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We need to be ready.

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 Adam Silver said his preference is that teams and players honor the contracts that they sign. But Silver also noted that players making trade demands isn't anything new, and that he's not sure exactly how to stop it.

James Harden and Ben Simmons were the latest example, but NBA teams are preparing for the next wave of superstar trade demands. Multiple executives around the league are preparing for Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers, Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz and Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans to be the next wave of stars to ask out.

Lillard has three years and $137 million owed to him after this season. Portland just kicked off a major roster reset, as they traded Lillard's long-time backcourt mate C.J. McCollum to New Orleans. It's rumored that Lillard could eventually seek to win elsewhere, if he can't compete for a title in Portland.

For the Pelicans, Williamson is extension eligible this offseason. He's missed the entire season to date, as he's recovered from a foot injury. In his three-year career, Williamson has played in only 85 games. Various reports have said Williamson is unhappy in New Orleans and would welcome deal to another team.

As for Mitchell, he regularly fends off rumors that he's unhappy playing in Utah and with Rudy Gobert. He's only in the first year of a five-year, $163 million contract extension. If he was to ask out this soon, it would be Simmons-like in asking for a trade so early into an extension.



https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/265915/Teams-Preparing-For-Damian-Lillard-Donovan-Mitchell-Zion-Williamson-Trade-Demands

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HMFFL wrote:We need to be ready.

I think Donovan Mitchell would make a good partnership with Luka.

He's likable as a player and could help recruit other American players too.

The question (to get any of these three) is... with what?

Zion and Luka would be a match made in Heaven.

The scary thing is that OKC likely has the assets to acquire all 3 if they wanted

Even DFS and Brunson wouldn't be enough. You would need to add multiple 1st round picks to any of these deals and i'm not sure if Mavs have any left.

Mitchell and Zion aren't relevant, half the league will beat Mavs' best offer.
Lillard value isn't high as RGM think he's 32, on a massive deal, I think he's attainable if he decides to leave.

The most attainable of the 3 is Damian Lillard. And that's only because of his relationship with Nico Harrison and Jason Kidd. And he will be a tad bit past his prime when his deal is up. The other 2 are very young stars and could be priced really high.

We actually got a chance on Damian Lillard. He is injury prone and he will be 32 next season. His contract will be 137 million contract going over 3 years. The league is so aware of Westbrook and Wall right now, that the Blazers will struggle to get offers. He is also first in average seconds per touch, Luka is third, Trae Young is second. So it is really a no-no for the Mavs. I would rather see us go for a forward who defend and shoot 3 pointers at a high level.

dirkforpres wrote:Zion and Luka would be a match made in Heaven.

The scary thing is that OKC likely has the assets to acquire all 3 if they wanted

Zion would be a nice addition right now if he is mentally prepared. From what I have been told by New Orleans personnel at their arena two weeks ago, is that Zion is in Portland recovering, and away from the food in New Orleans.

If Zion is good to go, he needs defenders around him, so a solid 5 (center) defender is a must, and a wing.

I wouldn't mind giving up a bulk of our future by way of the draft to acquire Zion, but only if he's matured, mentally prepared, and is open to bring a Mav. The Knicks seem to be his comfort zone because of RJ and now Cam.

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arkuo wrote:The most attainable of the 3 is Damian Lillard. And that's only because of his relationship with Nico Harrison and Jason Kidd. And he will be a tad bit past his prime when his deal is up. The other 2 are very young stars and could be priced really high.

Keep in mind Lillard will want his extension that will pay him an ungodly amount of money. I believe this to be the case with Bradley Beal as well. It's a lot to take on for the caliber player both of them are. I don't view Lillard as a #1 on a true championship caliber team.

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Im not overhyped about any of them tbh, even tho all ofc could help.

Be ready mean so many things, our cap looking to be in a good spot, team is competive, so for Mavs, it pretty much comes down to not trading away any 1sts. Thats what it will come down to in the end, make sure u atleast got your future assets in yor control, thats why I think its madness when I see stupid trade proposals having us use future 1sts for **** or dumps. Because the chance that any of them will sign as an UFA is almost nonexistent, it will come down to SnT cause they want their max money

The FO should also look into the players sorrounding these guys. Players like Ingram could become available.

Lillard is the only one attainable but I would think Portland would want those Lakers picks which will likely be good after LeBron retires or young assets instead of our middle of the pack FRPs.

I think their partners on their teams are more realistic. Ingram and Gobert specifically.

HMFFL wrote:

dirkforpres wrote:Zion and Luka would be a match made in Heaven.

The scary thing is that OKC likely has the assets to acquire all 3 if they wanted

Zion would be a nice addition right now if he is mentally prepared. From what I have been told by New Orleans personnel at their arena two weeks ago, is that Zion is in Portland recovering, and away from the food in New Orleans.

If Zion is good to go, he needs defenders around him, so a solid 5 (center) defender is a must, and a wing.

I wouldn't mind giving up a bulk of our future by way of the draft to acquire Zion, but only if he's matured, mentally prepared, and is open to bring a Mav. The Knicks seem to be his comfort zone because of RJ and now Cam.

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Zion would be a very nice addition to the Mavs. Luka and Zion will need double teams each to even slow down. That leaves 3 players open. That's crazy.

Luka is together with Zion under the Jordan brand, Nico being a former Nike Executive. I think there are communication lines there. Zion is staying in Portland now by the way. Just not sure if Jordan would want two of their young endorsers together under one team though.

Zion would be cool, but honestly, I kinda like that they're playing Luka ball now. If they do that and get him guys like John Collins or Myles Turner (or both), then I think they could go far.

To be honest, since the current squad has been using the spread pick and roll more, with variations of picks and double picks and exit picks, even if they miss out on big targets like Jokic, the team should be in good hands if they get Myles Turner in 2023 and (an older) 32 year old Khris Middleton in 2024. These two guys are perfect additions to Luka ball. Just add them on to a team with Brunson, DFS, Bullock and Kleber (preferably for the MLE), it can work better than adding a Lillard or another star who would require say, 20 or so shots per game.

C- Turner / Kleber
PF- DFS / Bertans
SF- MIddleton / Bullock
SG- Doncic / THJ
PG- Brunson / DInwiddie

To get another superstar, you have to gut out that team to get star power back. Which would affect your depth. Unless you sign a superstar upfront with no sign and trades, then that should be okay. That team above should be ripe to seriously compete for a ring 2 years from now.

Zion could be the next KP, no thanks. No more injury prone.

Mitchell would be perfect with Luka, but he has to come back a great defender like first 2 years.