Mavericks Discussing Dennis Smith Jr. Trade With Suns, Magic

[HMFFL]

Whats the deal with Rick now saying to the media, he tried to make contact and is waiting for DSJ to come back... what kind of soap opera is Dallas doing right now, holly cow...I mean seriously this is becoming beyond ricidulous and is hurting this team a lot probably

Indeed. Nothing is professional at the moment, not DSJ, not our entire franchise. I wish they handled all of this differently. Now, I expect a very minimal return.

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[HMFFL]

We need a return that helps us grow as a team. A player we can develop or draft considerations (protected picks).
Moving DSJ for what could be very little value and Atlanta receiving our future first round pick won't be good. No matter how good Luka is right now and will become.

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[Mr B]

Whats the deal with Rick now saying to the media, he tried to make contact and is waiting for DSJ to come back... what kind of soap opera is Dallas doing right now, holly cow...I mean seriously this is becoming beyond ricidulous and is hurting this team a lot probably

Indeed. Nothing is professional at the moment, not DSJ, not our entire franchise. I wish they handled all of this differently. Now, I expect a very minimal return.

Sent from my SM-N920P using RealGM mobile app

I expect no trade. Why trade him now? You might as well keep him. He’s under contract for 3 more seasons. Bring him back force him to work on his game. As time goes by his stock will improve (more than what it is now) THEN you trade him if that’s what he still wants. I don’t see why people are convinced that the Mavs HAVE to trade him. Dennis (or his agent) has no real leverage in this situation because of his contract.

[Darren]

So the Mavs lead towards tanking for the rest of the season. Monk and Willy for Smith and Mejri, does it make sense. I know Monk might not be a great fit. But Monk can definitely score as 2 guard if it is all the Mavs want from Smith. Willy can be another young shooting big. This kind of return is possibly not too bad.

If Smith hates working on weakness, I don't think he's anywhere close to starter on next level. To be sure, RC can't work with young PG. As good as Harris has been, Devin's traded for Kidd afterall. Yet, Smith can't attack the rim like Devin did. Dennis gets blocked and forced to turnover a lot in paint.

[Teffer10]

Whats the deal with Rick now saying to the media, he tried to make contact and is waiting for DSJ to come back... what kind of soap opera is Dallas doing right now, holly cow...I mean seriously this is becoming beyond ricidulous and is hurting this team a lot probably

Indeed. Nothing is professional at the moment, not DSJ, not our entire franchise. I wish they handled all of this differently. Now, I expect a very minimal return.

Sent from my SM-N920P using RealGM mobile app

I expect no trade. Why trade him now? You might as well keep him. He’s under contract for 3 more seasons. Bring him back force him to work on his game. As time goes by his stock will improve (more than what it is now) THEN you trade him if that’s what he still wants. I don’t see why people are convinced that the Mavs HAVE to trade him. Dennis (or his agent) has no real leverage in this situation because of his contract.

There's a psychological element to this that will most likely put/keep him in Rick's doghouse and that will limit any opportunity for him to improve. I get that we won't get fair value in return for him now but trading him now will most likely yield a better return than what we will get when his attitude diminishes even more.
Most players in the past have been unable to reconcile with Rick (Kidd the 1 exception) so I think there is high probability this thing won't get any better and will most likely become more of a distraction to the organization making it unattractive to FAs.

The FO needs to see moving DSJ as addition by subtraction to a certain degree and just try to salvage anything they can out of the situation. This thing is incredibly toxic right now.

[Mr B]

Indeed. Nothing is professional at the moment, not DSJ, not our entire franchise. I wish they handled all of this differently. Now, I expect a very minimal return.

Sent from my SM-N920P using RealGM mobile app

I expect no trade. Why trade him now? You might as well keep him. He’s under contract for 3 more seasons. Bring him back force him to work on his game. As time goes by his stock will improve (more than what it is now) THEN you trade him if that’s what he still wants. I don’t see why people are convinced that the Mavs HAVE to trade him. Dennis (or his agent) has no real leverage in this situation because of his contract.

