Daily Thunder.com Peace, Love and Thunderstanding: Brand Name Acquisition

Disclaimer: If I know my audience, and I think I do, you are a basketball junkie who craves basketball discussion regardless of whether it is assinine or enlightened…especially during the off-season when basketball isn’t being played. On the other hand, if I’m wrong, there is a chance you may be annoyed following the illogic of theoretical transaction possibilities that have very little possibility of ever coming to fruition. If the latter description fits you, you may want to stop reading. Of course, since you’re visiting a Thunder basketball blog on May 27th (weeks after the team finished playing for the season), I doubt that is the case. So, proceed.

With Oklahoma City having zero chance of winning the NBA draft lottery, I expected the night to have no hope of gaining my interest. Then, the funkiest outcome made it intriguing.

For most of the year, the lottery has been assumed to be “The John Wall Sweepstakes” based on belief that Kentucky’s freshman point guard was far and away the best player available. So, of course, the team that wins the lottery is among the worst possible places for him to wind up.

With the Washington Wizards, who tied for the fourth worst record, hop scotched Golden State, Sacramento, Minnesota, and New Jersey to wind up with the first selection in the draft. Odds are, they will still pick Wall despite the fact that their star player plays the same position and is likely untradeable. That will probably lead to them starting two point guards and seeing the two fight over who runs the offense. Of course, this likelihood will feed discussion about whether the Wiz should trade the pick or choose another player who would allow them to continue playing a more traditional line up.

In the end, all that discussion will wind up as a nil point. Wall will be first overall, he will wear a Wizards jersey, and then the discussion will be about how he will be unable to reach his potential when he has to wrestle with Gilbert Arenas to touch the ball (BASKETball, you sickos). What should wind up being a more interesting debate is what the 76ers, who wound up with the #2 overall pick, will end up doing.

After Wall, Evan Turner is the concensus number two player in the talent pool. He was a nightly threat for a triple-double for the Ohio State Buckeyes while playing three positions. Unfortunately, like Wall’s mismatch for Washington, Turner also duplicates strengths Philadelphia already possesses.

Keep in mind, these are two teams that have lots of weaknesses. Otherwise, they would not have been in position to get such early draft choices. Yet, when their turns arrive, both teams will be in position to bolster the minimal strengths already on the roster. Washington won’t give up the opportunity to take the player with the most star potential since their fans would riot. Philly, though, has more room to maneuver. They could go with the next best player (either of two big men — Derrick Favors or DeMarcus Cousins) or, and this is where the Thunder come into the picture, trade the selection.

Per ESPN’s Chad Ford:

You can expect teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers, in particular, to make a strong push to get a deal done with Philly. As I wrote on Friday, the Sixers have been telling teams that they’ll have to take back the remaining three years, $50 million of Elton Brand’s contract to make it happen. But I wouldn’t be surprised if the Sixers softened their stance by the draft. I don’t see any team willing to take on Brand’s contract at this point.

Let me re-phrase what Ford is saying here: In return for the #2 pick in the NBA Draft (a draft expected to have about five impact players), the 76ers are demanding that their trade partner also take an all star post player. Of course, they may back off that unreasonable demand.

Why is it unreasonable? Brand makes a lot of money, and has been a bad fit in Philly. Considering that the 76ers aren’t about to start competing for championships, the big dollars Brand is taking out of the cap ruin their financial flexibility. On the same token, the interested teams mentioned by Ford would also have similar issues if they took on the two-time all-star.

For the Thunder, however, this is not as much of a hindrance. With the projected cap space the Thunder have, they could absorb Brand’s contract simply by releasing Kyle Weaver. (Note: Since a player currently on the roster would probably be included in any trade, I only bring this up to show that the Thunder have the cap space to make it happen, not to say Weaver would have to be cut.) Meanwhile, Brand could possibly be the well rounded big man the team needs to put them in the upper tier of contenders, and they could pocket a potential future superstar for taking on the financial burden.

Looking past the fiscal conservatism tenant this would break, this seems like the kind of deal Sam Presti is constantly pulling off. The Thunder would getting a lot more than they would be giving up (from a talent perspective) and the biggest cost would be cap space.

Before analyzing the pros and cons, here is what the deal I imagine would look like:

From Philadelphia — Elton Brand and #2 pick in 2010 Draft

From Oklahoma City – #21 and #26 picks in 2010 Draft, (one of) Nenad Krstic/Nick Collison/Jeff Green, and (one of) Byron Mullens/D.J. White

No matter what, the two draft picks would be in the package. From there, the Sixers will want at least one veteran (preferably with a small contract) to bridge the gap immediately, and an upside player. The upside player is pretty easy. My guess is that Philadelphia would prefer Mullens since they are already developing Maurice Speights to be their power forward of the future. Which veteran would be included is trickier.

