- 2,614
- 1,568
We might be watching a Tim Connelly master class right before our eyes. This trade is brilliant on many levels. Obviously it's not guaranteed to work but he accomplished a lot in one trade, I won't bore yall with my list but here's the three biggest things:
- Addressed some weaknesses. They needed more shooting/spacing and perimeter defense,. Luka and Kyrie exposed the Wolves in the WCF. They mostly had nothing for those two.. Now they add Donte to Jaden/NAW/Ant to throw at Luka/Kyrie/SGA/Murray. KAT played his best when he played in the corner but he always wanted to play up top. That's Ant's domain.
- Maximized KAT's trade value. You had to move one of the three bigs, you could't pay all three next year. Naz is getting a big raise next year either from Minnesota or someone else. Minnesota will have to let Randle walk but you had to cut your payroll anyway. You still get one year of a hungry Randle. Randle is 100% rejuvenated by this: it's his last and best opportunity to land another big extension. I also don't worry about chemistry/fit with him. Ant is universally loved. Current and former teammates love him. The Olympics proved his peers love him. Randle will love playing with Ant. He knows this is Ant's team whereas he likely struggled with being usurped by Brunson.
- Added depth. Most contenders got deeper. Philly, OKC, Dallas. Boston's biggest strength was their depth and they're running back their championship team.