I still don't know what to do this summer: Dallas Mavericks

[Mike lorenzo]

Can you guys help me? I am writing to you from Spain and due to timetables I cannot follow the NBA as I would like ... to the subject ... What would you do with the elections? They would use the MLE ? What businesses would you do? ..... I love to read them..health

[Texas Chuck]

Hey Mike. Outside of them doing something major I think this is the business to attend to:

Use the MLE on someone who can play SF. If that player proves elusive and very well might, I would hope Dragic gets squeezed in Miami and he would take a one year to play with Luka. Find another center as Powell insurance--probably a min guy, but could use the Room Exception to outbid others shopping at the mid. Preferably someone who can rim run.

Draft the BPA with the 1st or the GSW 2nd and try and turn the other pick into a future pick or a veteran. Can't see this team investing roster spots in 2 rookies.

[Texas Chuck]

Some specifics in my ideal but realistic summer:

Jackson
Rights to Dallas 1st

for

Bjelica
Rights to Detroit 2nd

Deal agreed to at draft, completed in new NBA year for matching purposes.

I'd do it without the Detroit pick, but figured most see the 1st as an overpay for Bjelica

draft BPA with GSW pick, try and trade the Detroit pick for a future 2nd.

Sign Jae Crowder 1 year/full MLE. If he won't take it and Ariza isn't picked up as I expect try him for the Room Exception and offer Dragic 1/MLE.

Bring back Barea for 1 more year. He won't play much but he's great for the room or for a spark--particularly at home where the crowd feeds off him.
Sign WCS or JaVale or Biyombo or Mahinmi for the min or Room Exception

Go into next year like this:

KP/Powell/FA center/Bobi
Bjelica/Kleber/DFS
DFS/Crowder or Ariza
THJ/Curry/Wright
Luka/Brunson/Barea

With a draft pick getting the 15th roster spot.

And next year being the major change year. Obviously if something opens up this year you jump at the right guy, but I think uncertainty with the cap may temper movement.

[R-DAWG]

Dallas has gotten off to an unbelievable start of their rebuild. 3 years in the lotto has resulted in Luka Doncic and Kristapas Porzingis - and while the combined cost was extremely cheap (1 extra lotto pick for Luka, Dennis Smith Jr and 2 future picks, 1 protected for KP).

Dallas is flexible with their long term cap, and even has draft capital to dangle in trades (will be eligible to trade FRP's in 2025 and 2027 after this years draft).

At this point, maintaing that flexibility for the long term is more important than any small short term upgrades. Luka looks like he's a perennial top 5, MVP caliber player and, in my opinion, KP is better suited than Chris Bosh to play the role that Bosh played in Miami, even though Bosh is a better overall player - KP's a better shooter and rim protecter, which is what you want out of your 3rd star. The key for Dallas is positioning themselves to be in play for a 3rd star should it become available.

[Texas Chuck]

in my opinion, KP is better suited than Chris Bosh to play the role that Bosh played in Miami, even though Bosh is a better overall player - KP's a better shooter and rim protecter, which is what you want out of your 3rd star. The key for Dallas is positioning themselves to be in play for a 3rd star should it become available.

This is interesting to me, especially from a Knicks fan. Do you not have concerns that KP would not be able to accept being the 3rd guy the way Bosh did? Bosh sacrificed a ton in terms of his personal game in order to be part of a winner. While as a Mavs fan I'd hope all our players would do the same, I'm not sure that's always realistic and we know KP has been a bit shall we say difficult in that regard over his short career.

I don't disagree with you btw in regards to their games, just wondering about the mental aspect.

[aguiar95]

Use the MLE on someone who can play SF. Find another center as Powell insurance.

Draft the BPA with the 1st or the GSW 2nd and try and turn the other pick into a future pick or a veteran. Can't see this team investing roster spots in 2 rookies.

This is pretty much what we need to do. If we could find a way to dump Jackson + Wright for an expiring, we should explore that.

To me the SF (MLE) player has to be a plus on defense and be able to defend on-ball while DFS is resting. Derrick Jones Jr. (MIA) is who I have in mind (DAL has already show intrest in him in the failed MIA trade).