Presti would most likely prefer to shed Collison or Krstic whose salaries are currently larger and whose minutes would disappear with the addition of Brand and a draft pick that could turn into Derrick Favors or DeMarcus Cousins. The 76ers, on the other hand, would want Jeff Green who is more talented and has upside, himself. Considering the haul the Thunder would be getting, that seems like a steep, but reasonable price.

In the end, though, I don’t think Presti would have to give up Green to make the deal happen unless that’s what he wanted. Why would he want to give up Green? Well, bringing in Brand’s mammoth contract would basically be adding a max contract to the books for the next three years. For two of those years, Kevin Durant should be earning a max deal, and in that third year, Russell Westbrook will stand to make that or something close. That would put the team in luxury tax territory for the 2012/13 season, particularly if Jeff Green signs an extension with a big raise. Except, with potentially two new true post players in the mix, Green would not be earning the minutes to justify a big raise (playing primarily as a back up to K.D. and the four in small ball situations–a sixth man role).

Anyway, the pros and cons to such a deal would include:

PROS

Aubrey McClendon would be pleased

McClendon, a co-owner, and honestly the guy who finances most of the team, is a Duke graduate who loves being a Duke alum. I’d bet all my Chesapeake stock that he would be in favor of adding a Blue Devil legend…which would temper the financial risk.

Aquiring (at least one) big man capable of dominance

Elton Brand got the contract that is now too rich for the 76ers because he was considered one of the league’s elite big men. His numbers have been down in Philadelphia, but with the Clippers, he was a double-double machine. He would immediately become the Thunder’s best rebounder, low post scoring threat, and second best scorer on the team. Because of his skill set and ability to operate around the basket, defenses would either have to let him score at will, or double team. Double teaming him would mean that Kevin Durant would be single covered, or better yet open, giving Oklahoma City so many more easy baskets.

Brand’s mental make-up fits team culture

For his career, Brand has been a player who seeks little attention. He is a basketball player first and foremost.

Brand has the girth to match up against beefier interior players

The DeJuan Blairs and Brendan Heywoods of the world would not feast on the boards when having to deal with a load like Elton Brand.

Brand has been successful in more up-tempo offenses

One reason Brand chose to sign with the 76ers rather than re-up with the Clippers is that he thought he would be more successful playing in the slower paced Eastern Conference. That has not been the case. His game flourishes more when his team doesn’t grind it out, which is a good sign that he can keep up with Westbrook, et al.

Serge and Brand would be a lethal tandem

Between Serge Ibaka’s explosive athleticism and Brand’s powerful skill set, putting the two in the same starting line up would be an incredible “thunder (no pun intended) and lightning” type of pairing.

In the, God forbid, tragic circumstance that Durant were to be injured and miss a significant stretch of games, Brand can take over as the focus of the offense.

Again, God forbid. Seriously, if I were Catholic, I’d be lighting candles for K.D. just for thinking about this possibility.

Option to flip the #2 pick

WHAT TO DO WITH THE # 2

Keep it: Holding on to the pick would probably mean taking Derrick Favors. I know Sam Presti is supposedly interested in DeMarcus Cousins, and he was definitely the better college player. However, I can’t imagine his surly attitude meshing in Thunder culture, or Presti trying to make it happen.

Trade it: There are several teams with top-10 picks that would like the opportunity to take Evan Turner.

Minnesota (#4) — The Wolves have three picks in this year’s first round. If they were willing to give up the #16 to move up two spots, the Thunder could take whichever of Cousins or Favors is still on the board, and grab a shooter, like Luke Babbitt to back up at small forward with that selection. Of course, Minny could hope that Turner somehow slides to them at 4 and stand pat.
Detroit (#7) — I’m not sure what Detroit would offer (future #1?), and the Thunder would be placing themselves at #7 in a draft with five impact players. They could still take a good big man that could develop behind Brand, such as Greg Monroe.
Indiana (#10) – Again, probably taking a future first to swap, but if Presti is really enamored with Daniel Orton, he would still be available here.

Evan Turner isn’t a great fit in Oklahoma City, either. If Presti weren’t enamored with Derrick Favors (the top rated big man), he could trade down with another team with a top-10 pick and receive the lesser offers the Sixers turned down due to the inability of taking on Brand’s contract.

Time to develop whoever is drafted

This draft is loaded with high potential interior players, so whether they kept the second pick or traded down, the team could come away with an excellent big guy. Unlike the other teams who would pick in the lottery, the Thunder would not be in a hurry to get the guy playing big minutes. By the time Brand’s contract expires, this player will have had three seasons to learn without being tossed into the fire.

