ellis is off to dallas, likely at around $10 million per. dodged a bullet. very good. now it's time to see what PDA and co. can accomplish via trade. i remain unimpressed with the first trade of their inaugural offseason. i hope they can follow it up with complementary moves that bring back defense and penetration. otherwise we're in for a rough year...
For better or worse, Evans' departure was not a trade in any real sense. It was a decision to let him walk at 4 years/$44-48 million. Whether that balking at the eventual price tag or the new FO deciding that he wasn't a foundational player in their eyes or both we'll likely never know. But Vasquez was a throw in who cleared up roster and cap space for New Orleans and their glut of guards. In my mind he's a one year rental for the Kings who they think can help improve the ball movement that Malone has continually stressed. Team defense and ball movement have been the two things he has cited most often in terms of what the Kings need to change.
Again, I'm not saying I agree with the mindset but reading between the lines it seems the new regime was never looking to put Tyreke back at PG because he dominated the ball too often when it was in his hands.
Now if they really DO like Vasquez and eventually re-sign him then I'll have to change my outlook but for now I view him as a throw in who will could aid in changing the team culture while not effecting the cap situation.
I was unhappy that they didn't match the offer for Tyreke but I'm reserving the full extent of my ire until I see (1) how Evans plays for the Pelicans this season (2) how Vasquez plays for the Kings and (3) whether I'm correct that Greivis will not be retained beyond this season.