11-19-2022, 11:04 AM
(11-19-2022, 10:21 AM)lex24 Wrote: Neither Wiseman nor Kuminga have shown they can play. Where they were picked is, at this point, irrelevant. No way Brooklyn would let Durant go for those two, unless they decide to tank. They can get significantly more.
I’m aware salary match issue.
Wiseman is at a crossroads. The Warriors certainly wanted him to be part of the rotation this year. And he failed. Miserably. He’s at Santa Cruz, he’s going to get playing time he’s gonna work on his game. Eventually he’ll come back. That won’t happen, however, until he’s shown enough to be in the rotation. Because they’re not gonna stick him on the end of the bench to play at garbage time. It does nothing for his development.
If and when he comes back and if he shows he can play, then he perhaps becomes a viable member of the team or perhaps a trade chip. If not, then he’s most likely a bust.
Kuminga has shown a little more, but still not enough.
Whether the Warriors trade for Durant is a different issue than what you posited – which was getting him for Wiseman and Kuminga. Which is a pipe dream.
Also, there is the personality issue. Green and Durant are like oil and water.
Next year, Kuminga and Wiseman will make about $15.3 million collectively. Any trade should be near that point. Keep in mind that (a) Wiseman and Kuminga are at their low point in terms of value and (b) most NBA teams aren't looking to rebuild this early in the season, and that's basically what we're talking about. So here's a few, non-Durant-related suggestions:
1) Wing scorer from the Wizards; e.g., Daniel Gifford and Kyle Kuzma for Wiseman & Kuminga. Kuzma's a 27 year old 6'9" SF/PF averaging a near-career high at 18.5 ppg, but he's an inside scorer more than an outside scorer, but taking 8.1 rpg. Gafford is a 6'10" 24 year old PF/C who's a backup, but averages 10 rebs per 36 minutes. Kuzma's at $13 mms., Gafford is less than $2 million.
2) Warriors give up Wiseman/Kuminga for Wendell Carter Jr and Chuma Okeke from the 4-11 Orlando Magic. Carter is shooting 51% from the floor and 37% from 3 point range. He's averaging 16.6 with 9 rpg. Okeke is a 6'6" wing who's negligible talent. Total salary cost, about $17.5 mms. Both about 23.
3) Trade both for Lauri Markkanen, 25 year old All Star level forward from Utah. Markanen is averaging 21.3 ppg, 8.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists. He's a 7 footer. He makes $18 mms.
There's your trade options.
Audaces fortuna iuvat