Frontcourt depth is suddenly a team strength

Considering the frontcourt is the biggest complaint I hear from fans, this has to be an exciting thing to consider.

Puts team slightly over the salary cap

You’re reading this and thinking, “Didn’t you mean to put that on the con list, Clark?” I did not. By being over the cap before free agency begins, the Thunder have some options they would not have had if they had, for instance, spent all their cap space on one of the max-type players. Starting free agency over the cap allows them the option of offering a mid-level exception or bi-annual exception, potentially, to a shooter. If they started out free agency under the cap, they would only have the option of spending whatever money was available underneath the cap, and once that was used, only minimum contracts.

Cons

Brand makes a crap ton of money

Last season, Etan Thomas’ $7.35 million expiring deal made him the highest paid Thunder player. Brand will make double that next season, and has two more years after that.

Questionable durability

Brand missed almost the entire 07/08 season with a torn achilles. His first season in Philadelphia was ended very early by shoulder surgery.

Monkeying with team chemistry

The Thunder were blessed last season by a team of players who genuinely liked each other. Any changes challenge the continuance of that great chemistry…especially if Jeff Green (a team captain) has to be involved in the deal.

Market

I don’t know if market size matters to Elton Brand. No information has come to me regarding the former Duke star living large in glitzy places. However, in his pro career he has played in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia. While Philadelphia is the only place he chose with his own free will, he has become accustomed to living in huge cities.

Touches

Another treat to team chemisty is the “disease of more.” Once success has been achieved, players begin to demand more minutes, more shots, more whatever. Kevin Durant won a scoring title last season and Russell Westbrook blossomed into a star. Suppose they fall into the “more” trap and the team brings in another guy who is going to command touches. There is only one ball.

Maybe Brand’s fit with Philly wasn’t the problem

As I mentioned before, Brand has had injury problems. He’s also surpassed thirty years old. If those are the reasons for his decline in production, he could be shades of Jermaine O’Neal. Being in luxury tax territory for paying max money to a washed up player would really sting.

Stretching the defense

One of the big trends in basketball right now is having a power forward who can score from the perimeter. Supposing Jeff Green is included in the deal, the Thunder are shedding their “stretch 4″ and limiting themselves to the more antiquated style of offense. This could cause problems against teams that go small.

Loss of roster flexibility

Committing to Brand means committing to Brand. The Thunder are in a unique situation to be capable of acquiring him. If he comes in and does not fit as hoped, it would be close to impossible to deal him again. Plus, there’s the whole question of what the next Collective Bargaining Agreement will mean for team finances. Adding a max contract now may be really problematic long term.

No longer a player in the 2010 Free Agent bonanza

Personally, I think this is actually a pro because the odds of landing a big name were small, and the small names are going to get overpaid because of all the competition for their services. Also, Chris Bosh has already eliminated OKC from consideration (I’ll refrain from doing a “told you so” soapbox here.)

Shooting still a deficiency

This could be addressed by flipping the #2 pick or taking advantage of the mid-level exception, however, those options carry risks. Using the mid-level reduces future financial flexibility even more and trading down for a shooter means taking a lesser player than what could be had at the top of the draft.

No back up at small forward

Again, assuming Green would be traded, there is no player on the roster that is a true small forward. Sefolosha could shift down some and the position could be addressed in the same way as the above bullet point.

Byron Mullens could blow up and make us look foolish

Just kidding.

_______________________

So those are the pros and cons I see. How one weighs the issues affects whether that person thinks I’m crazy for even bringing it up, or whether they are about to leave a comment begging for this to happen. I lean toward the pro category because I think acquiring Brand would give the team instant contender status. The draft pick(s) would maintain the Thunder’s contention for years to come. This might be the time to take a big plunge.

Look at this depth chart and tell me if you disagree:

203 comments

Newest | Oldest

GoHornsGo90

@Bryan
I agree completely that Monroe is more skilled in all aspects of the game (with the ball in his hands) except for back-to-the-basket moves. Cousins destroys everybody there. I've seen Cousins when he was in substantially better shape and he was extremely explosive. I don't know if he will ever return to that level again, just saying he has a better natural athleticism than Monroe if he were to skim down. But yes I understand your point, and his passing ability is just so beautiful as well.

As to whether I'd want Monroe as my center on an already small frontcourt, I have to say that would work out absolutely terribly.

