These are the ages these players would be next year at the beginning of the season (year 1 of a 4 or 5 year max contact)
Durant 31 y/o
Kawhi 28 y/o
Kyrie 27 y/o
Klay 29 y/o
J.Butler 30 y/o
Kemba 29 y/o
Should we really sign a 31 year old player with a lot of years/miles to a long-term max contract?
He'll be great in year 1 and 2, probably still really good in year 3, then the drop off may saddle us with another Melo situation. He is currently still an amazing player and we may not have many good FA options out there... but it only makes sense if it's likely to actually work out.
Klay (who will likely never come here) would be the one I think would serve his contract the best, as he doesn't rely on athleticism and is 2 years younger.
Kawhi (also likely to never come) should be targeted based on his performance, age and playing style.
Strong pass on J.Butler and Kemba as I don't think they're really max players to begin with - and their age makes it high risk.
Kyrie is the tough one as he is younger, but doesn't play D and has injury-riddled history.
I'll get creamed for saying this but I think I'd go after Klay or Kawhi before Durant this summer. They will likely pass so I'd target other players under 30 that play both sides of the ball and keep developing the young guys. With cap space we can also trade for other star players that fit the criteria for success over a 3-5 year time frame. Today we made a trade to go "all out" for 2 max guys - hope we don't compound this possible mistake and end up regretting signing another star when father time catches up.
Maybe Knox does mature physically and becomes a Durant-lite type of player. 2 max guys will likely work against the development of these young guys
2/1/2019 5:01 AM