The Raps made a savvy move in getting Gasol.
They have win-now pieces, and this trade makes them better now.
Gasol is better than JV now, and JV expires in the same window. Would the Raps even be re-signing JV? Nothing against him as a player, but this is a clear upgrade IMO - better playmaking, defence, BBIQ, 3 point shooting.
Delon was a good bench piece, but the resurgence of Powell made Delon the 3rd guard off the bench. A luxury, and one the Raps likely could not retain after this season. McCaw making min. will be the 3rd guard off the bench now, and in those few minutes likely sees little drop off.
Miles was just starting to come around, but was always going to be needed in a deal like this for salary matching.
Now Masai has to grab a wing who can shoot 3s off the buyout market to replace Miles, which explains the moves to pay to get rid of Richardson and Monroe to maximize flexibility in finding wings and possibly a depth 4 who can shoot 3s
With 10 roster spots, they need to sign 4 guys. They could convert Loyd and Boucher form 2-way to 1-way, but then they still need 2 more. My guess is a 3 point shooting wing like Ellington and a big - hopefully one who can shoot, but at least a guy who can fill in if needed for any injury to Ibaka/Gasol. Markieff Morris may be of interest if they opt for a 3 point shooter, depending on his recovery from injury (though the Celtics may have a track on him due to his brother). Otherwise, a more traditional big for depth like Lopez, Kanter, etc.
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