Bryan

@GoHornsGo90
How can you say Cousins is a superior athlete? I understand where your coming from in every aspect. But Monroe has better lift, and he moves better. My only concern from Monroe is his killer instinct. But the Thunder don't need him to go out there and get 30 and 12 a night. That'd be great but they've got Durant for that.

Allow me to rephrase my statement. I'm sure that Monroe has far superior SKILLS than Cousins. And those SKILLS will enable him to potentially have a very good career. And a big with those skills doesn't come along very often. Sure, Cousins is bigger and can bully players better than Monroe can. But Monroe has the ability to take a big off the bounce, shoot the ball, he can post, and he can pass AND I love his passing ability.

Monroe is not a better athlete than Cousins. He is in better shape, but Cousins is the superior athlete. There IS a difference between passion and complaining, and you did a wonderful job explaining it. Unfortunately that has zero to do with Monroe's perceived problem of not PLAYING HARD. That is completely different from BOTH of the other things you listed.

How can you say Monroe is CERTAIN to be a good player? It's almost impossible to find guaranteed good players. Let me list a few: LeBron, Carmelo, Rose, KD. Even guys as incredible as Dwayne Wade had tons of questions about them. Look at Darko. Better measurables and at least comparable skills to Monroe, other than passing. He's a bust. It's hard man. Especially when you have an incredibly low level of primacy (ability to put your hands on a game) like Monroe does.

@Keith
There's a difference between Passion and complaining about calls. But by your standards if your going to draft someone on "passion" then take Cousins. If your going to draft someone on SKILL take Monroe. That passion argument is overrated anyways. Monroe has passion for the game, he damn near returned back to college for his Junior year so he could WIN a championship. That's passion for WINNING. Monroe definitely moves better than Cousins and jumps better. I'm not saying Monroe is a great athlete or anything because he's not. BUT he's a much better athlete that Cousins is. Cousins barely jumps over a penny on the ground. Cousins is the ultimate risk and reward player whereas Monroe is certain to be a good player because of his skill set. If we can get in the 7, 8, or 9 range we'd be in position to get him. To me that's better value than top 4 for Cousins.

@Paul
Oh no. I agree taking Monroe at 2 or 4 is over drafting and if this trade where we get the #2 pick were to happen, we should trade down to get a Monroe. I just feel that Brand is injury prone, and old. He'd slow us down a bit too much.

@Davy
The Thunder should be able to do the trade and keep Green, which would most definitely alleviate that "hole" :)

Davy

What an exciting idea! A starting line up of Russ, Beard, KD, Brand, Cousins. With Ibaka, Sephalosha, Maynor, Nenad, Collison, Rotating in and White, Weaver in reserve.

It does leave a hole at the backup 3 spot... (Harden and Seph. share?)

Erdee

@hoopla
Pleiss is in this year?

Favors is not a center. He is not close. He's too short and that doesn't help when you have a lean build. Brand would not play center. Not sure if anybody ever actually said that on the thread, but somebody was "worried" about it. He would play PF and Cousins would play center. Thus the point of the trade. I have to wonder how many people that want Favors have, like, actually seen him play. It's not all that impressive. He certainly can't control a game like Cousins can.

And what's this about not stopping guys like Boozer, West, and Landry (LOL, seriously?). LA crushed Boozer and West is good because of Paul. 23 is plenty old enough to play defense. Green is just exceptionally bad at it.

@birger
For one we drafted high for that position last year, and while Harden might not have been as dominant as some would have hoped he did show a lot of promise (might had shown us more if he had been given the opportunity to play more, like RW got to play through his mistakes in his rookie year, but alas winning got in the way of that :P) & is a better fit with the players we have on the team right now (Harden plays off the ball, Turner is in essence a point forward, hogging the ball). And even the biggest Harden hater would probably agree that while our backcourt might not be 100% filled but other then Ibaka we have no prospects for the front. Trade for the second pick and draft Turner and we'd be practically barren for two years up front (with no hope of attracting FA's, since we'd be at or over the salary limit already).

ThunderHorn

My biggest problem with Green is his lack of(or very inconsistent) offense/rebounding. If he were more consistent, and by that I mean putting up at least 18 points and 9 rebounds the other guys "getting theirs" wouldn't matter, at least not as much.

@Anonymous

Landry in the same sentence as Gasol, Boozer, Amare, or West is a joke.

hoopla

thunder will draft dexter pittman and tibor pleiss with their picka and call it a day

birger

why not take evan turner?

Sam Raphael Chadwick

I dont want Jeff Green to go :( lol but Yeah adding Brand would definatly put the Thunder up in the top tier of NBA basketball teams.

Bosley

Seriously, one of the best posts in dailythunder history.