There's a psychological element to this that will most likely put/keep him in Rick's doghouse and that will limit any opportunity for him to improve. I get that we won't get fair value in return for him now but trading him now will most likely yield a better return than what we will get when his attitude diminishes even more.
Most players in the past have been unable to reconcile with Rick (Kidd the 1 exception) so I think there is high probability this thing won't get any better and will most likely become more of a distraction to the organization making it unattractive to FAs.

The FO needs to see moving DSJ as addition by subtraction to a certain degree and just try to salvage anything they can out of the situation. This thing is incredibly toxic right now.

I disagree. Dennis is young and is clearly being influenced by his agent. It may take a while but at some point he’s going to realize that he’s only hurting his own career. At some point (over the next 3 seasons) he’s going to figure out that he needs to be a professional for own best interest. Once that happens and he starts playing well and listening to his coach his value will increase. If he still wants to be traded at that point he’ll have better options for himself as well as the Mavs getting better value. He just needs time to mature as a person and understand what’s best for him.

Besides if the Mavs give in and trade him they are setting a bad precedent. They are basically telling every young player that comes through Dallas that if you don’t want to be here you can easily force a trade just by staying away from the team. What happens if Luka all of a sudden decides he’d really like to play for the Lakers (or any other team) and takes his ball and goes home until the Mavs trade him? Again by giving in to Dennis’ agent they are setting a very bad precedent.

[BlueSan]

I absolutely agree on that and at the end of the day you are still a pro and need to do your job and fullfil your end of the bargain. Not to mention when he gets back (if) to the team, it is going to be awkward as hell and even if they patch it up, all of the, will remember the day when he was pulling this stunt, lol. It is like a stain on his resume now

[2011Champs]

I think the turning point with SmithJr was when Carlisle played him limited minutes in front of all his family and friends in Charlotte. Then the **** hit the fan. Now here we are.

[Teffer10]

I expect no trade. Why trade him now? You might as well keep him. He’s under contract for 3 more seasons. Bring him back force him to work on his game. As time goes by his stock will improve (more than what it is now) THEN you trade him if that’s what he still wants. I don’t see why people are convinced that the Mavs HAVE to trade him. Dennis (or his agent) has no real leverage in this situation because of his contract.

There's a psychological element to this that will most likely put/keep him in Rick's doghouse and that will limit any opportunity for him to improve. I get that we won't get fair value in return for him now but trading him now will most likely yield a better return than what we will get when his attitude diminishes even more.
Most players in the past have been unable to reconcile with Rick (Kidd the 1 exception) so I think there is high probability this thing won't get any better and will most likely become more of a distraction to the organization making it unattractive to FAs.

The FO needs to see moving DSJ as addition by subtraction to a certain degree and just try to salvage anything they can out of the situation. This thing is incredibly toxic right now.

I disagree. Dennis is young and is clearly being influenced by his agent. It may take a while but at some point he’s going to realize that he’s only hurting his own career. At some point (over the next 3 seasons) he’s going to figure out that he needs to be a professional for own best interest. Once that happens and he starts playing well and listening to his coach his value will increase. If he still wants to be traded at that point he’ll have better options for himself as well as the Mavs getting better value. He just needs time to mature as a person and understand what’s best for him.

Besides if the Mavs give in and trade him they are setting a bad precedent. They are basically telling every young player that comes through Dallas that if you don’t want to be here you can easily force a trade just by staying away from the team. What happens if Luka all of a sudden decides he’d really like to play for the Lakers (or any other team) and takes his ball and goes home until the Mavs trade him? Again by giving in to Dennis’ agent they are setting a very bad precedent.

Again, the pyschological element comes to play here. You simply can't force the kid to be happy here playing a position he has no interest playing. If Luka was drafted last season and Dennis this past draft I'd agree with you more but Rick and others touted him as the PG of the future and he did a decent job last year that didn't exactly warrant losing his job.

