The way I see it, our trade options are becoming less and less. For a couple reasons but most notably:
1. Our propensity to swing for the fences or do nothing at all.
2. Many superstar athletes have re-upped longer term. (James Harden - Rockets, Westbrook - OKC)
3. Teams who possess tradeable superstars have improved their ability to compete thus creating a more sticky environment for them to remain with current club. (Paul George - Pacers)
Any trade involving any combination of Marcus Smart, Jae Crowder and Brooklyn picks will have to yield a Top 10 player. A marginal upgrade for someone like Gordon Hayward makes zero sense given the assets it would require and his impending free agency.
So this team is what it is or we focus on the remaining players worthy of focus and potentially gettable. This would include in order of likelihood:
1. DeMarcus Cousins (AMEN!)
2. Carmelo Anthony (please no)
3. Kevin Love (meh)
4. Gordon Hayward (why would we when he is a FA)
5. Jimmy Butler (likely stuck in Chicago with temp big 3 of Rondo/Wade)
Here's where we enter dreamworld...
6. Paul George (Pacers are trying to compete)
7. Damian Lillard (no chance)
8. Russell Westbrook (if OKC deems a rebuild necessary)
9. Kevin Durant (I honestly wouldnt want him now)
10. Anthony Davis (pipe dream)
Obvious non-inclusions include: Steph Curry, Lebron James, KAT, Kawhi Leonard, etc.
The way I see it we're stuck to build this team through draft and going young and free agency. No trade target that is gettable is worth the loss of assets in players/picks with the 1 exception of DeMarcus Cousins. Kind of painted into a corner...