@poning
Neither is Dalembert. Especially for Green, straight up, no extras involved. That'd be crazy. Guy is 29 and plays 25 minutes a game, and not all that well.

poning

@Keith
I do not really watch Favor or Cousins a lot, so I can't say they will be true 5 or not. I think #2 could have more worth, but our package is not enough worth for 76ers. Maybe we should consider the other way to reinforce our post defense. Since there are faw true center being FA, we could try to get someone by trade. I heard 76ers did not satisfy him before, and there were some rumor about him in Feb. Since above, it's worth a try to trade Collison/Green to get a center like Dalembert. But I must say again, Brand is not our answer.

@Paul
If I have to chose bewteen the watered down Shaq of today and Howard I'd go with the young guy, of course. But remember; even today Shaq creates problems for Howard. Shaq in his prime, early on in his career... Beast.

@Keith
Actually, in the most recent interview I could find (draft combine) he says he could play both. So scrap that, seems like his agent/coaches got through to him. :p

Cousins is not going to be Shaq.

Paul

Not saying either would be bad, but which would you prefer on the Thunder Shaq or Dwight?

Ask and ye...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-yCp9I85aE

Keith

@Erdee
Did he really say that? I know guys these days don't like being labeled a center, thinking it evokes images of a lumbering big man with no skill, but get over it. If he is thinking position label is important to where he plays (unlike Duncan who plays center despite calling himself a PF), then we don't have a lot of use for him. A Dwight-esque guy who doesn't want to/can't play the 5? We've already got Ibaka.

I really like Cousins too, for all those reason you said.

@Paul
Oh I read that too. Granted, Cousins beat him in all the measurements, and neither will be playing high school level bball anymore. If Favors really is the next Howard, then more power to drafting him. But, Cousins could just as well be the next Shaq.

Dwight has historically gotten beat by Yao in head to head meetings, but not many would argue that Dwight (even discounting injuries) is the better player to have.

Still, I wonder if there is tape of that high school game. I'd love to see those guys play each other... I don't want to wait for next season, regardless of what teams they are on.

@Keith
You answered your own question, didn't leave much for me to add... Except maybe that the (exaggerated) head case argument doesn't make much sense. All year these people want a legit center, a defender & rebounder, preferably one that is not 'soft'. Cousins screams mean center to me, a guy that whoever you play against will love to hate... that only makes him stronger. High school, college, he never really disappointed on the court stat wise. Why would that start now?

Also, its not like I wouldn't get behind a Favors pick, if he'd commit to going the Howard route. Right now he says he is a power forward that can play minutes at the 5. Fine. We have a couple of those on the roster already. Do we need another?

@poning
Having a "true" center with a post game and rebounding prowess would be worth more than Green and Collison combined. Cousins and Favors could be that guy, which is exactly why the trade is being considered.

@Keith
A little something I just found on Favors as a legit center, not saying it'll change your mind but I like it. :)

Georgia Tech's Derrick Favors also got a boost from the measurements. He's a legit 6-foot-10, has a 7-2 wingspan and a 9-2 standing reach. Those numbers are actually very close to Dwight Howard and better than the Atlanta Hawks' Al Horford. If Favors projects as a center in the NBA, he too could get some strong consideration with the No. 2 pick.

"Favors doesn't have the offensive game that DeMarcus Cousins has," another GM told me. "But he's a better athlete, a better defender and when the two of them met head-to-head in high school, Favors kicked Cousins' butt. Had he got going earlier at Georgia Tech, he could've been, probably should've been, the No. 1 pick."

@poning
Green didn't help us at all against LA, and Collison had the same problem as everyone else (not being tall/long enough). This team may not need more talent, but it needs a better distribution of talent. Green is talented, but he replicates what KD does to a lesser degree, and doesn't improve areas of need. Krstic is a fine lane-clearing center for teams with another dominant post or constant drives, but we don't really have/do either. If we could turn Green into a post player of equal talent, that would be tremendous.

Brand is more throw-in than solution in a trade up situation. He would be as good a backup as Nick was, in all likelihood, but not a starter. I agree his presence wouldn't, alone, give us the strength to beat LA. But, with his huge reach and high experience, it wouldn't hurt to have him muscling around the lane for 15+ minutes per night.

@Paul
To be fair, comparing KD at SF to Favors likely at C is a huge difference. KD gets eaten up at PF for the exact reason that people thought he might not make it at SF. He can get away with being a stick figure because he's not often asked to block out guys who have 40 lbs on him or muscle his way into the paint on offensive possessions. Favors wouldn't have that luxury, and his lack of weight/strength would be more of an issue.

