re: Does everyone think bi will get traded

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In Griff's defense, he never tells the whole truth, and one of the strengths he does have is he will cut his losses and change direction. He's done that multiple times here. I still think the odds are low simply because the trade options for BI really aren't great, but I also believe the board consensus is wrong to think there is zero chance it happens.

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I think it is clear even to Griff that (1) Zion has the highest ceiling on the team, (2) our big 3 do not elevate each other's games; and (3) Trey should be in the starting lineup along with Herb.

Zion-CJ-Ingram-Herb lineups are a -4.2 in 627 minutes
Zion-CJ-Trey-Herb lineups are +6.8 in 358 minutes
Trey-CJ-Ingram-Herb lineups are +15 in 224 minutes
Zion-Trey-Ingram-Herb lineups are +4.7 in 90 minutes

CJ-Zion-Ingram minutes are -3.2
CJ-Zion minutes are +0.9
CJ-Ingram minutes are +1.8
Zion-Ingram minutes are +2

Griff has a habit of erring on the side of continuity, but I think he has seen enough from Zion on the maturity/commitment front this season to feel comfortable really building around him.

We are at $152M with 11 players for next year when the luxury tax starts at $171M. Outside of a slim chance at a trade for someone with a low salary like Jonathan Isaac, there is not a meanginful opportunity to really upgrade the roster without moving off CJ or Ingram's salary. We also have to pay Trey by next offseason at the latest, while at the same time Ingram is going to want $50M/yr.

If we weren't about to be in cap hell, I could see Griff running it back, but I think he has to make a move this offseason.