i didnt think Zion was the main draw but to your point, im sure they mentioned itAnd the whole "discussions continue" shit is for leverage. Aint nothing left to discuss.
And I dont blame AD for not changing his mind. The whole thing about getting to play with a rookie will change his mind never made sense to me. As good as Zion can be, its gonna take him 3-4 years to be really effective.
So if im AD and I want out, you not gonna sell me on a rookie regardless of who the rookie is.
i think it was them basically saying, look at what we've done in such a short turnaround. Things are going to be different
but if AD thinks there is nothing that can sway him, then deal him for the best offer
that might been apart of the convo as well that they are letting him know their plans for dealing him but they are going to do it on their terms
BUT....and this is a huge BUT
unless NY is getting AD, KD AND kyrie, that still leaves a lot of positions to fill, and they heatles they are not. Whoever trades for him is going to gut their roster in hopes of making the playoffs the next year.