As much as I want Monte to upgrade the team, and for us to contend, I would rather not do any trade, than a bad trade.
Not saying that you are suggesting anything like that (in fact, you are suggesting salary flexibility), but no idea what the landscape is.
Most contending teams are paying 2-3 stars max money, and trying to fill the roster around them with useful players. This includes teams lots more successful and richer than us. While I don't want to label Vivek as cheap, let's see if and when he goes deep into luxury tax category.
Pretty soon, we'll be paying Fox and keegan. These (along with Domas) will be our 3 max-players. Ultimately, we go as far as they take us. We neither have the resources, nor probably an owner, who is willing to purchase a third star right now (when Keegan is on a rookie deal).
Hopefully, Keegan grows into an all-star very soon, and we get our big-3. Doesn't seem we are buying our way to that (probably for good).