inliner311
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The issue here is that the outcomes of possible trades were determined by intervening factors that were unique when it comes to trading star players: 1) Gilbert wanted a deal done very soon, to potentially keep LeBron happy, and 2) Gilbert was hedging his bets against both LeBron staying AND LeBron leaving which leads to 2a) Gilbert accepted IT as a cornerstone of the deal because of the other two points and finally, 3) Gilbert didn't have a GM in place and was amidst a time of chaotic transition.
These factors greatly shape what they were looking for in terms of a package and the timeframe with which to get them. One can debate that by wanting both outcomes Gilbert got neither, but from a negotiating stand point, only certain teams would have assets that could meet what Gilbert wanted at that time, and it really narrows the field quite a bit. And teams had a good idea that Gilbert wasn't going to bide his time if he didn't get what he wanted from the first batch of offers. Finally, with a rookie GM in place, and given the circumstances of Griffin's departure, there is the thought that teams approached the whole processes differently with a negative view of the Cavs in general and Gilbert in particular.
The Cavs were not necessarily looking for the best deal in a traditional sense, but the best deal under those parameters.
It would have been interesting if Griff stayed on and both him and Gilbert could agree upon what was most necessary to hedge that bet. I think they would have came down to getting the Nets pick as the center piece and Griff could do whatever he needed outside of that to get the pieces around to make another championship run.
I think one thing you didn't point out that I think was reported is that the Cavs viewed IT for both the championship and rebuilding timelines if necessary. I'm not sure Griff would have seen it that way especially with knowledge of the Sun's and how they just gave IT up for nothing.
If Griff was around we might have seen a multi team trade where the Cavs got Bledsoe, the nets pick, and maybe still Crowder (who knows how Griff viewed him) plus maybe Rozier. IT might have been shipped off to the Bucks because the Suns won't have wanted him and it may have been a cheap flyer for the Bucks and some lesser compensation that Boston would have added to make it all work out. Buck give up Monroe like they did for Bledsoe and some combined compensation with Boston that equals the 1st and 2nd round picks they gave up.
In the end the Cavs would have been better off and the Bucks would have too. IT flames out and they keep Brogdon long term.