Brooklyn Nets, the Darkhorse Team to land AD

The Scenario

If Kyrie signs elsewhere this offseason, Ainge likely drops out of AD trade talks, or at least removes Tatum from offers - which would level the trade field significantly. Knowing that without Kyrie the chances of AD re-signing there are slim, C's likely pivot to building around Tatum.

That would leave the Knicks as seemingly the only real suitor left of teams with good assets willing to trade them for AD. I think this is where AD is eventually traded to. But what if Knicks land the #1 overall and stand firm on not trading Zion for AD? Or, what if their pick falls to #4 or 5? Suddenly their offer becomes pretty mediocre based around Reddish or Culver as the centerpiece.

Pels rightly stand firm on not trading AD to the Lakers, for a myriad of reasons. And the Clippers offer based around SGA and the future Miami pick isnt that great, and the Pels front office will be determined to trade him out of the Western Conference.

Enter the Brooklyn Nets

Nets are finally back in the playoffs with an exciting young core. They could continue on this path with the group they have, but with lots of cap space this summer, plus potentially more with a Crabbe salary dump -- could this be the year Sean Marks and co. go for the big fish star players? With potentially two max slots or one and D-Russel, they could look to make a big push for contention this offseason as a more competent organization option for stars to be in NY.

Basis of Trade:

AD for
LeVert, J. Allen, 2019 BKN pick, future protected pick.


Caris LeVert as future star

LeVert shines vs. Warriors

LeVert was playing at an All-Star level earlier this season and has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his young career. If his injury history clears and Pels could feel comfortable with it not being an issue, then as a 6'7" versatile playmaker, he's the kind of player thats worthy of being the centerpiece of an AD trade. He only has one year left on his rookie contract, so RFA in the summer of '20, which slightly decreases his value if he's due for a huge contract. But he's a win now and for the future player, imagining him taking turns shredding up defenses next to Jrue is tantilizing indeed.

Jarrett Allen is AD without the drama and with a fro

20pts-24rbds-3blks

Jarrett Allen is still very young with lots of potential, provides the rim-protector / lob-threat role with a low usage and low drama.

Brooklyn would likely add in picks like their own 2019 pick possibly Denver's, and possibly future picks. Adding in a player like Dinwiddie could be a thing, but between Jrue, LeVert and Payton who hopefully re-signs, it may be best to let Nets keep Dinwiddie and instead further compensate through cap relief and picks. Joe Harris could also be included, although he has a team option of 8mil.

Pels could either make Nets absorb AD into their capspace, or provide further compensation to take Crabbe' big expiring contract back. Hill and Moore could be added from Pels'side in variations of the deal.

Pels then re-sign Randle and Payton, maybe Miller and Diallo.

Pels draft BPA and target DeAndre Hunter, ready now all-around SF/PF

Allen / Okafor
Randle / Diallo
Keinrich / Hunter / Miller
LeVert / Moore / Frank J.
Jrue / Payton / Bertans