11 Comments
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copans's avatar

I think one thing that is underrated is the morale benefit of finding good landing zones for your "we love you but you have to go" players. Atlanta should be able to pay Dort if he finds his 3. And how could the Thunder have found a better place for Isaiah Joe than Detroit? I think this helps in negotiating less-than-max contracts. But I have no proof of it.

Mike Shearer's avatar

That’s a good point, and the Thunder certainly agree with you. they aren’t the only teams that have prioritized sending guys to good places, so there’s likely SOMETHING to it

Enrico Bussetti's avatar

Actually, Dallas has not re-signed Brandon Williams at the moment, but they drafted Sergio De Larrea and traded for Marcus Sasser, so the depth in PG position is there

Mike Shearer's avatar

Ah, good call, I'm so focused on Dallas' frontcourt I forgot about the changes in the back. Thanks!

This to me is still a lack of point guard depth in quality, though. De Larrea is obviously unproven, and Sasser never found a role in Detroit (and, like Williams, is more of a two-guard in spirit, anyway). So while the team technically has point guards, their depth at that position is still quite weak, IMO.

Enrico Bussetti's avatar

You’re welcome! It’s kinda hard to remember all the small moves

Anyway I agree, that roster lacks creation for sure. Let’s see if M&M make other moves

Mike Shearer's avatar

Yeah, being out of the country for two weeks left me feeling way out of the loop ha. Are you a Dallas fan? What are you expecting standings-wise this season?

Enrico Bussetti's avatar

Yes, Mavs fan here, pretty happy with the direction the team is taking. I think we have good chances to reach the play-in, but top 6 is too far. What do you think?

Bob Rathbun's avatar

Yup. we got better and I’m crying my eyes out! 😆 This will be a good reset for ZR.

Mike Shearer's avatar

Ha, sorry for your loss Bob! He seemed like a good dude, so I hope it goes well for him Dallas!

Joseph's avatar

I think ATL dumping Risacher was more about his contract than anything. Since he was picked #1, he's making $13.8 million this year, with a team option of $17.4 million for next year. At those numbers, you have to be at least a contributor, and if you agree with Quin Snyder's assessment, that actually looks like a negative salary. If the Hawks had instead kept Risacher, would they have picked up that 4th year option (decision date of Halloween this year)? I'm not sure.

Mike Shearer's avatar

Could be. I do agree that Risacher hadn't lived up to that contract. But they actually took on money in this deal and are still below the tax line. I'd have made this move if I were Atlanta, too, if (as you say) you weren't sure about bringing Risacher back, but not sure the raw money was a motivating factor since they could have just not piced up the option in a year if needed.

Still, Risacher was a piece that at least wasn't negative value in this trade. They might've gotten out while the getting was good.