Michael McNamara

A writer's notes on what every gain takes from us. By Michael McNamara.

[Michael McNamara @atacostsubstack]

Welcome to @atacostsubstack

A writer’s notes on what every gain quietly takes from us.
Progress always has a second dial.
New essays twice a month. All free to read.

[Michael McNamara @atacostsubstack]

@just_adavis both things can be true. The past regime made bad moves, but if you dont take on Poole and you dont pick up Hawk option, you are nice and flexible this season. Could have taken on all 3 of those guys w.o going in tax

ANd THATS why I also say no to Ja. Same thing will happen

[Michael McNamara @atacostsubstack]

@504Pel @saintspelican23 @cheddachaz @just_adavis That whole situation was a mess. Gave up number 15 for him too

[Michael McNamara @atacostsubstack]

@LASports337 @just_adavis wrong

[Michael McNamara @atacostsubstack]

@FearTheBrown @just_adavis said the same thing. You wont get him to see it. He in that optimist phase of the journey

[Michael McNamara @atacostsubstack]

@ChrisLap_18 @DylanMckneely Murray would have to have a REALLY good year to do that, but its not impossible. But I wouldnt count on it and plan for the future as if thats likely

[Michael McNamara @atacostsubstack]

@ChrisLap_18 @DylanMckneely the issue with adding future years in a Poole trade is that it makes the Bey extension possible without going into the tax. You basically need the Poole money to give to Bey after this upcoming year

[Michael McNamara @atacostsubstack]

@ChrisLap_18 @DylanMckneely I dont think Detroit is trading Duren any way. The Pels need to find someone using that Poole contract. Just can't figure out who. Sabonis makes no sense with Queen either but if you can get him for Poole and Hawk, Id rather do that than Ja

[Michael McNamara @atacostsubstack]

@ChrisLap_18 @DylanMckneely The fit with Queen is the big issue. Queen wants that paing clear, to either face up and drive or to hit cutters

[Michael McNamara @atacostsubstack]

@TheNBAinsomniac @ProPelsTalk @JakeLFischer Joe - who played well last year - just got dumped for two nothing burger 2nds

If you are a team with space/assets, you can get real players for little to nothing. Murray, has barely played any games last two years and has two years left on deal at real money. He is not positive.

[Michael McNamara @atacostsubstack]

@TheNBAinsomniac @ProPelsTalk @JakeLFischer He is a negative asset. He would be a neutral if he was expiring in this market

Think of it this way - Julius Randle, who actually played and had a good statistical season was a slight negative/neutral. Murray is definitely negative currently.

[Michael McNamara @atacostsubstack]

@BattleRapBets @JeremyBoogz how about 42 mil and giving up Trey, who is making less than 30? Now, you still willing to do 'anything'?

[Michael McNamara @atacostsubstack]

@TheNBAinsomniac @ProPelsTalk @JakeLFischer other teams have to want players for them to be traded. Or, are you suggesting that you are so desperate to trade them and not run it back, that you are willing to offload draft picks to do so?

[Michael McNamara @atacostsubstack]

@DaltonGNOLA they don't. They see a name they recognize. A guy who beat them a few times, and see "value" because you don't have to give up good players to get him.

What they don't see (or understand in general) is the opportunity cost

[Michael McNamara @atacostsubstack]

@RyanHatesLitter hows he gonna get him to a place where he can start when he cant trade with teams in China or Turkey

[Michael McNamara @atacostsubstack]

@Kyr504 @TImpey1968 I bring Murray off the bench. Tell him he can start when someone is inevitably out with an injury and that we want him to be 100% healthy and manage his minutes -- that will be best for his long term any way

[Michael McNamara @atacostsubstack]

@joelvenile to play what role?

[Michael McNamara @atacostsubstack]

@Kyr504 @TImpey1968 see, Murray I like. I can see his value actually going up. He hasnt had the history with off court or injuries. He can play off ball, he can defend. He is a leader. And he costs less. I would prefer Murray to Ja 5x.