Which Teams Should Buy, Sell, or Stay Put as Trade Season Begins | Group Chat
Dec 13, 2023
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Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre discuss whether the New Orleans Pelicans, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Atlanta Hawks should buy, sell, or stay put during trade season. They analyze the trade market for Zion Williamson and explore strategies for improving team performance. They also discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers' need for proactive changes and evaluate the Memphis Grizzlies' performance and future strategy. The speakers suggest potential trade options and analyze Trey Young's impact as a point guard.
The Memphis Grizzlies should focus on addressing their offensive struggles and bolstering their frontcourt to set themselves up for future success.
The Cleveland Cavaliers need to transition Evan Mobley to the center position and explore trade options involving Jarrett Allen to improve their team's performance.
The New Orleans Pelicans' success depends on getting consistent play from Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, although finding a better connector and table-setter may be challenging.
The Atlanta Hawks should consider exploring trade options and reevaluating their roster to address challenges with Trey Young's style of play and improve team performance.
Deep dives
Memphis Grizzlies: Needs on Offense and Frontcourt
The Memphis Grizzlies, currently struggling with a record of 6-16, need to address their offensive struggles and bolster their frontcourt. With John Moran set to return soon, the team should look to add another creator or scorer to provide offensive stability. Additionally, improving their shooting and shoring up the big man rotation would greatly benefit the team. While immediate improvement is not necessary, making moves now would set them up for future success.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Time to Transition Mobley to Center
The Cleveland Cavaliers need to consider transitioning Evan Mobley to the center position sooner rather than later. With Jarrett Allen's limitations and potential interest from other teams, it may be time to explore trade options involving Allen. Playing Mobley at the five has shown promise and could improve the team's performance. The Cavaliers, who have room for improvement, must be proactive and make moves to address their current situation.
New Orleans Pelicans: Need for Zion and Ingram to Perform Consistently
The New Orleans Pelicans need their star players, Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, to perform consistently. While they have a solid supporting cast of role players, the Pelicans' success ultimately depends on the performance of their stars. While the team could benefit from a better connector and table-setter, finding the right player may prove challenging. The Pelicans must prioritize getting more consistent play from Zion and Ingram in order to succeed.
Memphis Grizzlies: Potential Buy Moves for Future Success
The Memphis Grizzlies, currently struggling with a record of 6-16, should consider making buy moves to set themselves up for future success. With John Moran set to return, adding another creator or scorer would provide offensive stability. Improving shooting and reinforcing the frontcourt should also be on their agenda. While immediate improvement is not necessary, making moves now would position them well for the future.
Atlanta Hawks struggling with Trey Young's style of play
The Atlanta Hawks, currently mired in the bottom of the play-in mix in the Eastern Conference, are facing challenges with Trey Young's style of play as the team continues to struggle. The offensive rating has fallen back down to earth, and the team's defense is a major concern. There is a need for a different approach and supporting cast to make the team better. While there may not be a ready-made solution, exploring trade options and reevaluating the roster might be necessary.
Chicago Bulls in need of a potential soft reboot
The Chicago Bulls, currently without Zach LaVine due to injury, have been performing well and managing a winning record. However, some questions have arisen about the team's long-term direction. The suggestion of a soft reboot is put forward, considering the possibility of trading LaVine and reevaluating the roster. This approach would involve potentially trading other veteran players on the team and focusing on acquiring draft picks to build for the future.
Cleveland Cavaliers at a crossroads with Donovan Mitchell
The Cleveland Cavaliers, currently 13th in the Eastern Conference, are facing a decision regarding the future of Donovan Mitchell. While still early in his tenure with the team, there are doubts about his long-term fit and commitment to the team's playing style. The suggestion of exploring trade options for Mitchell is raised, potentially leveraging his value to acquire assets that align better with the team's future, including Darius Garland and Evan Mobley.
Summary of the titles
A concise and informative summary discussing the state of the Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, and Cleveland Cavaliers in relation to their respective key players and team directions.
Justin, Rob, and Wos take a look at five teams at the start of trade season to determine whether they should be buyers, sellers, or stay put in the coming months
Intro (00:00).
New Orleans Pelicans (11:50)
Chicago Bulls (30:00)
Cleveland Cavaliers (37:50)
Memphis Grizzlies (49:03)
Atlanta Hawks (57:20)
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Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre