OKC Thunder: 3 takeaways from the Athletic agents poll
Chris Paul ranked as most likely to shift teams:
The fact Chris Paul took the top spot in this question wasn’t that surprising particularly with how the OKC Thunder exceeded expectations this past season. If OKC had pulled off the first-round playoff series he likely would’ve got even more than five points.
"“Depending on where he lands. He drastically changed OKC. I was a doubter, I gotta admit, but he led the team to a good playoff run. He showed he was still the man. Wherever he’s going to land it’s going to make a big difference.”"
Related Story. Pros and cons of Chris Paul trade. light
It’s funny how even in an anonymous survey how agents will still try to drive their own agenda. One agent spoke of DeMar DeRozan and somehow grouped the Raptors backcourt into the same response suggesting “they” would end up playing for Dwane Casey in Detroit.
"“DeMar doesn’t like San Antonio and doesn’t want to be there. If those guys leave, they land with Dwane Casey in Detroit. That relationship with the former coach is strong. Comes down to money (for VanVleet) and the situation in Toronto is rough with the taxes. VanVleet on the Pistons elevates his status as the number 1-2 guy on a team.”"
It doesn’t take too much to figure out the agent is using this response to try to land DeRozan plus one of the current Raptors backcourt in Detroit. This response screams of an agent trying to instigate trade conversation. Casey and DeRozan had a father-son type relationship so their reuniting would make sense.
The commentary about Toronto and taxes is an overplayed unimaginative excuse. If taxes were the key driver for players then everyone would only sign in Florida or Texas where there are no taxes. Something most fans don’t realize is players have to pay taxes for road games so even the players who are members of the Rockets, Mavericks, Spurs, Heat, and Magic still get taxed for games played on the road.