I honestly don't blame the kid for wanting out of this situation so that he can go to another team and develop at the position that he desires. No other team in the league would force him to play SG. I think he realizes Luka is much better than him and probably always will be so it will be virtually impossible for him to ever develop into the player he would like to be....at least not in Dallas.
He knows like we all do that he will never play PG for this team as a starter as long as Luka is on the team.

Time to move on and stop trying to fit a square peg into a round hole, it will only continue to create problems for everyone. Free Dennis and lets move on with Luka.

There is absolutely no way in hell I want DSJ on this team after the TDL.

[Pointguard01]

But would you sell low on him, Teffer?

- ORL: DSJ for Jerian Grant and a Future 1st?
- PHX: DSJ for Josh Jackson?
- DET: DSJ for Luke Kennard and a Future 1st?

Maybe the offers are better (or worse)...but I assume they are around the above. I'm worried w all the reports that teams now assume that Dallas has to move him? Or that DSJ wants to be moved? Either way, teams are going to be looking to buy low (and even if they weren't, not sure how much actual value he has). I'm not excited about any of those packages...

He's our only asset / direct path to getting a #2 next to Luka, so we have to be smart. Of course, ideally he grows into that role, but if that's not an option, we need to get back an asset that can become the #2, or give a future path towards that.

[Teffer10]

But would you sell low on him, Teffer?

- ORL: DSJ for Jerian Grant and a Future 1st?
- PHX: DSJ for Josh Jackson?
- DET: DSJ for Luke Kennard and a Future 1st?

Maybe the offers are better (or worse)...but I assume they are around the above. I'm worried w all the reports that teams now assume that Dallas has to move him? Or that DSJ wants to be moved? Either way, teams are going to be looking to buy low (and even if they weren't, not sure how much actual value he has). I'm not excited about any of those packages...

He's our only asset / direct path to getting a #2 next to Luka, so we have to be smart. Of course, ideally he grows into that role, but if that's not an option, we need to get back an asset that can become the #2, or give a future path towards that.

I don't think we have a choice but to sell low. It is pretty obvious his value is sinking every day and with Carlisle I don't see it ever getting better.
Dennis isn't going to thrive at SG because he simply doesn't want to play it.

So yeah, we might be selling low trading for Jackson but imo we will be selling a hell of a lot lower in the off-season when he could become so toxic that nobody will want him. Keeping him will make matters worse, not better, so the answer to your question is yes, I'd rather sell a little low on him now than later when the situation is so bad and his attitude completely stinks that we'll have to virtually give him away.

And I'm not so sure Jackson can't develop into that #2 guy. The guy has extremely good handles, has the tools to be an elite defender, is competitive as hell, plays aggressive, has some serious toughness, and would be a nice fit with Luka. He also showed some nice leadership skills when he played at Kansas, a team that had Frank Mason and Devonte Graham. Jackson put that team on his shoulders and carried the load as a freshman. Kind of reminds me a little bit of Stephen Jackson. He does need to get better with his shot though.

I'd trade DSJ for Jackson in a heartbeat.

[Mr B]

I think the turning point with SmithJr was when Carlisle played him limited minutes in front of all his family and friends in Charlotte. Then the **** hit the fan. Now here we are.

He was playing like crap in that game. He deserved to get pulled.

[Mr B]

But would you sell low on him, Teffer?

- ORL: DSJ for Jerian Grant and a Future 1st?
- PHX: DSJ for Josh Jackson?
- DET: DSJ for Luke Kennard and a Future 1st?

Maybe the offers are better (or worse)...but I assume they are around the above. I'm worried w all the reports that teams now assume that Dallas has to move him? Or that DSJ wants to be moved? Either way, teams are going to be looking to buy low (and even if they weren't, not sure how much actual value he has). I'm not excited about any of those packages...

He's our only asset / direct path to getting a #2 next to Luka, so we have to be smart. Of course, ideally he grows into that role, but if that's not an option, we need to get back an asset that can become the #2, or give a future path towards that.

