dirkforpres wrote:If Rick truly believes that rebounding isn’t a pressing issue, then the Mavs are in deeper s*** than I thought. I swear it feels like he doesn’t even watch the games he’s “coaching”.
Every night we get murdered in the paint
What do you expect him to say? We suck at rebounding because KP is trash and Maxi/DFS/Powell are subpar rebounders.
Great reply from Rick. You do not show your hand before a trade.
In general, I don't think there is a magical trade waiting to happen that will improve Mavs significantly. When was the last time a desperation trade helped a team to become a contender? A trade without giving up assets does not move the needle and deprive your assets/cap space for the next years.
Mavs can trade picks and take on huge contracts to get some role players and Doncic would be happier to win 52 games instead of 45 games this year. Instead of the 8th seed, it would be better to finish at 5th-6th. But what about 2 years from now? 52W and 2nd round playoff exit would create more upset and desire to leave for Doncic than this year's underachieving season. So I would say, protect your assets, cap space flexibility for making bolder moves in 21 FA and the next two seasons.Reasonable plan (most likely): This year can only be saved partially. Trading Powell-Johnson-2nd round pick for Drummond. Trying to win 2-3 more games with his contribution. Or Cousins buyout somehow ending up in Dallas. Trade Richardson/Johnson expirings for Kuzma or worse? Some very low-risk try-outs.
Bold plan (depends on trade market): Try to save this year meanwhile thinking mid-term success. Gordon/PorterJr are two athletic wing players that might be available for picks and fillers. Mavs can take a shot for this. Trade 1st picks and swaps, add Brunson etc and try to couple it with the Doncic-KP duo.
Knicks Style : Trade for a veteran player for win-now. Trade KP and first-rounders and get Vucevic, Griffin or Bertans or worse.
Bargain Deal (needs too much luck): You find a borderline all-star level player wants out, the team does not want to pay. Trade him for some role players, relatively low-value assets (Rich-DFS-WCS-THJ-rookies-1st rounders). Harden OKC trade was the biggest example and the second one was Kawhi-Toronto. I guess you can't get that lucky to trade for Bradley Beal for role players and late 1st picks.
Perhaps, Myles Turner would be available for cheap like this offseason.All in : Believe in KP's health and sell all future for a 3rd star. This time you trade all 1st rounders and 4 pick swaps for Beal/Derozan or sth like that.
I think Mavs should wait and see how KP thing play out. Try your chances after the offseason in FA. Long shot but maybe Clippers fail miserably again and Kawhi opts out? Or Giannis asking for trade? 76ers willing to trade B.Simmons for cheap?
In Feb 2020, I was thinking KP-Doncic duo are simply great. Both under 25 years old should stay together. Honestly, I must admit that after the offseason and the new KP injury/return, I am less optimistic. I am
no longer opposed to KP trade scenarios. However, I would play him out and
let him find his rhythm and value before trading. If KP somehow returns his old forms and perhaps demanding for a bigger role/more ball then Mavs FO can trade him for another unsettled star(KAT) in offseason.
