I do think that there is a lot of truth in Irving's comments about experience and the young players just not being locked in for a full 48 minutes. Now, the problem isn't just on Rozier's shoulders, but he's clearly the most expendable of the young guys being talked about. Tatum and Brown, considering their contracts and value in a potential Davis package, should not be moved unless the team is blown away in a deal. That said, something needs to be done in order to remove at least 33% of the clear veteran/youth divide that is plaguing our team.
Enter Patrick Beverley. Here's a guy that's the epitome of a blue-collar player. He's not flashy and won't ever wow anyone, but he can knockdown the open shot and is one of the best on-ball defenders I've ever seen. Most importantly, he knows his role and would change the locker room dynamic. His motto is that his job is to pressure the hell out of his opponent because nobody likes pressure. So it's going to be very hard for others to not follow suit when you have a tough veteran like Beverley leading by example. In fact, based on his personality, play, and tenure I wouldn't be surprised if he became a team leader by season's end.
Trade
Rozier and Bird for Beverley
Why for the C's?
In a vacuum Rozier is the best player in the deal. However, the C's desperately need to repair their locker-room and Rozier, although not the lone culprit, is the most likely candidate to be dealt. Again, Beverley is a player that knows his role and has experience playing off better teammates. He also knows his limitations and averages 1 FGA every 4.39 minutes versus Rozier who averages 1 FGA (usually a bad shot) every 2.77 minutes. We aren't likely to re-sign Rozier, but Beverley could be that grizzled veteran (see Baynes) that takes less money to remain with a title contender.
Bird is gone in order to open up a roster spot when the player buyout market opens up. More than likely, that player will also be a veteran so it'll just add to the overall locker room age dynamic shifting towards the veterans. The Clippers immediately waive Bird, costing the Clippers money, so that's why I don't think haggling over getting a second round pick is fair.
Why for the Clippers?
Again, Rozier is the best player in the deal and this does increase roster talent. Also consider that although they do have a lot of guards, Bradley has a partial guarantee of 2M next season (pretty sure he gets waived this summer to go after Leonard or Durant) and Williams is already 32. Plus, as currently constructed the Clippers play a lot of 3 guard lineups (including SGA), so Rozier's ability to switch and rebound will continue to make that possible.
If the Clippers prefer to not go with Bradley then a 3rd team (Phoenix and Orlando seem like viable candidates) could be called upon to be a 3rd team and subsequently be the ones that send the Clippers a player or two for Rozier.
Topic: A logical Rozier trade proposal (Read 6272 times)