S/T Isaiah Thomas to get a decent Shot Blocker - Any ideas who/how?

[Prince_XY]

This is to explore the possibilities of a sign-and-trade scenario involving Isaiah Thomas to get a shot blocker we all want and the team needs.

I would say we can start looking at Milwaukee Bucks roster, either one of these notable players if available and if it is doable - I'll gamble:

Larry Sanders - $ 11M/year (x 4 years)
John Henson - $ 2M (2014 team option)
Ekpe Udoh - $ 5.9 M (Restricted FA Qualifying Offer)

We can also include acquiring one back-up PG from them:

Ramon Sessions - Unrestricted Free Agent - (2013 Salary- $ 5M/year)

If they want IT, we do sign and trade IT at $ 5M/year and ship him out with either Derrick Williams, JT, Outlaw, or even use the valuable expiring contract of Jason Terry to make it work.

I want to start winning now.

Let's go PDA and Vivek!

Let's go Kings!

 

[Sam0ah]

He is on the roster already... Sim Bhullar Although, not that we have room in the cap, but Larry Sanders would fit nicely next to Cousins if his head is on straight. Sanders is quite a gamble though.

 

[HereWeBoogie]

Well we don't really get to chose who Isaiah signs with, soooooo

and i can pretty much guarantee he won't be signing with the Bucks

 

[CurseOfTheSalmons]

at PG milwaukee already has nate wolters and brandon knight. they shouldn't go for isaiah. ben mclemore on the other hand... i bet they're dying for some fresh SG meat to replace oj mayo, and i'm dyin' for henson.

 

[KingMilz]

at PG milwaukee already has nate wolters and brandon knight. they shouldn't go for isaiah. ben mclemore on the other hand... i bet they're dying for some fresh SG meat to replace oj mayo, and i'm dyin' for henson.

I still see Henson more as a big of the bench like JT than a legit starter at this point, like I would not mind having him at all but we really need a starting level PF, no doubt Henson can improve and be a starter I would be willing to take that gamble but would still prefer going all in risk on Sanders.

 

[LPKingsFan]

The Kings could probably just sign Udoh straight up with the bi-annual exception, no need to make it more complicated with a double sign and trade.

 

[MANoICE]

A deal of Sanders and Middleton for (Williams or Terry) +Outlaw & Ben works salary wise, if you want to take that chance on Sanders.

Gives SAC a rim protector and a true back up SF, that shot the three well last year and is young. Love the Sanders/Cousins pairing, if he can get his act together.

Gives MIL a potential SG of the future to pair with the Greek Freak and Parker, for a heck of a core (potentially). Might not help much this year, but if they all develop and MIL finds a PG, watch out!

 

[dude12]

A deal of Sanders and Middleton for (Williams or Terry) +Outlaw & Ben works salary wise, if you want to take that chance on Sanders.

Gives SAC a rim protector and a true back up SF, that shot the three well last year and is young. Love the Sanders/Cousins pairing, if he can get his act together.

Gives MIL a potential SG of the future to pair with the Greek Freak and Parker, for a heck of a core (potentially). Might not help much this year, but if they all develop and MIL finds a PG, watch out!

Any deal for Sanders has to involve either JT or Landry not the expiring contracts.....it helps reduce risk in case Sanders can't get his act together.....and it probably allows us to keep Ben. If Ben shows improvement, like I suspect will happen in Summer League, then I don't see Sac trading him for such a risk as Sanders.

 

[MANoICE]

Any deal for Sanders has to involve either JT or Landry not the expiring contracts.....it helps reduce risk in case Sanders can't get his act together.....and it probably allows us to keep Ben. If Ben shows improvement, like I suspect will happen in Summer League, then I don't see Sac trading him for such a risk as Sanders.

Fair enough. I still like JT as a third big off the bench (that can play both big positions) and would love to shed that Landry contract. I just think they would want more than say, Landry + DWill/Terry/Outlaw pupu platter. Though, I do think Landry would be a great third big off the bench in the systems Jason Kidd seems to like to run. Offensively at least. Not so much on defense.

 

[funkykingston]

Landry and Derrick Williams for Larry Sanders would be fine by me.

At best you get the Sanders of two seasons ago who was an elite interior defender who pairs well with Cousins. At worst you get the Sanders of last season, injury prone, disinterested and putting up mediocre numbers. But even in that case he only costs you a little over $4 million more than Landry who I think is a terrible fit for a Cousins led team and doesn't address any of the team's issues.

In my mind it's very much a gamble worth taking assuming the Bucks are as willing to move Sanders as has been whispered.

 

[Krunker]

FWIW, in Voisin's article on Collison she wrote that the Kings declined interested in Sanders...

