First step

Aloha,

I keep reading all these different clickbait trades and you kind of laugh. Most could never happen. With the limited assets available it’s hard to see how we could fix all the areas we need to fix. Even if LeBron gave up enough to sign a non tax payer MLE, there isn’t many good targets in this free agent class.

Even our assets are flawed. For instance Austin and Rui are players that might be appealing to quite a few teams. The problem is Rui is on an expiring contract and everyone knows Austin will opt out after this year and become a free agent. This diminishes their trade value. Austin’s contract also is a problem because he is much better than his salary and it’s hard to make a fair value trade because you have to add other assets to make the money work.

For me it’s hard to imagine being able to overcome OKC in one summer. So I think it’s one step at a time. The priority for this summer has to be the center position. That’s step one. And it doesn’t have to expensive center. A good rebounder and rim protector would do the trick. There are scenarios where we could land Gafford as a helper in a trade or possibly the Pistons Duren could become available. Even a bandaid like Capella would make us a better team. Then go after guys like Bruce Brown and Melton both won’t cost much.

We still would be very good but not OKC good. 2026 will be step two. If LeBron retires we will have a boat load of money available and a lot more quality free agents available. Even if he doesn’t we still will be able to make moves.

My biggest fear is Rob will make a stupid move. He has a track record of stupid moves. I think you have to be patient and take one step at a time.