But I think that's a solid rule. It goes hand in hand with any desire to move up for a player. While any of the top big men could help pretty quickly, the one who is best at the end is most important. My thoughts are simply that Favors is compared physically to Bosh/Amare, but I'm not sure he demonstrated the skills of either of those guys. Bosh had a pretty solid offensive repertoire, as did Amare. Offense isn't everything, but the footwork and touch can often never develop in the NBA (I don't know why either).

If we do trade up, and take Favors over Cousins, I'd be behind it. But I like Cousins better.

I don't like this trade. Acturlly, we don't need more talent. Brand is too expensive, and too short. I don't think we could defeat LA, Dallas if we get brand but loss Nick/Green. Maybe we could pick a big guy with #2, but potential still need time to develop, and we couldn't sure whether he could be our answer of 4/5. IMO, we should try to get Dalembert. He is a true 5, can get board, can block, can defense, and just 29. His contract is shorter than Brand, and he really could help our defense. We also need keep the salary room to re-sign KD, Green, Russ, Harden, and Ibaka. I think we shouldn't be too hurry to change our staff.

@Keith
Everyone said things about KD needing to add weight, and things like that... I'm not sure many Thunder fans complain about it. Favors has the length to play, he has the potential to play, he has the right attitude from everything I've heard, so he's the best of both worlds of Monroe and Cousins plus some freakish athleticism and has actually drawn favorable comparisons to a young Chris Bosh who tons of Thunder fans would love to see don a Thunder uniform. So yes Cousins might be the better player THIS year, but that doesn't necessarily make him the better player every year after that. Every player should be held to what I like to call the 3 year rule. Your first year in the league you are gaining experience and learning the ropes learning the grind (Think Harden). Your next year you've had a whole summer to learn the system and get in shape and start filling your expected role (Think Westbrook). So your 3rd year you start to run out of excuses for not performing when given opportunities to shine (Think Tyrus Thomas). So as much as I'd love to see Cousins, Favors, or Monroe I want the one who after 3 years is the one that is the best for our team.

@Paul
Favors is a darn interesting kid. He's a year younger than everybody else, he's long enough to play center, and there is a mountain of untapped potential. My big issue is one I've mentioned before. I'd rather take a player who has already exhibited skill over one that has primarily exhibited potential. Favors has as much potential as anyone, but Cousins already has more skill (plus he's already got a center's frame, Favors would need to add a good deal of weight/strength).

@Erdee
Go for it.

@Paul
As much as perceived value does have great impact on the trade in the short term, everything will always be judged in hindsight. It's because of this that we aren't Sam Presti. We don't have access nor probably the years of experience to make the kind of judgments we all are throwing around lately.

I would take on Brand and even trade out Green in order to get Cousins. My reasoning is that I think Cousins would excel in a strong team-first atmosphere (or at least develop better), and that he could be the next Shaq or at least Andrew Bynum sans injuries. And I think having a player like that would make the Thunder better, long term, than anything else.

However, I do understand where you are coming from as well. If Cousins doesn't pan out, or even if he ends up not being the best big man in the draft, all those things we trade (players, cap space) make us look bad. This is why, as much as I push ideas, I am glad it is all on Presti. If he thinks Cousins is worth it, then I trust him. If he doesn't, I trust him too. But, as with every trade or non-trade, we won't know who won until years later.

@Keith
Can I answer that? :P

@Keith
I say you taken secret option 3 Derrick Favors

@Bryan
What is then? The only player on the market who can legitimately play center is Bosh, and a lot of people won't even agree with me on that. Jefferson isn't a center, Love isn't a center, Lee isn't a center. Positionally, Cousins automatically wins (exaggeration, but not far from the truth).

Monroe isn't really a center either, his standing reach is low, and he's not much of an athlete either. He's not more mobile, not taller, not longer, and doesn't rebound as well. Also, the biggest concern about Monroe? Lack of passion for the game. If you have a choice between a guy who is overly passionate about everything (Cousins) or a guy who isn't passionate about the one thing you wish from him (Monroe), who do you take?

@Paul
Yes. It is a combination of both. And then theres people intentionally spreading misinformation (think Presti with the lawyer talk about Rubio last year), these are all factors. I'm not saying you should dismiss stuff like this outright. Just take it with a grain of salt.

@Bryan
The trade isn't necessarily about the people, Okay to some extent it is. But the idea here or at least the way I'm led to interpret the article is the VALUE of the deal not the people. With that said there is more perceived value in Cousins than in Monroe or another overly hyped word is POTENTIAL value. With the number 2 pick as discussed OKC could still trade down a few spots and gain more assets back AND still draft Monroe. But taking Monroe at the 2 or the 4 isn't great value. Personally I would love to see Monroe in a Thunder uniform especially over most of the mock drafts location of Utah. Seeing him and Deron run pick and rolls would be a beautiful but sad site to watch for the next few years.