I agree we need another versatile big (if WCS opts out), my money would go to Chris Boucher (TOR) or we could just draft him.

Doncic/Wright/Brunson
THJ/Curry/Lee
DFS/Jones Jr./Jackson
Kleber/Boucher/#18
KP/Powell/Boban

[JamesConway]

1) Be opportunistic trade-wise. Our cap situation is good, we have a bunch of guys on decent deals and no really bad money. If there's a deal around #18/#31/Brunson/other filler maybe we could get something done but I doubt it. Position of focus would be the wing spot.

2) If nothing of interest is there just make two selections and take them seriously. Saddiq Bey, Nesmith, Kira Lewis, Devin Vassell would all be great at #18, maybe we luck into one of them being there. At #31 you have a nice pick to be opportunistic. Maybe a talented underclassman becomes available for weird reasons (like Dejounte Murry a few years ago) or a good upperclassman (Desmond Bane?) or international guy (Bolmaro?). And then there are always outside-the-box-ideas that might be worth exploring if the scouting department has a strong feeling about a certain player (Poku?).

3) Get the BPA with the full MLE. If we could find somebody there who is worth his contract then that would be great. I've always been a fan of Saric, maybe he's within reach? I think he'd be great here. I'd target the SG/SF/smallball PF spot if we don't strike a trade with 1)

4) I wouldn't try to dump Powell right now given that he's at his lowest in terms of value (still out for months, new contract about to kick in). We can kick a decision on him down for a year and at least take the hit this year. Rim runners aren't exactly hard to replace, maybe not quite on Powell's level but that's usually a team-friendly need to fill in the summer market with smallish exceptions.

5) Delon Wright might be on the move. He's the sole guy I'd be willing to dump but I'd be looking for a smallish asset in return here. He's a productive, 6'5 two way guard who has made improvements with his shot and is on a fair contract. Any contender could use him Imo.

6) Tim Hardaway is a tough case. If he wants to opt out then it's hard to not re-sign him due to his outstanding play but I am never confident about ability to negotiate when it comes to beloved locker room guys. We have a tendency of overvalueing nice guys there with Wes Matthews certainly being the worst example (close to Barnes and Powell).

[daoneandonly]

Some specifics in my ideal but realistic summer:

Jackson
Rights to Dallas 1st

for

Bjelica
Rights to Detroit 2nd

Deal agreed to at draft, completed in new NBA year for matching purposes.

I'd do it without the Detroit pick, but figured most see the 1st as an overpay for Bjelica

draft BPA with GSW pick, try and trade the Detroit pick for a future 2nd.

Sign Jae Crowder 1 year/full MLE. If he won't take it and Ariza isn't picked up as I expect try him for the Room Exception and offer Dragic 1/MLE.

Bring back Barea for 1 more year. He won't play much but he's great for the room or for a spark--particularly at home where the crowd feeds off him.
Sign WCS or JaVale or Biyombo or Mahinmi for the min or Room Exception

Go into next year like this:

KP/Powell/FA center/Bobi
Bjelica/Kleber/DFS
DFS/Crowder or Ariza
THJ/Curry/Wright
Luka/Brunson/Barea

With a draft pick getting the 15th roster spot.

And next year being the major change year. Obviously if something opens up this year you jump at the right guy, but I think uncertainty with the cap may temper movement.

Oh man Chuck, I know you've admittedly mentioned you dont value picks as much as others, but Bjelly is nowhere near worth a first or a pick swap to move back to the 2nd round. I think you've mentioned as well how good he offense already was, and defense is where we need help, Jelly doesnt help us out on iota there.

[matt6715]

Pretty sure Mark Cuban and Donnie's ideal would be to package their FRP and/or the GSW second rounder with Justin Jackson to get an impact player. Personally i hope they hang onto their first rounder and draft the best player available (I would love Saddiq Bey), and then flip JJ + pick #31 for a wing or big. Use the MLE to plug either the big man or wing hole.

