This season has gone, for some, exactly as planned. draft well / use the wire when needed / make trades to push toward the championship. Rinse and repeat. However, even those who are following said plan, do not execute it the exact same way. Take Kyle and Auk for as an example of how different contenders go about business in different ways. Kyle usually has his phone off the hook and is watching his Cats & Co. take the top seed along with a zero in the loss column. But…not the ‘Auk Files.’ Auk shoots trades over faster than Luke on his wedding night. Auk on his Auk File Strategy — “I get great joy of making opposing team GMs take the time out of their scouting to open their phone, look at trade, and decline.”
Kyle declined the interview request on his trade strategy, consistent with his unplugged mentality, but why have a strategy when you are 10-0?
Auk is not quite 10-0. But, he does sit at 7-3 and is currently sitting in the 4th playoff spot. He is tied with Dallas at 7-3 but trails him by over 1,000 fantasy points. When asked how he can sure up his mid-to-high playoff spot he said: “I need Middleton to get back or close to ‘22 levels and steph to be healthy and I’ll have a chance, still need 1-2 pieces though.” It’s not looking likely that the former will be an easy thing to accomplish while the latter is a sure thing in Steph Curry. Who could be those 1-2 pieces he could add? Maybe they were on his roster (Tre Jones, Capela, A. Simons, and FVV) in which he traded a heavy load to receive Bam and John Collins (both are not rostered on his team anymore) on 10/30 2022. In Auk’s view this is the worst trade he’s ever made. But nevertheless, who could he look to add? I believe the answer is fellow Auk File employee to Julius Randle in Jalen Brunson (who was involved in the fairest trade in league history). Brunson is housed on a non-playoff team (Mitch) but has been excellent in his new digs. He is averaging 23.40/per game and would fit in nicely. Mitch like Brunson though. Who can blame him? What if Auk sent sharp shooter Khris Middleton (who will find himself again once he isn’t injured), Aaron Gordon (averaging 21 and ranked 73), Klay Thompson ( who already found himself again) plus Auk’s 23’ 2nd and 24’ 2nd. YES it is a load for Brunson (23.40 / ranked 26). But he is ranked 24th overall. He immediately becomes the 3rd best player on a championship contending team. And I believe that package does a lot for Mitch. He adds 3 pieces who are very respected NBA talents and 2 of them when right are the best shooters in the NBA bar-none. Leave Auk Files behind just one time and go get a guy for what he’s actually worth.
The dynasty 