I don't like it. Elton Brand didn't play well with the 76ers. He's 6'8! Why would he be our Center?!?! That's just dumb. Jeff Green's importance to this team is so unheralded! If we are going to trade him it should NOT be for Elton Brand.... Serge is NOT ready to become a full time starter yet. Who do you want that badly at pick #2? I'd rather have Greg Monroe over Demarcus Cousins. Monroe attitude is right. He's a better athlete, he's taller, he's more mobile, he's a better shooter, passer, handler, rebounds as well. Monroe is a rare talent who doesn't get the praise he deserves. Not to mention Cousins is in constant foul trouble. Regardless this is NOT the trade we need for the future.

@Erdee
Could the reason that most of these little rumors don't come true possibly because it is a multi-million dollar industry??? I mean as common fans most of us only dream about the kind of money these players are making, so a deal like the one discussed with Brand's contract of 51 million dollars probably isn't completely in the same understanding to those of us who aren't paying the bill or whose jobs are on the line for signing someone to a contract like that. If it was a simple job than it would seem all the bloggers and everyone here would have jobs, but since there are only 30 teams and only so many GMs and GM staff members I guess some of us are just out of luck and only get to dream about what things we wish we could do like making our fantasy basketball teams come together in real life.

@Paul
Yes, I do think they pop out of some deep dark hole. Some are true of course, but in slow times like these a majority of rumors are utter bollocks. Only a minority of those unconfirmed reports ever comes to fruition, so as a writer you never ever get called out on your little mind farts. Especially these days with the competition from a large horde of unpaid bloggers the pressure on sportswriters to write something sexy, something with legs, is tremendous. At best a lot of them write half truths...

Oh I thought that was fairly common knowledge?
;)

@Erdee
You do realize teams aren't really allowed to name names before draft night or FA right??? Why do you think so many owners are getting fined by even mentioning Lebron James? With the draft there can be "unconfirmed reports" or "team sources" as a fancy way of keeping them from talking about certain things they'd get in trouble for. So No names doesn't = bs rumor. Sometimes it does. But do you honestly think that no one in the NBA has had these very same discussions?? You think we as fans or our beloved writers just magically popped them out of nowhere?

@GoHornsGo90
All the stuff that has been published about this rumor has been from "unnamed sources within the organization" (aka, often times, reporters making stuff up). In any draft with a clear number one pick rumors like these get started about the second or third and spread like a wildfire, with other reporters and nowadays blogs and such carrying the torch, quoting each other as sources. No names = bs rumor.

It doesn't help that this one actually makes a lot of sense, gives it a sense of truthiness that keeps us talking about it.

@Erdee
I meant I thought it was not a rumor, that it had been actually said. That is not "argumentum ad populum," but thanks for the logic lesson. His post was dumb, it's a freaking message board.

@GoHornsGo90
Argumentum ad populum, man... Calling out some one else's post, basically calling him a moron, while basing your own basic argument on what you know to be a rumor isn't... a very sound strategy. ;)

For more 'Zipperhead fun!'... Full Metal Jacket.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kygVnZjOUw4

Warren

Okay, so i got a couple more.

a 3rd sg a 5th pf or another project center.

So if you look at it like that it puts a back-up sf just behind a low post big man. :)

Mark! :

Warren :Coach, GM spot, ownership group. A 4th pg. you need some more?

Actually, I’d like some more.

Hahaha, I dont have any more. I was just hoping nobody would call my bluff. Thanks a lot Mark!

I was just reading about it, and it mentioned the movie Full Metal Jacket.

Back to Green. I say he will be an overpaid backup if we keep him. Okay Justin, so I agree with your opinion on this one.

Mark!

Actually, I'd like some more.

Or watch Gran Torino.

GoHornsGo90 :It’s a derogatory name for a person of Asian decent.
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=zipperhead

Well that sucks, one of my kids is part Asian. I guess I should google before I use a new to me term again.