[daoneandonly]

Devin Vassell would be a great get at #18 if he's there. Hard to get a sense of where he'd go with all the mocks have him all over the place, but he's exact type of guy this team needs

[R-DAWG]

in my opinion, KP is better suited than Chris Bosh to play the role that Bosh played in Miami, even though Bosh is a better overall player - KP's a better shooter and rim protecter, which is what you want out of your 3rd star. The key for Dallas is positioning themselves to be in play for a 3rd star should it become available.

This is interesting to me, especially from a Knicks fan. Do you not have concerns that KP would not be able to accept being the 3rd guy the way Bosh did? Bosh sacrificed a ton in terms of his personal game in order to be part of a winner. While as a Mavs fan I'd hope all our players would do the same, I'm not sure that's always realistic and we know KP has been a bit shall we say difficult in that regard over his short career.

I don't disagree with you btw in regards to their games, just wondering about the mental aspect.

Do I have concerns about KP's attitude, i do. But keep in mind that he was 22 years old in a dysfunctional organization - where the team president and franchise player were openly feuding over the triangle and said franchise player had a no trade clause. I'm 32 years old now, and I know looking back 10 years ago, I would handle certain things differently.

My concerns with Porzingis are more about (a) his durability - a big issue in NY, besides constant nagging injuries, was the KP would start each season hot and then cool down as the season progressed. Combine that with the fact that smaller players who are extremely strong with low center's of gravity gave him problems - specifically Marcus Smart and (b) his best attributes are his 3 point shooting combined with his rim protection. While he can create his own shots driving to the basket, he's not elite at that aspect of the game - therefore, at his best, he's a catch and shoot guy/3rd offensive option. I see as an above average 3rd option and average to below average 2nd option.

[Mike lorenzo]

I am on board with the idea of ​​trying to change by maturities, to release the cover2021. I have been looking for those that in my way of seeing to a lesser or greater extent, are overpaid and would surely be more available. Batum. 27 Cory Joseph..12? Toni Snell..12 D.Dedmon..13 Otto porter. 28 Felicio ... 8? C.Zeller..15 Randle. 18 Rudy Gay..15 Albridge ... 24 Iguadola ... 15 James Jonshon. 16 Darius Miller..7 and because there are some veterans like D.Green and my favorite Pj Tucker although I don't think they are available ... I would try to sign FA ..D.Favors / T.Thompsom / Crowder and a recovery bet on Josh Jackson if he is (very ) cheap or A.Roberson

[loserX]

Can you guys help me? I am writing to you from Spain and due to timetables I cannot follow the NBA as I would like ... to the subject ... What would you do with the elections? They would use the MLE ? What businesses would you do? ..... I love to read them..health

Welcome to the Boards! Always fantastic to welcome NBA fans from overseas!!

[Mike lorenzo]

Can you guys help me? I am writing to you from Spain and due to timetables I cannot follow the NBA as I would like ... to the subject ... What would you do with the elections? They would use the MLE ? What businesses would you do? ..... I love to read them..health

Welcome to the Boards! Always fantastic to welcome NBA fans from overseas!!

thank you very much sir ... a pleasure, I recently discovered you and I am drugged ... I was always an NBA fan but obviously the time Luka for Spain has something to do with my recent (pre-covid) sleepless nights and what I hate Real Madrid but this boy....

[realEAST]

Let's start with TRADE, a recently discussed deal for combo forward, with Bulls:

DAL: T. Young
CHI: D. Wright, J. Jackson

As for dDRAFT, picks are made according to tankathon, but those players should be available by most mock drafts:

#18: K. Lewis / J. McDaniels (if Dallas can get any of the two, I think they've got a pretty nice prospect, with K. Lewis being a more certain thing, and McDaniels having nice tools for potentially high level 3&D guy)

#31: R. Woodard / D. Bane / L. Bolmaro (if no one is available, that most likely means someone else good has fallen)

*UDFA: I am really high on M. Diakite (Virginia) as potentially undrafted guy - versatile defender able to stretch floor.
........Also, if doesn't get drafted earlier Jalen Harrris (Nevada) would be great pick up imo.


Free Agency:

Assumning Ariza's option is picked up and Crowder gets deal longer than a single year, I'd go after Harkless or Bazemore with 1+1 (team option) full MLE, maybe even Josh Jackson if no other options are available.

