crzymdups wrote:

BRIGGS wrote:also I can see signs where kanter can turn into a reasonable shot blocker--from what I have seen--hes showing signs just like his passing. This guy could be a real superstar. Hes so far above Monroe---I think Kanter is capable of punting up 5 40 point games a year and avg 25-13--3-1.5. Thats his capability. Really hes almost doing that with OKC at 22 years old.

isn't he a restricted FA? don't you think OKC intends to keep him? IDK but going to a frontloaded max puts them at 90mm and repeat tax so they are looking at a 65mm dollar bill and they would have ibaka kanter durant mcgary adams collison jones

crzymdups wrote:

BRIGGS wrote: IDK but going to a frontloaded max puts them at 90mm and repeat tax so they are looking at a 65mm dollar bill and they would have ibaka kanter durant mcgary adams collison jones

and westbrook...

yeah, i dunno. i guess we'll see. i feel like it's more likely durant leaves okc than kanter. but we'll see.

I think for better or worse Durant is theirs for now. Kanter if anyone has watched multiple games since his trade---he is clearly and its not really close a higher end basketball player/prospect than Monroe. I dont know about the effort he gave in Utah what style of play etc... but in OKC he played very hard hes been great. Case in point last night--and I watched 3 quarters again. First of Kanter had his 30-15 through less than 3+ 4 Q's(maybe 14 minutes)--he only took 1 more shot the ENTIRE 4thQ because Westbrook ran the same exact play over and over--either he charged into the basket or found Morrow for 3. I mean they ran the same play the whole Q. If they had kept Kanter in the game--he wouldve had a 40-20 night. And his jumpshot is nice--he hit everyone of his FT's and hits 3-4 16 footers--the kind that Monroe doesnt have in his arsenal. If someone said BRIGGS who would you rather have Kanter or lets say Mark Gasol--to me its a NO brainer--this guy is just getting started hes the same age as Frank Kaminsky hes younger than a good portion of senior players in college. Hes a guy who can get us 25-12 a night---Monroe s not even close to that. The thing that I have noticed--is that I think Kanter will block shots and hes a good passer. In th e right system Kanter will be a good passer no doubt about it. Hes a helluva player kudos to OKC for making a steal of a deal--but just like James Harden--and this is MUCH worse--they cant afford to keep him.

OKC has a history of being cheap but they have learned their lessons here, I have no doubt.

I would expect them to match whatever max offer Kanter gets. Then I expect them to trade Westbrook in a sell high that nets them a couple first rounders and a huge trade exception.

They probably draft a PG, and gee... wouldnt Grant from NO look great? Build around Grant/Kanter/Ibaka. Thats a great PG with a great frontcourt. If/when Durant comes back you can compete for a title.

Sorry Briggs.. I can see about 100 scenarios where OKC keeps Kanter, and not too many where they let him go (that make sense).

fishmike wrote:If the Lakers keep their pick I could see them sending it to OKC for Westbrook.

Could definitely see this. Yeah, I think the Lakers are more likely than the Knicks to trade their pick for a "win now" move for the last year of Kobe and also to try to find a successor to Kobe. Lakers are the only team dumber than the Knicks these days, which is saying something.

I agree I can't see Kanter leaving OKC. Briggs, you are absolutely right about him, I think, but I also think OKC knows this. I bet they get him for slightly less than the max, too. Something like 5 years $70M or something.

BRIGGS wrote:

fishmike wrote:Im pretty sure Kanter has just played his way off the FA market. He's 100% a max player with his size and age.

OKC has a history of being cheap but they have learned their lessons here, I have no doubt.

I would expect them to match whatever max offer Kanter gets. Then I expect them to trade Westbrook in a sell high that nets them a couple first rounders and a huge trade exception.

They probably draft a PG, and gee... wouldnt Grant from NO look great? Build around Grant/Kanter/Ibaka. Thats a great PG with a great frontcourt. If/when Durant comes back you can compete for a title.

Sorry Briggs.. I can see about 100 scenarios where OKC keeps Kanter, and not too many where they let him go (that make sense).

Whatever may be--lets see what happens up to the FA period. If there are no moves--then its a no brainer. I dont think OKC can afford to pay 65mm this year in luxury taxes.

Harden really stings them... no way they let Kanter walk. We have an equal chance of landing Kanter at this point as we have of landing Jimmy Butler... about 1%

BRIGGS wrote:

fishmike wrote:

BRIGGS wrote:

fishmike wrote:Im pretty sure Kanter has just played his way off the FA market. He's 100% a max player with his size and age.

OKC has a history of being cheap but they have learned their lessons here, I have no doubt.

I would expect them to match whatever max offer Kanter gets. Then I expect them to trade Westbrook in a sell high that nets them a couple first rounders and a huge trade exception.

They probably draft a PG, and gee... wouldnt Grant from NO look great? Build around Grant/Kanter/Ibaka. Thats a great PG with a great frontcourt. If/when Durant comes back you can compete for a title.

Sorry Briggs.. I can see about 100 scenarios where OKC keeps Kanter, and not too many where they let him go (that make sense).

Whatever may be--lets see what happens up to the FA period. If there are no moves--then its a no brainer. I dont think OKC can afford to pay 65mm this year in luxury taxes.

well this year its done.. so they have some flex. I agree they arent maxing out Kanter without making other moves. So they have some tough decisions. They dont have options with Durant aside from hope he gets healthy. Ibaka isnt going anywhere either. That leaves Westbrook who's insane play will have some teams willing to do stupid things to get him.

Harden really stings them... no way they let Kanter walk. We have an equal chance of landing Kanter at this point as we have of landing Jimmy Butler... about 1%

Thye are not giving up WEestbrook hes their PG--they can t replace him. They have 6 bigs--someone who makes big $ has to go.

Ibaka is only making $12mm. KD is making $20ish. Westbrook is the player thats makes sense to move. They are fighting for the playoffs, not competing for a title. If your building long term and keeping things fluid what do you do? You trade the PG who is often hurt anyway, you sell high because Kanter is more important and Westbrook is going to be a hot commodity.

Watch.. Westbrook to the Laker, Kanter gets 5/$70. Letting Harden go is one thing. They arent letting a potential franchise big walk at 23 years old. This flys in the face of logic.

Waiters/Novak/Morrow combine for $12mm and are all expiring. They will jettison those guys before losing Kanter. I think you need to move on from thinking this guy is an option. He's as possible as Jimmy Butler. Go ahead and offer a max deal, its getting matched.