Veteran center Jakob Poeltl has been the subject of trade speculation dating back to February’s deadline, and while Jeff McDonald of The San Antonio Express-News (Twitter link) doesn’t believe the Spurs‘ signing of Gorgui Dieng and waiver claim of Isaiah Roby signal the end of Poeltl’s time in San Antonio, he suggests the team should be gauging the trade market for the big man.
In the wake of the trade sending Dejounte Murray to Atlanta, McDonald (Twitter link) views anyone on the Spurs’ roster over the age of 24 as “imminently available.” That would include sharpshooter Doug McDermott in addition to Poeltl, though it sounds like that’s just speculation for the time being.
Here’s more from around the Southwest:
- Despite earning a spot on the All-G League First Team as a rookie this past season, forward Moses Wright wasn’t tendered a two-way qualifying offer by the Mavericks and is now an unrestricted free agent. As Eddie Sefko of Mavs.com writes, Wright is playing for Dallas’ Summer League team in Las Vegas and is determined to show he deserves a training camp invite, whether from the Mavs or another team. “I want to be the most dominant big (man) out there,” Wright said. “Whether it’s talking, rebounding, defensive presence, no matter what I do, just be dominant at what I do.”
- Kelly Iko of The Athletic wonders if there’s a way for the Rockets to get involved in a multi-team trade scenario involving Kevin Durant in order to land restricted free agent center Deandre Ayton. Iko acknowledges that Ayton’s positional overlap with Alperen Sengun isn’t ideal, but believes it would still make sense for Houston if the price was right.
- The Grizzlies, whose only move in free agency has been a new two-year agreement with Tyus Jones, believe time is on their side and are operating with patience this summer rather than making any significant roster changes, according to Chris Herrington of The Daily Memphian (subscription required).
Ayton’s market is gonna be interesting. Once upon a time I thought a S&T involving Poeltl and Ayton might be a little bit plausible, but it’s very hard to imagine that happening now. And many of the other teams needing center help have already addressed it via the draft, or at least they have in theory. Curious to see where Jakob’s market goes from here as well.
Moses Wright is gonna be the most dominant talker out on the floor
Coby White plus 2 million trade exception for Poeltl? Think they’ll go for it? Might dip the Bulls slightly into the Tax but not much. Could take over after Vuj contract runs out next year. Ah, they’ll never go for it. Unless they could trade Vuj and go with Drummond and Poetl. Get a PF for him. Just spitballing.
Here’s a trade thought for you. 76ers and Spurs match up well, as Philly wants to shed Tobias Harris’ contract and he becomes a luxury item with the acquisition of PJ Tucker. Spurs are going youth movement and would like more draft ammunition.
SA gets: PF Tobias Harris, PG Shake Milton + a protected 1st round pick
PHI gets: SF Doug McDermott, SG/SF Josh Richardson.
Philly takes $14MM off their payroll this year and $24MM off their payroll the next season.
SA rolls out: PG Jones/Milton, SG Vassell/Primo, SF K.Johnson/Roby, PF Harris/Collins, C Poeltl/Deing
Phi runs with: PG Harden/Melton, SG Maxey/Richardson, SF Thybulle/McDermott, PF Tucker/Niang, C Embiid/TBD FA
I think I’d rather Harris than either of those 2 guys, especially having seen one of them play in Philly already. Better to keep Harris one more year and trade him as an expiring next summer when he’ll have more value.
McDermott would be a nice addition to the Boston bench and fit into that trade exception they’ve got. Brogdon and Gallo are the type of guys they needed in their championship run, and I think Doug could be another.
I liked Moses Wright in summer league a couple of years ago as a small ball 5
Upside! Moses Wright got game
Ask Jose Alvarado
Potter Jr or Schroder comes to mind as pieces get moved around. More than likely Schroder goes though. I’d be ok with KPJ going because Schroder and Green with Smith, Sengun, and Tate Jr on first unit. Second unit TyTy, Christopher, Martin Jr, Garuba, and new addition Ayton. I like the two vets on the floor on separate shifts. Second unit maybe a bit more defensive, but that isn’t a horrible thing against other clubs heavy loaded bench.