Final roster, looking towards 2021 FA. Good ten men rotation and rookies as 3rd stringers, waiting their chance and fighting for minutes:

Hardaway..........Brunson.......Barea
Doncic..............Curry..........DP
Finney Smith.......Harkless......DP
Young...............Kleber.........Diakite
Porzingis............Powell........Bobi

[Mike lorenzo]

Let's start with TRADE, a recently discussed deal for combo forward, with Bulls:

DAL: T. Young
CHI: D. Wright, J. Jackson

As for dDRAFT, picks are made according to tankathon, but those players should be available by most mock drafts:

#18: K. Lewis / J. McDaniels (if Dallas can get any of the two, I think they've got a pretty nice prospect, with K. Lewis being a more certain thing, and McDaniels having nice tools for potentially high level 3&D guy)

#31: R. Woodard / D. Bane / L. Bolmaro (if no one is available, that most likely means someone else good has fallen)

*UDFA: I am really high on M. Diakite (Virginia) as potentially undrafted guy - versatile defender able to stretch floor.
........Also, if doesn't get drafted earlier Jalen Harrris (Nevada) would be great pick up imo.


Free Agency:

Assumning Ariza's option is picked up and Crowder gets deal longer than a single year, I'd go after Harkless or Bazemore with 1+1 (team option) full MLE, maybe even Josh Jackson if no other options are available.

Final roster, looking towards 2021 FA. Good ten men rotation and rookies as 3rd stringers, waiting their chance and fighting for minutes:

Hardaway..........Brunson.......Barea
Doncic..............Curry..........DP
Finney Smith.......Harkless......DP
Young...............Kleber.........Diakite
Porzingis............Powell........Bobi

I like the idea, do you think it would be possible or a good idea to change 18 (Vassell / Nesmith out) for Ntilikina and Harkless instead a J.Holiday guy

[Texas Chuck]

Free Agency:

Assumning Ariza's option is picked up and Crowder gets deal longer than a single year, I'd go after Harkless or Bazemore with 1+1 (team option) full MLE, maybe even Josh Jackson if no other options are available.

Final roster, looking towards 2021 FA. Good ten men rotation and rookies as 3rd stringers, waiting their chance and fighting for minutes:

Hardaway..........Brunson.......Barea
Doncic..............Curry..........DP
Finney Smith.......Harkless......DP
Young...............Kleber.........Diakite
Porzingis............Powell........Bobi

Yeah some good FA alternatives there. Though I don't want Jackson and would definitely want Bazemore over Harkless. I just think Bazemore is more dependable offensively. I'm afraid when Harkless went into his inevitable shooting slumps he'd get parked on the bench. I'm guessing your rotation is about position they defend? Because clearly Luka is the 1 and THJ the 2. FWIW in a world where DFS doesn't play much PF, he actually defends some PG's too the way Marion used to do for Kidd. Basically if he's in at SF he's going to have the toughest perimeter assignment, THJ the next and Luka hidden if possible.

[realEAST]

Let's start with TRADE, a recently discussed deal for combo forward, with Bulls:

DAL: T. Young
CHI: D. Wright, J. Jackson

As for dDRAFT, picks are made according to tankathon, but those players should be available by most mock drafts:

#18: K. Lewis / J. McDaniels (if Dallas can get any of the two, I think they've got a pretty nice prospect, with K. Lewis being a more certain thing, and McDaniels having nice tools for potentially high level 3&D guy)

#31: R. Woodard / D. Bane / L. Bolmaro (if no one is available, that most likely means someone else good has fallen)

*UDFA: I am really high on M. Diakite (Virginia) as potentially undrafted guy - versatile defender able to stretch floor.
........Also, if doesn't get drafted earlier Jalen Harrris (Nevada) would be great pick up imo.


Free Agency:

Assumning Ariza's option is picked up and Crowder gets deal longer than a single year, I'd go after Harkless or Bazemore with 1+1 (team option) full MLE, maybe even Josh Jackson if no other options are available.

