More thoughts on Raptors trading JV to Cavaliers

Some further thoughts on the JV for Tristan Thompson deal I pitched recently, in general reply to Commenters.

A few days ago, I posted a Trade Proposal in which the Toronto Raptors trade Jonas Valanciunas to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Tristan Thompson and the Brooklyn Nets #1 draft pick now in the Cavs’ possession. While the idea is admittedly “out there”, I’ve been disappointed in the quality (or lack thereof) of some of the comments I’ve received. For the first time since I’ve been doing this gig, I’m publishing an entire response to comments.

The nub of the negativity seems to revolve around the idea that Thompson and the pick are an overpay for JV. In particular, it appears received wisdom that the pick is immensely valuable.

My critics need to have a peek at the Brooklyn Nets. Somehow GM Sean Marks has managed to piece together an interesting roster, and coach Kenny Atkinson is making it work. While at 15-23 they are still a longshot to make the playoffs, if they stay healthy they have a chance. If they do, the pick will be outside the lottery, most likely in the mid- to late-teens. That’s a considerable distance down from the single-digit range so many assume it’s sure to end up.

Overpays sometimes work out

As for the “that deal will never happen” crowd: there have been lots of transactions in just in the past few years which many of us would have considered as impossible – until they took place. Some of the most scorned transactions have turned out well. Count me as one of those who thought the Indiana Pacers had taken leave of their senses when all they got for Paul George was Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis. Victor has proven everyone wrong; all he needed was to escape Russell Westbrook’s giant shadow. Meanwhile, OKC is rounding into shape, and George has been superb.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 24: OG Anunoby & Victor Oladipo /

Jimmy Butler was donated to the Minnesota Timberwolves, or so many Chicago Bulls fans screamed when he was traded. “Our payback for Butler is Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine and some skinny Finnish forward?” The unknown Finn is now the dandy rookie Lauri Markkannen, Dunn has been a revelation, and LaVine is due back soon from injury. There’s more cheering than screaming now. On the flip, ‘Wolves fans must be happy with how well Butler has fit in.

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And that’s what trades are all about – both parties need to win, and to do that, someone has to start a conversation. Here’s Masai Ujiri calling his Cavaliers counterpart Koby Altman and his opening words are “Tristan Thompson’s contract is regarded as one of the worst in the league, and I’m willing to take it off your hands.” Don’t you think Altman might want to explore the matter a little further, even if his first reaction to Ujiri’s proposal is similar to those commenters who think the Proposal is an overpay? Here’s Altman’s counteroffer: “Masai, throw in your 2019 first-rounder with no restrictions and we’ll continue to talk. We’re not doing any deal right now.”

Crunch time is a month away

Masai has mentioned many times in different venues how difficult and time-consuming putting together an NBA trade can be.

Let’s fast-forward to early February and use our imagination. The Nets are one of six teams in a dogfight for the last three playoff berths in the Eastern Conference. Tristan Thompson’s numbers haven’t improved. Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, known for his over-involvement in player issues, is complaining to Altman about being shackled by Thompson’s contract. Cleveland is losing games because of the lack of a true center to grab some rebounds and protect the paint. Everyone there is fretting about not getting to the Finals, then watching LeBron walk in the off-season because his team stood pat.

Could Altman decide this might be the right moment to call his Toronto counterpart and say “Remember that trade you pitched where we get Valanciunas?”

[20-second timeout: Some commenters suggested a straight JV for Thompson trade. There’s merit in the notion. The teams would be swapping headaches, which is a trade-honoured idea not unique to the NBA. Unless JV requested a move, or was being a problem in the dressing room, I wouldn’t make the deal. What the Raptors are doing now is working.]

I’ll leave the final words to then-New Jersey Nets GM Ed Stefanski, who said after a particular deal went down, words to the effect of “You never know what the other side will accept until you make an offer.” He had just obtained Vince Carter from the Raptors for spare parts and draft picks.

This is the NBA, Where Anything Happens.

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