franco12 wrote:GustavBahler wrote:Nalod wrote:How does RJ help "unlock" Zion and thus would apply a premium for NOLA to trade for him?
They played ball for one season in college.
Thats it.
Not like Cam unlocked RJ, or visa versa. What magic do they have with each other? They spend a summer thru march playing ball.
We don't even know of they are still tight.
"Wonder Twin powers activate!"
Leon staged a Nova reunion in NY, speaks to the value of chemistry. I agree its a gamble, not guaranteed to work. We've been fortunate so far.
Missed the Wiz game. But the last game I watched, RJ looked like he had another gear. Better improvisational skills, even though they werent falling.
No one is untradeable at this point except Brunson IMO. I'd like to see how RJ does up to the first trade deadline, before the front office considers a trade. Barrett surpassed expectations in the playoffs.
If there was a deal with NO, I would prefer a deal for Zion, instead of facilitating a reunion with RJ.
If I were the Knick FO, I would have asked for 1 thing from RJ this summer - an ability to hit open 3pt shots in practice.
And if he couldn't do that at this point, I would look to trade him.
RJ has been such a frustrating player to watch. There are glimpses, flashes and he is not hurt for much and he is seemingly a nice guy.
We could be in a far worse situation with Zion or Ja.
His numbers are what they are- and what team would trade for him and his contract?
It would have to be a team that thinks a change of scenery could unlock a gear.
I have two franchises I can think they could think this: Toronto and New Orleans.
Absolutely spit balling.
We'll see how RJ's 3 looks this season. I agree that Barrett can be a frustrating player to watch. RJ had a good playoff run to close the season, as opposed to a good regular season run in relatively meaningless games.
To answer your question about who would trade for RJ, I believe you answered that question at the beginning of your reply.Teams that value RJ's availability, in addition to 20pts a game.
My concern with a RJ/Zion reunion is the fact that their games can both be described as being of the "bull in a china shop" variety, bully ball. Moreso now than when they were at Duke.
I would take a chance on Zion because of how he can almost singlehandedly turn a decent team into contenders. He's just entering his prime, worth the risk IMO.
I would offer either a package of Quickley/RJ and picks (lots) or substitute IQ for Randle.
Slightly off topic, I think a big trade is going to hinge on how well Deuce is playing up to the first trade deadline. Missed the last game, but the previous one, McBride looked much more willing to put the ball on the floor, go at the D.
If Deuce can make a case as the full time backup PG, it will be easier for the FO to justify trading IQ in a deal for a star. If it doesnt look like there is a path to IQ starting.