Rosas seems intent on acquiring a veteran defensive big and I think we're all on board with this plan. It's just a matter of how and what it would take to get that guy. But just for fun, I'll suggest an alternative that would be more focused on the future and would take advantage of an opportunity that I believe has been created by a set of circumstances. I'm talking about a trade with Atlanta, not for Capela or Collins, but for Okongwu.
As everyone knows, I was really high on him coming out of college. The little I saw of him this past season only confirmed my positive view of him. I think he's going to be a really good NBA big, especially on the defensive end and this might be a chance for the Wolves to acquire him and provide another strong building block for the future with Ant and McDaniels. I see the following circumstances creating this window of opportunity for the Wolves.
1. Okongwu's lack of playing time last season. Unfortunately for Okongwu, he did not get much of an opportunity to showcase his game last season because of a toe injury and the fact that he had Capela, Collins, Gallo and Hunter ahead of him in the rotation. But that lack of opportunity for Okongwu creates an opportunity for the Wolves to acquire him before he gets the chance to establish his NBA credentials and drive his value up.
2. Collins' free agency. The opportunity I'm thinking about hinges on the Hawks re-signing Collins. If they do, it's likely they'll be giving him a max contract or close to it. That would leave no doubt that the Hawks are all in on a starting duo of Collins and Capela at the 4 and 5. They'll have Hunter, a PF/SF, coming back from injury and they'll still be paying Gallo $22M as another PF on their roster. All of that puts Okongwu pretty far down in the pecking order and, thus, diminishes his present value to the team.
3. Atlanta's playoff success and Okongwu's shoulder injury. The fact that Atlanta advanced to the Eastern Conference finals puts the Hawks firmly in a win-now mode. Not only is Okongwu effectively still a rookie given how little he played last season, but he's also going to miss the first couple of months of the season recovering from shoulder surgery. For a team like Atlanta, in full win mode, that's problematic. Games in the first couple months of the season matter a lot for playoff positioning at the end of the season.
Based on these circumstances, I think Rosas should seriously consider pursuing a trade for Okongwu. The questions are (1) what would it take to get him, (2) would the price of getting him be worth it, (3) can we afford to devote our limited trade assets to acquiring a player who won't be able to provide meaningful help right away, and (4) would we be able to acquire him and still have assets or money to acquire a vet big like Daniel Their or Nerlens Noel?
The Alternative Gamble
Re: The Alternative Gamble
Lip are you concerned at this point about whether or not Okongwu can stay healthy?
What is the most you are willing to give up for him?
Also I think Atlanta isn't going to be motivated to move Okongwu unless...
1. They don't think he is going to be particularly good
2. They get a great return for him.
Capela is signed for a couple years and then he will be nearing 30. I'd guess they hope Okongwu will be the replacement for Capela. The Hawks are pretty much set throughout their roster. They have a versatile player in Wright to protect against injury and as a backup to Young. They have multiple wings and they have plenty of bigs to wait for Okongwu to get back from injury. So...how are you blowing them away with an offer? :) I do think this is an interesting idea adding Okongwu.
What is the most you are willing to give up for him?
Also I think Atlanta isn't going to be motivated to move Okongwu unless...
1. They don't think he is going to be particularly good
2. They get a great return for him.
Capela is signed for a couple years and then he will be nearing 30. I'd guess they hope Okongwu will be the replacement for Capela. The Hawks are pretty much set throughout their roster. They have a versatile player in Wright to protect against injury and as a backup to Young. They have multiple wings and they have plenty of bigs to wait for Okongwu to get back from injury. So...how are you blowing them away with an offer? :) I do think this is an interesting idea adding Okongwu.