2025-26 Team Developments: Trades / Free Agents / News / Rumors / Ideas

Harden probably isn't the only guy, looking for a change of scenery for whatever reason. Harden and Edwards would cause problems for anybody in the playoffs, he's a huge upgrade over Conley.

 

That's still 4M short (Knecht too?)and he's owed 90M over the next 3 seasons. No thanks.

 

i'd definitely take allen, and i could see cleveland being willing to take ayton as his replacement (if they're truly trying to get off his salary). it would require a third team to absorb some salary, i think. also--does allen have any weird trade restrictions because his extension is coming up? i can't remember which deals get subject to that kind of BYC stuff.

i think it's weird that they're trying to contend right now and want to dump allen, who even at his new salary will be worth the money. it's not easy to find really good defensive centers who are playable on offense. and allen would fit wonderfully with luka/reaves. almost the ideal fit, tbh.

 

That guy's only a slight upgrade over Ayton. He might be more of a lob threat, and more of a shot blocking 5. But he is weaker on the boards, is he really 24M better? I don't think so.

 

you're assuming we're keeping ayton, when all signs indicate we're not and will have to find a long-term starting center in the near future. allen is suitable there. i'd prefer to upgrade at POA/perimeter defense, too, but if we can move ayton for allen (or claxton) right now, i'd do that, too.

 

Ayton and Kleber for Allen works salary wise. I’d do it.

Allen’s total rebounds per 36 minutes the last three years are 10.7, 12.5 and 12.0. Ayton’s total rebounds per 36 minutes the last three years are 10.8, 12.1 and 12.3. They’re the same player as rebounders.

There have been some issues with Allen getting outmuscled in the playoffs, the Knicks a few years ago with Randle/Hartenstein/Robinson really pushed him around. But I think that would be true of our current centers as well. I’ll take Allen as the better stylistic fit.

 

I’d do this or a similar move.

 

I would keep Ayton over trading for Allen though. If Allen stayed around 20M maybe, but he's heading for 30 plus, for the next three seasons. I don't like him at that valuation, Ayton has more blocked shots and rebounds, I don't think he's a slam dunk better fit, with Luka and Austin moving forward. What is he clearly superior at?

 

Ayton’s problem is all mental. He may very well be the better talent but just can’t be counted on long term. Allen isn’t Kareem but I think he’d work well with our guys.

 

Allen would be a great fit but I wouldn't send the pick. We need that pick for a wing, that's our most glaring need now and in the future.

If Ayton stays, he'll earn more than 6M. Probably around 20M, making Allen worthy the extra dollars

If we send Ayton and in the deal they sabe money, they may accept without the pick

 

I don't know Elgin..Allen hasn't been impressive in the playoffs and Ayton has at least been to the Finals. And by the numbers, Ayton is the superior post season performer. We aren't using him properly IMO, Allen might work a little better with the way we use Ayton, but at 90M? I'm not sure the value is there.

 

Allen in the playoffs is an interesting thing to watch. I do believe he’d perform a bit better with Luka and AR but it’s a valid critique of him.

 

which centers elevate their games in the playoffs? legit question, as we should pursue them!

i just think about it and like, gobert is almost an annual headache for his team there, despite being incredibly valuable for the regular season.

if the answer here is nobody, then the proper course is just to employ three jaxson hayeses with the understanding that rui hachimura will be closing games at center in the playoffs, right?

 

I’m with Slick, we aren’t using Ayton as we should, he is being ignored by old and fat ball hogs most of the time…AR coming back will help him