It is f*cking insane just how much that trade has set this franchise back. They effectively gave up all our roleplayers to make that trade happen. Today their perimeter defense is garbage and they have almost no option to upgrade it without taking a significant hit to our depth.
Out:
- KCP. One of the best 3+D players in the league. He was their 2nd best perimeter defender. Current value: More than 1 draft pick.
- Kuzma. Swiss army knife that could do a little of everything. He was their 3rd best perimeter defender. Current value: 1 draft pick.
- Harrell. Serviceable big man at the time. Used as salary filler. Current value: out of league
- 22nd overall pick. Could have been a rotational player by now or used to trade for one.
Collateral damage:
- Caruso: Their best perimeter defender. You can blame Jeanie for being cheap but the fact is they would have never had to choose between him and THT if Westshit’s salary wasn’t $7 mil higher than our outgoing players. Current value: More than 1 draft pick.
- Schroder: They let him walk for nothing after trading Danny Green (one of the best 3+D players in the league) and a 1st round pick just 9 months prior. Current value: Neutral to positive. He is still one of the better guards off the bench and is better than Westbrook today.
In: One steaming pile of Westbrook. Current value: nothing
This franchise has just been giving out draft picks and roleplayers since 2020. Pelinka has no idea how to manage assets and grow a team organically. They gave up 4 good roleplayers that were all plus defenders, a 6MOTY candidate and a draft pick to fit in Westbrook. That’s a whole lineup! Rob is clueless. He is effectively just a player’s GM at this point.