Obviously this is dependent on some resolution or further understanding of the domestic violence charge against Collison before the draft, but if (and I certainly hope it's the case) this isn't as bad as it seems then DC represents probably the best chip for moving up a few spots.
It's also a moot point if Thibodeau really wants Kris Dunn but if he's not completely sold then DC would provide a really nice compliment to Rubio and the T-Wolves could still draft a SG or PF at #8.
For the Kings it would mean getting the PG of the future if Dunn is there (as I expect he will be) at #5.
It also opens up about $4.45 million more in caproom (Collison's contract minus the difference in the rookie scale between pick 5 and pick 8).
In that situation I think you have to re-sign Rondo and let Dunn develop so say $14.5 million per on a 3 year deal. I'd prefer 2, Rondo probably wants 4 so that's a decent compromise.
Cousins/Koufos
Cauley-Stein
Gay/Casspi
McLemore/Belinelli
Rondo/Dunn
The Kings would still have $18 million to spend in free agency and potentially Rudy Gay to dangle as trade bait.
I'd love Bazemore as the free agency target but I think Courtney Lee is a more realistic target and will likely command 9-10 million leaving $8 million more and the room exception as well as what Gay could potentially bring back. It's not a huge step forward for the roster (well unless they land Bazemore - then you'd potentially have a monster defensive backcourt when Dunn matures) but some solid steps for next season and possibly a star PG to groom behind Rondo for a year or two before taking over.
It's also a moot point if Thibodeau really wants Kris Dunn but if he's not completely sold then DC would provide a really nice compliment to Rubio and the T-Wolves could still draft a SG or PF at #8.
For the Kings it would mean getting the PG of the future if Dunn is there (as I expect he will be) at #5.
It also opens up about $4.45 million more in caproom (Collison's contract minus the difference in the rookie scale between pick 5 and pick 8).
In that situation I think you have to re-sign Rondo and let Dunn develop so say $14.5 million per on a 3 year deal. I'd prefer 2, Rondo probably wants 4 so that's a decent compromise.
Cousins/Koufos
Cauley-Stein
Gay/Casspi
McLemore/Belinelli
Rondo/Dunn
The Kings would still have $18 million to spend in free agency and potentially Rudy Gay to dangle as trade bait.
I'd love Bazemore as the free agency target but I think Courtney Lee is a more realistic target and will likely command 9-10 million leaving $8 million more and the room exception as well as what Gay could potentially bring back. It's not a huge step forward for the roster (well unless they land Bazemore - then you'd potentially have a monster defensive backcourt when Dunn matures) but some solid steps for next season and possibly a star PG to groom behind Rondo for a year or two before taking over.