It’s becoming very apparent that we’re still incredibly deficient defensively. Lively is a bright spot, but we need someone who can stop guards and contest shooters reliably. Edwards, Fox, and Shai are going to eat us alive in the West, and we’re not even talking about rebounding yet.
I ran this trade through Fanspo, and it works even with the Josh poison pill:
To Spurs: Josh Green
To Raptors: Richaun Holmes, Doug McDermott, Jaden Hardy, OMax Prosper, DAL 2027 FRP (Unprotected), TOR 2024 FRP (from Poeltl trade)
To Mavs: OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa
This is obviously assuming the Raps blow it up at the deadline and move both Siakam and OG. Masai Ujiri is well known for driving a tough bargain and valuing young players over picks. This deal satisfies both conditions. They also get their 2024 Top6 Protected FRP back, which their fan base really hates that they moved, and will be very valuable if they decide to tank this year. Our unprotected 2027 pick is also extremely high value.
This trade instantly takes us over the hump to rub shoulders with the top contenders, but the cost is potentially enormous. Would you do it?
That is true, but it has been true for a while. Masai seems to tend to refuse to make a trade rather than take less than a boatload; c.f. Kyle Lowry’s non-trade leading to the S&T.
If Masai lets Siakam or OG walk for nothing like Fred, his job will be on the line.