Final roster, looking towards 2021 FA. Good ten men rotation and rookies as 3rd stringers, waiting their chance and fighting for minutes:

Hardaway..........Brunson.......Barea
Doncic..............Curry..........DP
Finney Smith.......Harkless......DP
Young...............Kleber.........Diakite
Porzingis............Powell........Bobi

I like the idea, do you think it would be possible or a good idea to change 18 (Vassell / Nesmith out) for Ntilikina and Harkless instead a J.Holiday guy

As for draft pick, Vassell would be ideal, definitely my first choice, but he is likely to go top15.
Nesmith, I am not that high on - he is great shooter, but not much of a defender (he is negative on college level, can't see him being passable on NBA level). I would rather have Kira Lewis or McDaniels over Ntilikina, among other things, because they have four cheap years. I also think Ntlikina could be had for less than a 1st pick.

As for J. Holiday, he'd be a good option too, but i think he'd want a longer deal, and it cuts into Dallas 2021 cap space.

[realEAST]

Free Agency:

Assumning Ariza's option is picked up and Crowder gets deal longer than a single year, I'd go after Harkless or Bazemore with 1+1 (team option) full MLE, maybe even Josh Jackson if no other options are available.

Final roster, looking towards 2021 FA. Good ten men rotation and rookies as 3rd stringers, waiting their chance and fighting for minutes:

Hardaway..........Brunson.......Barea
Doncic..............Curry..........DP
Finney Smith.......Harkless......DP
Young...............Kleber.........Diakite
Porzingis............Powell........Bobi

Yeah some good FA alternatives there. Though I don't want Jackson and would definitely want Bazemore over Harkless. I just think Bazemore is more dependable offensively. I'm afraid when Harkless went into his inevitable shooting slumps he'd get parked on the bench. I'm guessing your rotation is about position they defend? Because clearly Luka is the 1 and THJ the 2. FWIW in a world where DFS doesn't play much PF, he actually defends some PG's too the way Marion used to do for Kidd. Basically if he's in at SF he's going to have the toughest perimeter assignment, THJ the next and Luka hidden if possible.

That's right, rotations are based on position they would defend.

Between Harkless and Bazemore I am not certain, since, I agree, Bazemore is a more reliable shooter, but Harkless has more size and is better defending bigger forwards. I guess I am banking on Doncic creating good enough looks for Harkless for him to semi reliable offensively. But it is really close, argument can be made for Bazemore too, and I could be swayed either way, especially since it is only a one year deal.

I actually like DFS on smaller guys too as he is really fast and mobile (I remember a game where he played great defense on Lillard for ex.), he can cover and switch 1-4 pretty efficiently, and I think he'd excel along another stronger combo forward (or Maxi for that instance, but he is very important for the 2nd unit, giving that strong defensive presence when KP is off the floor). Definitely very useful player to have.

[loserX]

With the Mavs watching their 2021 capspace so carefully, there probably isn't a lot going to happen (unless they find a perfect-fitting star, or course, but there's not much of a path to get there).

A FA I'd love to see there is Aron Baynes, but if the focus is a big defensive forward or wing, I agree that Crowder is a good choice. He played well in Dallas before, and Miami is guarding their 2021 capspace even more, so a multiyear deal could pry him away. Kyle O'Quinn seems to feel underappreciated in Philadelphia and could make a useful bench big in Dallas, and for cheap.

I've been toying with a 3-way deal that moves out Delon Wright for Tony Snell, thus adding another wing and clearing future salary to offset what Crowder (or whoever) gets paid, but don't know if I can balance the value:
Dallas trades Delon for Snell
Detroit trades Snell for Joseph+
Sacramento trades Joseph for Wright+

Mavs do what I just said. Detroit gets some kind of payment for taking on Joseph's $2.4M guaranteed in 2020-21. Kings get (IMHO) a small upgrade in Wright, a big guard who can defend but also shoot a bit. He's owed about $19M over two years, which I think is still an improvement over paying CoJo either $25.2M for two years or $15M for one. Not sure if I can sort out the sweeteners though...Detroit will demand something but I can see the Mavs and Kings fighting over who should give it up.