I am ALL IN on Jerami Grant.
Yes Siree...now THAT's A Stertch 4-3
Kevin Knox, take note.
Not sure he's leaving Denver. Cap/tax issues, but why would they? Yes Jerami would be my first choice to replace either Randle Potis/Gibson and/or Randle.
Please note: I DO NOT WANT to dump Randle. Or Knox. Kentucky in the house.
However, at 6'7" 250, my second choice might be more obtainable, realistically speaking.
Montrezl Harrell
Has the body, and scale, and edgy physical impact, if not the giddy athleticism of a Zion Williamson a Larry Johnson.
Okay, Paul Milsap. The ghost of Wes Unseld. Still maturing at 26. A defender and a fierce inside presence.
Obviously Grant has more length, more versatlity, and that Stretch 4-3 range you like in a Bertrans or a Gallinari.
Oh, and that BIG 3 RANGE.
But Harrell is unrestricted and available and he wants OUT of L.A. He's had a belly full of Paul George, is on the final years of a $6 million contract and while one would hope his price was reasonable, would anyone here have a problem putting him in the Tak Gibson-Bobby Portis $10-15 million x per range?
While Jerami would give us coverage at the 4-3-2, Harrell would give us coverage at the 4-5.
Assuming, just for the sake of argument, that we let Potis and Gibson walk [leaving the door open for a return on a friendler deal],
Center-Power Forward: Robinson, Randle, Harrell, Wooten
Power Forward-Small Forward: Knox, Brazdeikis, [Draft Pick?]
Small Forward-Shooting Guard: Barrett, Bullock, Dotson [Draft Pick?]
Shooting Guard-Point Guard: Ntilikna, Smith, Harper [Draft Pick?]
That's 12 right there and three remaining roster spots for draft picks or free agents.
I don't think we have a shot at Van Vleet. The over under on Grant is better, but Denver is building something. Not sure they are that penny wise and pound foolish.
Harrell is a DAWG, and having him and a dawg like Wooten, presumably after Randle either passes his doctoral thesis or moves on, gives us some tough, physical players down low.
Meanwhile, while Melo's return would, along with Gibson, have a feel good, mentor quality, I think he says in Portland, thank God.
Gallinari. Always liked his game, and he has grown. Certainly fills a need. He is 32, and has serious miles on the odometer. Makes sense, if we are detemined to get a stretch 4-3 to replace Potis, and we can't get Grant, or Anthony Mason. His three point shooting and free throw shooting are state of the art. His overall FG% not that gaudy. Nor will he come cheap. Nor will Grant or Harrell, but a level or so below.
But my vote is Harrell.
MEANWHILE....
Meanwhile, when Coach Thibs goes to bed at night, a betcha he gets a woody and the night sweats, as images of sugar plau fairies, Jimmy Butler and R.J. Barrett conflate in his reverie.
PS: Most of the trades I read on line are ridiculous. I like Ball, but three #1 picks and French Frank. No.
PPS: The roster listed above, and if we sign Harrell? Vassell would be sweet at the 8-spot.