I don't think we have a choice but to sell low. It is pretty obvious his value is sinking every day and with Carlisle I don't see it ever getting better.
Dennis isn't going to thrive at SG because he simply doesn't want to play it.

So yeah, we might be selling low trading for Jackson but imo we will be selling a hell of a lot lower in the off-season when he could become so toxic that nobody will want him. Keeping him will make matters worse, not better, so the answer to your question is yes, I'd rather sell a little low on him now than later when the situation is so bad and his attitude completely stinks that we'll have to virtually give him away.

And I'm not so sure Jackson can't develop into that #2 guy. The guy has extremely good handles, has the tools to be an elite defender, is competitive as hell, plays aggressive, has some serious toughness, and would be a nice fit with Luka. He also showed some nice leadership skills when he played at Kansas, a team that had Frank Mason and Devonte Graham. Jackson put that team on his shoulders and carried the load as a freshman. Kind of reminds me a little bit of Stephen Jackson. He does need to get better with his shot though.

I'd trade DSJ for Jackson in a heartbeat.

Again, the Mavs do have a choice. He’s under contract. If he chooses to stay away from the team and ruin his career that’s on him. No way I give in to a prima donna who’s upset because for the 1st time in his life he’s not “the man” on his team. Plenty of players come in to this league and have to play second fiddle. He’s no different. If he wants to rack up a bunch of CD-DNP nights then again that’s on him. All he has to do is show up and play basketball, honor his contract.

If he’s hell bent on being the primary ball handler while he’s on the court then why not ask to come off the bench and run the second unit? There is a giant void there now that Barea’s season is done. Fill that void, rebuild his stock and then in the off season a trade can be explored (explored not guaranteed). If I’m not going to get value for a top 10 pick I’m not trading that player.

[Teffer10]

But would you sell low on him, Teffer?

- ORL: DSJ for Jerian Grant and a Future 1st?
- PHX: DSJ for Josh Jackson?
- DET: DSJ for Luke Kennard and a Future 1st?

Maybe the offers are better (or worse)...but I assume they are around the above. I'm worried w all the reports that teams now assume that Dallas has to move him? Or that DSJ wants to be moved? Either way, teams are going to be looking to buy low (and even if they weren't, not sure how much actual value he has). I'm not excited about any of those packages...

He's our only asset / direct path to getting a #2 next to Luka, so we have to be smart. Of course, ideally he grows into that role, but if that's not an option, we need to get back an asset that can become the #2, or give a future path towards that.

I don't think we have a choice but to sell low. It is pretty obvious his value is sinking every day and with Carlisle I don't see it ever getting better.
Dennis isn't going to thrive at SG because he simply doesn't want to play it.

So yeah, we might be selling low trading for Jackson but imo we will be selling a hell of a lot lower in the off-season when he could become so toxic that nobody will want him. Keeping him will make matters worse, not better, so the answer to your question is yes, I'd rather sell a little low on him now than later when the situation is so bad and his attitude completely stinks that we'll have to virtually give him away.

And I'm not so sure Jackson can't develop into that #2 guy. The guy has extremely good handles, has the tools to be an elite defender, is competitive as hell, plays aggressive, has some serious toughness, and would be a nice fit with Luka. He also showed some nice leadership skills when he played at Kansas, a team that had Frank Mason and Devonte Graham. Jackson put that team on his shoulders and carried the load as a freshman. Kind of reminds me a little bit of Stephen Jackson. He does need to get better with his shot though.

I'd trade DSJ for Jackson in a heartbeat.

Again, the Mavs do have a choice. He’s under contract. If he chooses to stay away from the team and ruin his career that’s on him. No way I give in to a prima donna who’s upset because for the 1st time in his life he’s not “the man” on his team. Plenty of players come in to this league and have to play second fiddle. He’s no different. If he wants to rack up a bunch of CD-DNP nights then again that’s on him. All he has to do is show up and play basketball, honor his contract.

