re: Could Melo be heading to Portland?

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You wouldn't trade Asik straight up for Leonard?

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No and for many reasons. First, the Pels are probably going to be in the exact same situation next year as they are this year bumping up against the tax and needing to cut salary because Cousins is going to be getting a $12 million raise. This team needs to dump $10-$15 million before next summer just to have a similar roster. If Cousins resigns it's because things went well and there are few players you could trade for or draft with that 1st that would be as helpful as having the money available to keep guys like Rondo and Clark.

Second, most people think Ajinca at $5 is an overpay and you want us to commit to paying Leonard $10 for one more year than Asik?! Look at their Career Per 36 and WS per 48 numbers. Ajinca and Leonard are pretty much the same tier of player. LINK

Finally, AD/DC should take up at least 68 of the 96 Big minutes per game. That leaves 28 big minutes to fill. At least 15 of those are going to a small ball PF like Dante or Miller/Hill. So there are 13 minutes left and you have Diallo and Ajinca available. Replacing Asik with Meyers Leonard is not going to significantly change the amount of productivity we get out of Asik's dead salary slot.

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If it means we save 6M next season

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That savings comes mostly from moving Ajinca. I bet you can dump him for a 2nd and cash next summer when he's expiring like they just did with QPon. The way I see it you're just extending the Asik mistake, not even putting a bandaid on it.