NBA Offseason Wish List - July 18th, 2017

NBA Offseason Wish List

July 18th, 2017

So far the NBA offseason has been entertaining to say the least with superstar moves, the draft and of course following Lonzo Ball. However, there are some additional moves that would make me feel like a kid on Christmas again and I just wanted to share a few.

Move #1: Finally Getting Melo out of New York

Melo is obviously a generational talent but has made questionable basketball moves during the course of his career. He forced his way out of a solid contending Denver team and signed an extension with New York instead of going to Chicago to contend a few off seasons ago. Now at 33 years of age, Melo has finally decided he wants out of New York but there is just one issue...he is still under contract. Now he has a no trade clause and has made it clear he will only waive it for Cleveland or Houston. Realistically, Cleveland could only trade Love for Melo but that move doesn't really make them better and the Houston deal can only work if someone takes Ryan Anderson's contract (his agent needs a raise). So we are at a stalemate. I think its in Melo's best interest to be open to more teams due to the fact that he cannot bear to play another season with the Knicks. It is clear that he wants to win some games and I think the best teams to make the move with is either the Portland Trail Blazers, Toronto Raptors or Washington Wizards. These teams would not be in the NBA Finals but he could be additions and are all fully capable of winning 50 plus games.

Move #2: Getting Isaiah Thomas Out of Boston

I know what you are thinking...Josh might need a drug test, but let me explain. Isaiah Thomas is entering his contact year and he has publicly let everyone know he's looking for the biggest possible payday. This should put a sense of urgency in Danny Ainge's motives because that is three large contracts on one team. Now of course Thomas get buckets and finished 5th in MVP voting but he is ranked dead last in defensive metrics, he is approaching 30 and he's a generous 5'9. Ainge has to decide if they will go forward with keeping him and if not then see how much they can possibly Personally, I would not give him a max extension so I would trade him. It would be a challenged given their limited cap room after acquiring Gordon Hayward but it can be done. While they are at it they can trade that overrated Al Horford out of there as well. My word of advice would be to offer a trade package with I.T. and Horford and see if you can get three to four solid and affordable rotational players while letting Hayward and the young Tatum flourish.

Move #3: Cleveland Just Do Anything

The way this offseason is going, LeBron James will strongly consider leaving Cleveland. The Warriors got better so that means they need to get better but sadly they have not. Adding Jose Calderon and Jeff Green just is not going to cut it. I know their hands are tied with deals because Love's trade value isn't what they hoped it would be and they have no cap room but when you have Mr. James you have to make something shake to keep him happy. Other than Kevin Love, the Cavs should look into dealing JR Smith and Shump more seriously. If you can combine their talents they would make a solid 2 guard for Bron but they aren't so I would include them with in a package with Love. It is a stretch for any team to take in all three players but if it can be done to get a solid guard and a big that is good in pick & roll and can knock down a jumper, I think it is a win.