 

[funkykingston]

FWIW, in Voisin's article on Collison she wrote that the Kings declined interested in Sanders...

If true I think that's a mistake. Small market teams like the Kings have essentially two ways to get elite talent.

(1) Through the draft
(2) By gambling on overpaid troublesome and/or underproducing guys who at one point flashed elite talent. This is of course how the Kings got Gay. And for that matter, how they got Webber.

Of course there is a third way but it involves already having elite talent and being a winning franchise. Even then winning franchises in bigger markets are almost always higher up in the food chain.

If the Bucks are really looking to dump Sanders it means that in two years he went from the only untouchable piece on their roster and the second best interior defender in the NBA* after Dwight Howard to the scrap heap. Yeah, he has off the court issues which very much concern me. And injury issues which concern me but not as much. Still, should he return to his form of 2013 the Kings have just filled the hole next to Cousins with the best possible fit and who is still just 25 years old. 10 points and 10 rebounds on 50% shooting (and best of all on less than 9 shots per game) and 3 blocks along with the athleticism to step out and guard quicker PFs if necessary. Have him work on his 12-15 ft jumper and he's ideal. And if he could be had for Landry & Williams or some combination of a S&T of IT plus Landry or ending contracts I'd absolutely consider that a gamble worth taking.

*Here's the article about Sanders rank as an interior defender with the statistical breakdown
:http://www.brewhoop.com/2013/2/20/4...dominant-interior-defender-according-to-study

 

[sdballer]

If true I think that's a mistake. Small market teams like the Kings have essentially two ways to get elite talent.

(1) Through the draft
(2) By gambling on overpaid troublesome and/or underproducing guys who at one point flashed elite talent. This is of course how the Kings got Gay. And for that matter, how they got Webber.

Of course there is a third way but it involves already having elite talent and being a winning franchise. Even then winning franchises in bigger markets are almost always higher up in the food chain.

If the Bucks are really looking to dump Sanders it means that in two years he went from the only untouchable piece on their roster and the second best interior defender in the NBA* after Dwight Howard to the scrap heap. Yeah, he has off the court issues which very much concern me. And injury issues which concern me but not as much. Still, should he return to his form of 2013 the Kings have just filled the hole next to Cousins with the best possible fit and who is still just 25 years old. 10 points and 10 rebounds on 50% shooting (and best of all on less than 9 shots per game) and 3 blocks along with the athleticism to step out and guard quicker PFs if necessary. Have him work on his 12-15 ft jumper and he's ideal. And if he could be had for Landry & Williams or some combination of a S&T of IT plus Landry or ending contracts I'd absolutely consider that a gamble worth taking.

*Here's the article about Sanders rank as an interior defender with the statistical breakdown
:http://www.brewhoop.com/2013/2/20/4...dominant-interior-defender-according-to-study

But the risk is you severely limit cap flexibility by taking on 4 years at 11M for a guy whose career and lifestyle are heading down a very bad path. There's a reason he's available.

 

[ESP47]

Why are you guys still talking Udoh? That is sooo 2011.

But seriously the guy is just not a good basketball player and his shot blocking wouldn't warrant him getting on the court because everything else he does is pretty bad.

 

[funkykingston]

But the risk is you severely limit cap flexibility by taking on 4 years at 11M for a guy whose career and lifestyle are heading down a very bad path. There's a reason he's available.

I suppose it's because I have such a negative view of Landry (and especially his lack of fit on a Cousins led team) but even if all we get is what Sanders gave the Bucks when healthy/not suspended last year I don't see that as worse than paying Carl nearly $7 million over the next three seasons. At least you have a PF that is a good fit next to Cuz.

And while this is unfair to Landry and his relatively freak injuries, for all his issues Sanders gave the Bucks way more last season than Landry gave the Kings.

And if Sanders returns to form, look out. That's the type of move that could get the Kings good fast.

 

[twslam07]

If true I think that's a mistake. Small market teams like the Kings have essentially two ways to get elite talent.

(1) Through the draft
(2) By gambling on overpaid troublesome and/or underproducing guys who at one point flashed elite talent. This is of course how the Kings got Gay. And for that matter, how they got Webber.

Of course there is a third way but it involves already having elite talent and being a winning franchise. Even then winning franchises in bigger markets are almost always higher up in the food chain.

