Some people simply don't know basketball.
Well, you got that right.
Why would trade a 21 year old All-Star? You can't replace that type of talent, especially since we are a small market team.
It's a
trade, not free agency. It doesn't matter what size your market it.
And why can't that kind of talent be replaced? Because it doesn't exist? There is plenty of talent out there that is as good as a generic "21 year old all-star". Hey, offer KI for Kevin Love, or Anthony Davis, straight up. If KI's talent is as irreplaceable as you say, they should jump all over that!
KI is a
very good young player with loads of potential. But he has not yet proven himself to be the second coming of Isaiah Thomas, Chris Paul, or John Stockton. He is a great individual offensive player who has not
yet proven that he can elevate his team as a whole. His value is not unlimited, as some here appear to think, so being open to the idea of a trade that may make the team better shouldn't be off the table.
Just as an example, Rondo is a 4X All Star, made 3rd team All-NBA, made 4 NBA All-Defensive teams, and has been the PG for an NBA champion. That should not be a
laughable idea if it is part of remaking the roster to add more veterans and better defense. I don't think I'd do that trade (though I might if he were 3 years younger), but assuming he's healthy, it's one that shouldn't be laughed at, or perhaps is one you might actually do if the pot were sweetened.