That's what Melo did, 2 months before he could have signed, still cost the Knicks heavily.
And what expiring do we have to offer Bird? Corey Brewer? Clarkson has 3 more years after this one, Bird doesn't want that. So if it's Randle, you're going to just give him away to get a guy you can sign a year later? (with the same agent for both?)
Bird is asking for Ingram and/or the Top 3. Bird is smart enough to know it would be better to bottom out completely and let George walk than take on lesser middling parts that stick him in mediocrity forever.
We'll see. Indiana is a small market. Not sure the fanbase will take bottoming out with getting nothing in return. They can acquire young talent to build around Turner and still be bad enough to have a top pick. That would seem to be a better play. Randle is not a deal breaker especially with him having to start getting paid big money after next season and I like Nance better anyway as being a lower usage but still effective player.
Right, hear ya on the fanbase, but you're Bird.
Lakers want to keep DLo, Clarkson, Randle, BI, and Top 3. (I assume Zubac as well)
MAYBE they would part with Nance and Houston pick. Throw in Black I guess. You might start there if you're Bird.
You don't want Moz or Deng.
You don't want Brewer.
2020 would be the earliest pick you can offer on top of Nance/Houston pick.
Are you taking that, as Bird?
I haven't even got to the need more money to balance the trade part of the equation yet.
Black, Nance, Houston pick in 2017, and our 2020 pick. (plus gonna need some more money, likely Brewer I suppose)
You doin that, as Bird?
And remember, as Magic, you're still giving away this depth for no real reason. You could simply sign George, and keep all these bench assets. Glue guys, injury protections, etc.