If the Bucks are really looking to dump Sanders it means that in two years he went from the only untouchable piece on their roster and the second best interior defender in the NBA* after Dwight Howard to the scrap heap. Yeah, he has off the court issues which very much concern me. And injury issues which concern me but not as much. Still, should he return to his form of 2013 the Kings have just filled the hole next to Cousins with the best possible fit and who is still just 25 years old. 10 points and 10 rebounds on 50% shooting (and best of all on less than 9 shots per game) and 3 blocks along with the athleticism to step out and guard quicker PFs if necessary. Have him work on his 12-15 ft jumper and he's ideal. And if he could be had for Landry & Williams or some combination of a S&T of IT plus Landry or ending contracts I'd absolutely consider that a gamble worth taking.

*Here's the article about Sanders rank as an interior defender with the statistical breakdown
:http://www.brewhoop.com/2013/2/20/4...dominant-interior-defender-according-to-study

That is true, but you should also keep in mind that Gay's contract was up in 1.5 years and it happened to be expiring with the rest of the Kings junk contracts. It was a risk, but it was a very smart and calculated risk.

 

[King Baller]

JT is a better all around defender than any of those guys. Maybe Sanders in his contract year would at least cause an argument over it.

If true I think that's a mistake. Small market teams like the Kings have essentially two ways to get elite talent.

(1) Through the draft
(2) By gambling on overpaid troublesome and/or underproducing guys who at one point flashed elite talent. This is of course how the Kings got Gay. And for that matter, how they got Webber.

Of course there is a third way but it involves already having elite talent and being a winning franchise. Even then winning franchises in bigger markets are almost always higher up in the food chain.

If the Bucks are really looking to dump Sanders it means that in two years he went from the only untouchable piece on their roster and the second best interior defender in the NBA* after Dwight Howard to the scrap heap. Yeah, he has off the court issues which very much concern me. And injury issues which concern me but not as much. Still, should he return to his form of 2013 the Kings have just filled the hole next to Cousins with the best possible fit and who is still just 25 years old. 10 points and 10 rebounds on 50% shooting (and best of all on less than 9 shots per game) and 3 blocks along with the athleticism to step out and guard quicker PFs if necessary. Have him work on his 12-15 ft jumper and he's ideal. And if he could be had for Landry & Williams or some combination of a S&T of IT plus Landry or ending contracts I'd absolutely consider that a gamble worth taking.

*Here's the article about Sanders rank as an interior defender with the statistical breakdown
:http://www.brewhoop.com/2013/2/20/4...dominant-interior-defender-according-to-study

Here is a comment from Sanders:
The suspended Larry Sanders is unabashed: 'I believe in marijuana'

Link to article: https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-...eve-in-marijuana-191802258.html?pt=tAD2SCT8P7

 

[Dime Dropper]

Here is a comment from Sanders:
The suspended Larry Sanders is unabashed: 'I believe in marijuana'

Link to article: https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-...eve-in-marijuana-191802258.html?pt=tAD2SCT8P7

He has a point, even if it's not 100% accurate. I really don't care about his views on marijuana, especially since they're based on evidence, but obviously don't want him smoking during his career. At least not during the season. The same way I wouldn't want a player to be drinking. If he truly is telling the truth about understanding that he can't take it during the season, which is doubtful since half the league is probably doing it, then it's not a problem. I'd probably take the chance anyway if we can give Landry back to them.

 

[King Baller]

From the same article:

"Sanders, who won’t serve out his suspension until 2014-15 because he’s currently unable to play because of an orbital fracture (not sustained during an alleged bar fight, it should be noted), responded to the suspension with the usual press release platitudes. He acknowledged he made a mistake, or three, and kindly asked Bucks fans and his teammates for patience while he waits out both the offseason and his eventual five-game turn on the pine."

 

[ShastaKingsFan]

I'd be shocked if they bring in a guy like Sanders, who would be such a risk for the 'culture' movement that they seem very intent on

 

[hrdboild]

Sanders made those comments in April. There was a subsequent report at the end of June which said he was expected to enter a substance abuse program this summer. I don't where he's at mentally right now. Clearly there is some risk involved. On the other hand, if you wait until he sorts out his off the court problems, he's not going to be available anymore for the same reason Milwaukee signed him to that $44 million deal in the first place -- he's an elite interior defender.

 

[VF21]

Sanders made those comments in April. There was a subsequent report at the end of June which said he was expected to enter a substance abuse program this summer. I don't where he's at mentally right now. Clearly there is some risk involved. On the other hand, if you wait until he sorts out his off the court problems, he's not going to be available anymore for the same reason Milwaukee signed him to that $44 million deal in the first place -- he's an elite interior defender.

From the article you linked:

But the bigger key here is getting Sanders the help he needs. He's a young man who seems to have fallen into his worst habits, succumbed to his lesser demons. The NBA has long strugged with how to provide adequate help for players going through what Sanders is. Maybe there is no way, and it just comes down to personal decisions. But hopefully someone can reach Sanders and get his career on track. He's a talented player, but he's also a human being who appears to be spiralling out of control.