Trackbacks

British Airways Strike May Damage Brand, Study Shows (Update2) | International Airport News says:

May 27, 2010 at 3:20 pm

[...] Peace, Love and Thunderstanding: Brand Name Acquisition | Daily … [...]
Yakima SwingDaddy Hitch Bike Rack Review-Demo Video 8002422 says:

May 27, 2010 at 4:36 pm

[...] Peace, Love and Thunderstanding: Brand Name Acquisition | Daily … [...]
Fordon: Traxxas E-maxx wheelies and bashing! says:

May 27, 2010 at 5:56 pm

[...] Peace, Love and Thunderstanding: Brand Name Acquisition | Daily … [...]
Chicken Coop – We just finished the coop and bought 10 hens! | Backyard Chicken Coop Plans says:

May 27, 2010 at 7:25 pm

[...] Peace, L&#959&#957&#1077 &#1072n&#1281 Thunderstanding: Brand Name Acquisition | Daily … [...]
Building a chicken coop – DIY tutorial | Backyard Chicken Coop Plans says:

May 27, 2010 at 7:27 pm

[...] Peace, L&#959&#957&#1077 &#1072n&#1281 Thunderstanding: Brand Name Acquisition | Daily … [...]
Twilight: Ultimate New Moon Extended Movie Trailer 1+3 HD | Three Wolf Moon T Shirt says:

May 27, 2010 at 8:15 pm

[...] Peace, Love and Thunderstanding: Brand Name Acquisition | Daily Thunder.com [...]
bad effects of smoking » The Smoking Gun Presents – Australian Pot Fest – from truTV. says:

May 28, 2010 at 3:31 am

[...] Peace, Love and Thunderstanding: Brand Name Acquisition | Daily … [...]
Rammstein – Engel (live in Belgrade, Serbia / March 20, 2010) | Skiing, Snowboarding, Snowmobiling Info says:

May 28, 2010 at 3:32 am

[...] Peace, Love and Thunderstanding: Brand Name Acquisition | Daily … [...]
May 10 Massive Election Fraud Whistleblower Part 4 of 4 says:

May 28, 2010 at 8:29 am

[...] Peace, Love and Thunderstanding: Brand Name Acquisition | Daily … [...]
Smartmatic explains ARMM polls “adjustments” says:

May 28, 2010 at 8:30 am

[...] Peace, Love and Thunderstanding: Brand Name Acquisition | Daily … [...]
May 10 Massive Election Fraud Whistleblower Part 3 of 4 says:

May 28, 2010 at 8:31 am

[...] Peace, Love and Thunderstanding: Brand Name Acquisition | Daily … [...]
Payday Loan For People Who Have Bad Credit Bad Credit Loans, Home Loans,Personal Loans,Refinancing Auto Loans, Car Loans, And All Kind Of Loans Visit Us NOw Guaranteed Approval In Minutes | Bad Credit Used Car says:

May 28, 2010 at 8:52 am

[...] Peace, Love and Thunderstanding: Brand Name Acquisition | Daily … [...]
atomicRack – Bicycle rack for garage says:

May 28, 2010 at 12:03 pm

[...] Peace, Love and Thunderstanding: Brand Name Acquisition | Daily Thunder.com [...]
Girl Gets “Flu” Shot & Now Can Only Walk Backwards! | free savings account says:

May 28, 2010 at 12:56 pm

[...] Peace, Love and Thunderstanding: Brand Name Acquisition | Daily … [...]
i have an antique floor lamp? | Antique Floor Lamp.net says:

May 28, 2010 at 2:09 pm

[...] Peace, Love and Thunderstanding: Brand Name Acquisition | Daily Thunder.com [...]
CAR LOAN FOR BAD CREDIT NO CREDIT AUTO FINANCING CAR LOAN RATES AND CALCULATOR AND ALL TYPES OF LOANS FAST APPROVAL GUARANTEED VISIT NOW AND APPLY ONLINE | Bank Auto Loans says:

May 28, 2010 at 2:21 pm

[...] Peace, Love and Thunderstanding: Brand Name Acquisition | Daily … [...]
BESTSELLING FOOTBALL FAN GEAR says:

May 28, 2010 at 2:36 pm

[...] Peace, Love and Thunderstanding: Brand Name Acquisition | Daily … [...]
Auto Insurance | free savings account says:

May 28, 2010 at 3:06 pm

[...] Peace, Love and Thunderstanding: Brand Name Acquisition | Daily … [...]
QTV: 88.58% tally results of PPCRV 05-12-2010 says:

May 28, 2010 at 3:40 pm

[...] Peace, Love and Thunderstanding: Brand Name Acquisition | Daily … [...]
Otis hydraulic elevator @ Roanoke Memorial Hospital Parking Deck Roanoke VA | interest bearing account says:

May 28, 2010 at 9:51 pm

[...] Peace, Love and Thunderstanding: Brand Name Acquisition | Daily … [...]
Why Is Healthcare So Expensive? | free bank account says:

May 30, 2010 at 10:13 pm

[...] Peace, Love and Thunderstanding: Brand Name Acquisition | Daily … [...]

Peace, Love and Thunderstanding: Brand Name Acquisition

Trackbacks

Headlines