He's balled out in this series. I really don't think you can move him straight up for George and get better, and that's not just because of this series. You don't find a lot of guys that can do everything he can do, and be willing to take a step back in the offense to do it.
If you want to get George, fine. Try it. But you have to keep the big three intact.
Agreed. Honestly, the only way we would be able to get George regardless is if he specifically said that he would only accept a trade to Cleveland. He basically would have to force it. Because while Love is a great return, if they trade George, they would much rather get young players and picks. Even if it's not even package worth George or Love, they still would want the rebuilding pieces.
I guess we could give them 2021, 2023 unprotected firsts, Osman, Tristan, and Shumpert or something. Tristan is definitely worth a first rounder if they flip him to a playoff team and I don't care about him having 3 bad games other than those 3 games he's been dominant in the playoffs. Shumpert after a good playoff run where he's been an elite defender consistently again could probably fetch a late first or two seconds a-la PJ tucker.
That package is still garbage, and easily beatable by almost any team with a decent young asset or two, but if George literally says: Trade me to the Cavs or I'm signing with the Lakers in free agency, don't trade me to the Lakers because I'm not signing there anymore if they dump a good young asset to get me, then maybe it could happen. Regardless, It's a super long-shot proposition.
Still kind of brings things back full circle to Carmelo, but the sheer insane amount of money Carmelo makes PLUS his trade kicker(can be waived but still) makes the trade to get him so difficult. I think trading Tristan to get him would make no sense. I think it would make even less sense to trade Love for a Melo package. So you're looking basically at Frye, Shumpert, and salary filler. And I would probably still do that deal, but the crappy thing about that deal is that you lose Shumpert who has been one of your best defenders this entire playoff run and you get older and less athletic on the wing.
I really don't think a major shake-up is needed or should even be pursued. Obviously listen, figure out what you can figure out.
Here is my pipe-dream summer. I am fully aware that Wade probably wont take the MLE, Bosh probably wont take the minimum or even play at all, and Houston likely wont trade us Beverly. But I think we need to keep Kevin Love. I think he is going to have the best season of his career next year, win or lose this year. He will either want that 3-peat or he will want vengeance.
Sign Wade, Bosh, and Bogut, resign Korver
Trade Frye and Cedi for a wing.
Trade Shumpert for Beverlly(if the rockets are willing...if this doesnt happen it's not a huge deal..)
Kyrie/JR/LeBron/Love/Bosh (If bosh returned to 80% of old form this line-up would be disgusting)
Beverly/Wade/Korver/TT/Bogut