If he’s hell bent on being the primary ball handler while he’s on the court then why not ask to come off the bench and run the second unit? There is a giant void there now that Barea’s season is done. Fill that void, rebuild his stock and then in the off season a trade can be explored (explored not guaranteed). If I’m not going to get value for a top 10 pick I’m not trading that player.

I think DSJ had some leverage from the minute we drafted Luka and I'm a little surprised it took this long to become an issue.
If Kings would have taken Luka they'd be in the same situation with Fox and who knows how that would have went.

Look, I get your point on how he SHOULD be loyal to the contract and the team that drafted him but I do think the organization should take some responsibility in this because they should have seen it coming the minute they drafted Luka and should have had a plan B in place from the get-go. They obviously never had one and now they are in a bind and scrambling by trying to make it better.

This whole thing started when teams started inquiring the Mavs about DSJ's possible availablity and his agent seemed to run with it and explore the options. Mavs created this whole mess and it is up to them to fix it, not Dennis. The best way they can fix it for themselves is to move him now while they can. If they think a 21 yo confused kid with a sub-par agent is going to maintain the value of their 2017 top 10 pick then they are taking an enormous risk because they are hanging their hopes on DSJ and his attitude going forward. Not something I would do. From a risk management stand point it is extremely irresponsible on the part of the Mavs organization to think they can right this thing by keeping him.

Move him now while you can is the best way to salvage this situation and if Phoenix offered Jackson the Mavs probably blew their best opportunity.

[Mr B]

I’m listened to one of the Mavs insiders on the radio now and he mentioned that the person in Dennis’ giving him bad advice may not just be his agent. The team speculates that it might be his dad. DSJ has been part of that AAU circuit with all the top prospects and has always been the best player on his team. I hate to say this but it would not surprise me if his dad is telling him that there is no way this “white boy” should be stealing his shine. That the Mavs should be kissing his ass and HE should be the man on this team not Luka.

[Teffer10]

I’m listened to one of the Mavs insiders on the radio now and he mentioned that the person in Dennis’ giving him bad advice may not just be his agent. The team speculates that it might be his dad. DSJ has been part of that AAU circuit with all the top prospects and has always been the best player on his team. I hate to say this but it would not surprise me if his dad is telling him that there is no way this “white boy” should be stealing his shine. That the Mavs should be kissing his ass and HE should be the man on this team not Luka.

Wouldn't surprise me....LaVar Ball 2.0

[2011Champs]

I think the turning point with SmithJr was when Carlisle played him limited minutes in front of all his family and friends in Charlotte. Then the **** hit the fan. Now here we are.

He was playing like crap in that game. He deserved to get pulled.

Wes and Barnes play like crap they get to play as many minutes as they want

[Teffer10]

I think the turning point with SmithJr was when Carlisle played him limited minutes in front of all his family and friends in Charlotte. Then the **** hit the fan. Now here we are.

He was playing like crap in that game. He deserved to get pulled.

Wes and Barnes play like crap they get to play as many minutes as they want

And that probably adds to the frustration for Dennis.
If you aren't part of Rick's little sub-culture of vet pets, you don't get special treatment and a pass for perpetual bone-headed plays.

[Mr B]

He was playing like crap in that game. He deserved to get pulled.

Wes and Barnes play like crap they get to play as many minutes as they want

And that probably adds to the frustration for Dennis.
If you aren't part of Rick's little sub-culture of vet pets, you don't get special treatment and a pass for perpetual bone-headed plays.

If you don’t run the plays called, over dribble, try to play “hero ball”, and then turn the ball over instead of getting your teammates involved you deserve to get yanked from the game.

[gh123]

I think the turning point with SmithJr was when Carlisle played him limited minutes in front of all his family and friends in Charlotte. Then the **** hit the fan. Now here we are.

He was playing like crap in that game. He deserved to get pulled.

Wes and Barnes play like crap they get to play as many minutes as they want

That's how rc always makes sure that his vets get inflated contracts, be it in Dallas or after Dallas. Agents and their players know that, hence we'll always have Wesleys and Harrisons as long as The Senile One is anywhere near our franchise.