The alternative is to hit the “easy button” and simply put Jaylen Brown on the table and maximize what you get back. That could mean younger players with star potential, draft picks, and of course salary relief. In theory you could keep around some of the expensive vets that we’ve been talking about offloading (Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis).

The Golden State Warriors, aiming to maximize Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler's championship windows, pursue a bold move by acquiring Joel Embiid.