Q: Who says no: Bojan Bogdanovic for Duncan Robinson, Gabe Vincent and Omer Yurtseven? – A.T.
A: I would think the Jazz, although it is a permutation that would raise concerns for the Heat, as well. Foremost, while the young players certainly might intrigue Danny Ainge and the Jazz, the Duncan Robinson factor seems like a deal breaker. While Bojan Bogdanovic is entering the final season on his deal, Robinson has this season and three more left. Even with Duncan not fully guaranteed in his final year, that’s still an additional $47 million for Utah to absorb beyond this coming season. From a Heat perspective, the deal would put the Heat into the tax and then further move them in with the need to sign at least one additional player to meet the NBA roster requirement. All of that said, Bogdanovic, 33, would be a decent lineup compromise choice, particularly with the odometer running on Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry. But it also comes down to what they see in the long-time futures of Gabe Vincent and Omer Yurtseven. Plus, you would lose a salary chip in Robinson for a bigger deal down the road.
Q: How does Philadelphia sign the former Sixth Man of the Year for the minimum in Montrezl Harrell as a back-up to PJ Tucker and we can’t even get a power forward? – Karl, Kappa, Hawaii.
A: By having a free agent who gave up money to facilitate such manipulations below the hard cap, which is what James Harden did for the 76ers. The Heat did not have such leeway with their leading men locked into contracts, with the NBA not allowing restructuring in the midst of a deal. Harden hit an option year at the right time, even if there might be some funny business down the road to recoup what sacrificed.
Q: First the 76ers snipe P.J. Tucker, now they sign Montrezl Harrell? I bet Philly’s next move is to trade for Jae Crowder so they can corner the market in aging, plus defending power forwards and centers. – David.
A: I wouldn’t overstate either, particularly Montrzel Harrell. What the 76ers mostly accomplished was adding enough beef to allow for time off for Joel Embiid, with Harrell also potentially allowing for time off for Tucker.
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