Larry Sanders has Keon Clark the Sequel written all over him.

 

[Big Cuz 15]

Landry and Derrick Williams for Larry Sanders would be fine by me.

At best you get the Sanders of two seasons ago who was an elite interior defender who pairs well with Cousins. At worst you get the Sanders of last season, injury prone, disinterested and putting up mediocre numbers. But even in that case he only costs you a little over $4 million more than Landry who I think is a terrible fit for a Cousins led team and doesn't address any of the team's issues.

In my mind it's very much a gamble worth taking assuming the Bucks are as willing to move Sanders as has been whispered.

as much as i would love landry to be shipped out in ANY trade.. i highly doubt the FO would admit it was a mistake signing. he'll be with us most likely through his contract.

 

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

Some tweet was making the rounds on twitter today that said Thomas has spoken to Lakers, Mavs, Suns, Heat, and the Pistons. That's his list. I'm assuming he's going to sign with one of those teams.

If he signed with the Lakers or Heat, that would be a disaster. Unless we want Norris Cole, the Heat have no tradable assets. The Lakers have no assets. No sign and trade potential there.

The Mavs have a pretty empty roster as well, aside from Brandan Wright who I'm somewhat interested in, but the Mavs have so much capspace they don't need to trade anything, really. This has some potential of actually happening, but the Kings would have to really convince the Mavs that they are going to match the offer sheet. That is there only leverage, and I bet the Mavs take their chances and bet on the Kings not matching. They brought back Chandler, though, which could make Wright a little more expendable.

The Suns have a lot of interesting S&T names, but I can't wrap my head around their interest in Thomas. They have Dragic. They want to keep Bledsoe. They drafted Ennis. I just don't see it. PJ Tucker, Plumlee, and Alex Len are all interesting names. But again, I don't see it.

Then there is the Pistons. Reports were that they were interested in Brian Roberts, which could be their backup plan if they can't land Thomas. They are clearly in the market for another point guard. This remains the most obvious choice for both the Pistons and a potential Josh Smith S&T, but depending on which reports you listen to the Pistons may or may not have any interest in Thomas. Hard to say for sure.

 

[LPKingsFan]

Some tweet was making the rounds on twitter today that said Thomas has spoken to Lakers, Mavs, Suns, Heat, and the Pistons. That's his list. I'm assuming he's going to sign with one of those teams.

If he signed with the Lakers or Heat, that would be a disaster. Unless we want Norris Cole, the Heat have no tradable assets. The Lakers have no assets. No sign and trade potential there.

The Mavs have a pretty empty roster as well, aside from Brandan Wright who I'm somewhat interested in, but the Mavs have so much capspace they don't need to trade anything, really. This has some potential of actually happening, but the Kings would have to really convince the Mavs that they are going to match the offer sheet. That is there only leverage, and I bet the Mavs take their chances and bet on the Kings not matching. They brought back Chandler, though, which could make Wright a little more expendable.

The Suns have a lot of interesting S&T names, but I can't wrap my head around their interest in Thomas. They have Dragic. They want to keep Bledsoe. They drafted Ennis. I just don't see it. PJ Tucker, Plumlee, and Alex Len are all interesting names. But again, I don't see it.

Then there is the Pistons. Reports were that they were interested in Brian Roberts, which could be their backup plan if they can't land Thomas. They are clearly in the market for another point guard. This remains the most obvious choice for both the Pistons and a potential Josh Smith S&T, but depending on which reports you listen to the Pistons may or may not have any interest in Thomas. Hard to say for sure.

Do the Mavs still have that much space if the Rockets don't match their Parsons contract?

 

[Prince_XY]

at PG milwaukee already has nate wolters and brandon knight. they shouldn't go for isaiah. ben mclemore on the other hand... i bet they're dying for some fresh SG meat to replace oj mayo, and i'm dyin' for henson.

The Bucks only have 2 PGs right now in Brandon Knight and Nate Walters. They might be interested on IT while Nate Walters continues to develop.

Ramon Sessions (back up PG) is questionable and might not return. He is currently unrestricted FA.

 

[VF21]

Some tweet was making the rounds on twitter today that said Thomas has spoken to Lakers, Mavs, Suns, Heat, and the Pistons. That's his list. I'm assuming he's going to sign with one of those teams.

That same list has been around since day 1. In all honesty, I'm guessing if we could trace it back to its real origin, it most likely came from IT's camp. I'm still waiting to hear of at least one legitimate offer. There have been rumors about just about everyone else - hard to believe somebody in his camp wouldn't have spilled the beans if he was, in fact, being strongly courted by ANY of those teams.