does two things.  First, it means Durant is going to be guarded most of the game by George, with James being able to fill in.  Second, it means Durant has to guard James or George, making him work on both ends of the floor far more than he had to in this series (when Green was on James most of the time). 

Next year they wouldn't even have a salary issue (Love makes more than George next year so they actually save money) and could role out a team of Irving, Smith, James, George, Thompson with Shumpert, Korver, Williams, Frye, Jefferson?.  That team is much better than the one they just rolled out for the reasons mentioned above and in addition with George basically being a mini-James, you would think the Cavs wouldn't crumble into a mess if James was on the bench and George was handling his role. 

Even if they felt they had to dump Thompson and Smith a year early, I don't think they lose all that much and would still have more than enough to at the very least make Golden State work for it, and I actually think Cleveland would be favored (assuming James doesn't start his decline).  Irving, Shumpert, James, George, Mozgov with Deng, Korver, Williams, Jefferson? is a better team than the one they just put on the floor.  It is at least more balanced and is much better defensively.  Or Irving, Shumpert, James, George, Zeller with Belinelli, Korver, Williams, Frye, Jefferson? same thing.  Or Irving, Shumpert, James, George, Noah with O'Quinn, Korver, Williams, Frye, Jefferson? same thing.  Or countless other options they could explore if they really wanted to move Thompson.  I mean maybe Minnesota thinks Thompson is a better fit than Dieng.  Dieng gives them most of what Thompson does at a few million cheaper (which is way more with the tax).  So maybe you do Thompson and Smith for Dieng and Rubio with Rubio filling the Delly role they badly missed.

[ThaPreacher]

I'm not sure swapping Love for George does anything to help CLE with their little Golden State problem.

I disagree. It might not get them over the hump, but adding another elite scorer and very good defender would help.  Love can't be counted on for anything other than spacing.

Oh lordy,  Love rebounds. Love outlets. Love hits the three.  If you post him up and get him the ball-Love dominates.  Cleveland's epic offensive season was largely due to Love's play.
Otherwise,  Kyrie and Lebron play hero ball.   

I think Thompson is the weak link in the match-up against Golden State.  He is one dimensional- a less than average shooter and average perimeter defender.

Cleveland would be better off with Avery Bradley and Ibaka.  But so would Boston.