Had a manuscript get rejected recently, with positive feedback and recommendation from the editor to transfer it to a sister journal. Substantive revisions (e.g., trimming 30% of paper to meet new word count requirement) would be required for consideration at the sister journal. Have until late August to transfer the manuscript.

Wondering y'all's thoughts on the ethics of resubmitting the current version of the manuscript to a third journal in this interim period? There seems to be enough time to at least see if I get past the desk reject phase for a third journal, possibly even get reviewer feedback before August. This would potentially leave the door open to 1. R&R from third journal without making many additional changes at this time, or 2. still transferring the manuscript by August should current version get rejected in the interim.

Journals are broadly in the US-based public policy and environmental science world. Your thoughts/ reflections are appreciated. Thanks in advance.