Cam's Off-Season Breakdown

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

The operative word with trading Pek for a 2-way wing is "explore". I think the front office should explore it, but what is out there that could truly work? I'm skeptical.

In the absence of a trade, our new coach next year needs to seriously ratchet up the minutes of Dieng. I like Turiaf and thought it was a good move to bring him in, but it's clear to me that Dieng has the potential to be a game-changer defensively. He's still a little weak physically, but his agility, quick hands, and shot blocking instincts makes him a versatile defender that can switch out on smaller players while also defending the rim. He might even be able to play next to Pek at the 4 against certain matchups.

Also, don't underestimate the impact a defensive-oriented coach can make. Charlotte went from being the league-worst defense last season to the 6th best this season. And it's not because they went out and signed a bunch of elite defenders. Their new coach changed their culture. We're a lot better defensive team than what Charlotte was last year. There is no reason we can't be a top 5-7 defense with the players we have now.

[mjs34]

I think we need to move Pek as well, but I don't know what we will get back. I don't expect that much, unlike most of you. Pek never got one offer last summer, partly because he was a RFA, but I suspect some of had to do with the limitations many are pointing out. Injury history, doesn't seem to play through pain, and being a lousy PnR defender. I would be happy to trade him and move another bad contract (Bud, Luc, Brewer) with him and then try and map out a plan going forward.

[Hicks123 [enjin:6700838]]

I am with the majority here. Pek probably needs to be moved in order to get the "right" pieces onto this team. I think the Bucks are a team that we could work with in the offseason, as I would imagine they are going to be looking to drastically shake up their lineup next season.

Players I have interest in (contract status AFTER this year):
OJ Mayo (2 yr - 8M per) - Contract is obviously WAY too high, and I have no idea why he has fallen out of the current rotation, but he is still young, and has been a serviceable player at points over his first few seasons. I attribute a lot of what is happening with many Mil players to their team issues. This team and it's players just seem to be completely disfunctional and beyond repair at this point.

Ersan Ilyasova (2 yr - $7.9M per) - Again, VERY down year, but has produced as recently as last season, as a very solid player.

Carlos Delfino (2 yr - $3.25M) - Solid vet shooter.

Larry Sanders (4 yr - $11M per) - Don't know what to say about this guy. Obviously, a small screw loose, but last year looked absolutely dominating at times. Contract is an issue, but again, I feel like he could be a much better player outside of Mil. That type of environment is tough on an already immature player like Sanders.

The reason Mil works as a LEGIT trade partner, is that it is almost assured that most/all of the players listed above will be pushed in trades. Also, I think that a frontcourt of Pek/Henson is probably a better fit than Henson/Sanders from a "fit" standpoint.

Maybe the following:
Sanders / Ilyasova
for
Pek / Barea

I actually also love signing Sessions with a longer term deal as our primary backup PG. He is simply a solid professional that makes great decisions, and can step in and start PRODUCTIVELY as needed. I never wanted to let him go back in the day. Maybe a 3 yr - $12M type deal.

Team next season:
C - Sanders /Dieng /Turiaf
PF - Love / Ilyasova / LMAM /
SF - Brewer / Shabbaz
SG - Martin / Gary Harris or Stauskas
PG - Rubio / Sessions / Shved

While not perfect, I like this teams ability to insert offense for defense. Sessions and Harris would immediately give us better players in general to add to the second unit. I just don't see a scenerio where we could trade Pek for a dominant 2-way wing. That would certainly be ideal, but just don't see it.

[bleedspeed]

I would love to move LRMM, Barea, Shved, and Budinger this offseason.

I would move Pek for the right wing, but am not sure who that would be.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

I'm not in favor of creating a large hole to fix a smaller hole, which is what we'd be doing by trading Pek for whatever wing we could get. Do you guys trust Turiaf/Dieng/Cauley-Stein (draft) to start right away next year? Does that make us better? Pekovic is almost an All-Star in the highly talented West. You don't give away players like that because they aren't perfect or due to fit.

For all of those saying we should trade Pek for a wing, I'd like you to post those reasonable wing players that we could target. I'll wait... It's easier said than done, that is, unless you'd like to give away more talent than we'd receive. I don't see a Pek trade that for sure makes us better.

So, we can trade Pek for a wing and create a significant hole at center, OR we can trade Pek for a shot-altering center and create an inconsistent, non threatening offensive attack. Yay, we lose either way. OR we could just keep Pek, build the bench with little moves and draft a wing. That might just work.

[mjs34]

How about a S&T with Cleveland for Deng. He is exactly what this team needs going forward. A two way player with length.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

How about a S&T with Cleveland for Deng. He is exactly what this team needs going forward. A two way player with length.

Decent idea, until you think about the centers they already have: Varajao and Hawes (25; playing very well this year). Is that a move Cleveland would seriously consider? I'm not so sure. Though, from a Wolves standpoint I'd probably back it up as long as Deng got a reasonable contract. Rumors are he's asking for a lot lot lot.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

There's also the Kevin Love factor. Love is Pek's biggest fan. All serious trades are likely going to be run by him. Would Kevin hypothetically sign off on a trade sending his 290 pound "brother" to another team? I really don't know. Love's relationships with Ricky and Nikola are one of the things we have going for us in re-signing him. I certainly wouldn't trade Pek without an OK from Love, though, that's for damn sure.

[mjs34]

Hawes is expiring at the end of the season, and they have a team option on Varajao. Those two more than make up for Pek's salary. They need inside scoring to go along with Irving, and this gives them that. They would likely hang onto Varajao though and see how he fits with Pek.

Deng is asking for a lot, the market will determine his value. I am guessing he will see something similar to what AI got in GS last off season. I don't think 4/48 is unreasonable for what he gives.

[alexftbl8181 [enjin:6648741]]

How about trying to retool a bench that won't turn a 15 point lead into a 10 point hole in 4 minutes before we decide to trade an 18 and 9 player?