Not even to mention how poor of a fit this might be. A starting five of Quickley, Agbaji, Barnes, Antetokounmpo, Poeltl would basically be a recreation in theory of the 2022 team exactly. But the FO'd be tempted because they'd have to panic into a star trade to elevate their contention window

Say we kept this core and traded like 3 draft picks for Embiid for example, we'd have no room to retain Agbaji or Gradey, Embiid's impact would be neutered by lack of games played, and as a team who has struggled mightily IDing free agent talent, it would get ugly very fast

Anyway I'm not as delusional about it as some are, I get that the team wants to win and guys are gonna be healthy at some point, only so much you can ask for when its deliberately a system to recompensate the *truly* worst teams. But I'm also just someone super averse to being stuck in the middle

Sure, all very true, but the downsides here are not necessarily built in here when we are mostly happy with the core as is and being given a unique opportunity with how bizarre this season has gone. The 2025 draft class also ensures us with at least a high level role player to add at the very least

It would be a missed opportunity to not foolproof for the future while we have the record we do, to instead start trying to go for the playoff spot when there's little to support the idea that we'd be even competitive against a Boston or Cleveland in that setting despite how good we are this early

In my opinion if the East is not very competitive, then I don't think the 6 seed is much of an accomplishment or validation of much. I mean I'd be happy for them but my opinion wouldn't change in that they'd need to add a star caliber player to be among the best in the East which should be the goal

we saw what the price of trading for a star has been the last few years. I'd hate to get into a Suns, Hawks, Sixers or Bucks situation with such a young core, especially as CBA penalties are this harsh. its always better a la Thunder, Magic or Spurs to draft your star in this NBA

how often does the chance to trade for a star like kawhi and it work out like it for the price it did did ever come up? that was an insane anomaly, and only gave us 1 true year

a flagg/bailey pick potentially keeps our contention window open for 4-5 years, at low rookie scale cost

as soon as arod didnt have his money ready tim got the boss call from glen taylor to get the vibes back to rock bottom sad scenario