LoveMyRaps wrote:
Mavericks are in no position to contend with their current roster. However this trade makes them a better team with Dragic + Watanabe coming in (both on expiring deals), and Bullock the only real rotational piece (not much of a player, he sucks) going out. The main reason the Mavs do this trade however is that this deal alone allows them to free up about 18mil in cap space. They can sign an impactful player over the summer to add to their solid core of Luka/Brunson/THJ/Porzingis. Then the Mavs can be a real playoff threat starting next season.
The Mavs also receive a 2nd round pick for parting ways with a couple decent prospects.
Pacers do this deal because they're getting a pretty nice haul for LeVert. A first round pick + two B level prospects. They also add Boucher and Bullock, both on team friendly deals, that they can flip elsewhere (to contenders) for picks (most likely second round picks).
Raptors part ways with two guys out of the rotation (Dragic and Yuta), Boucher (expiring) and a first round pick (lottery protected) and in return they get Caris LeVert (combo guard that can fits the bill perfectly - ball handler, great shooter, great playmaker) and also Burke who can be what we wanted Flynn to be this year.
Thoughts?
I'm still in the position where this team can't afford to cough up a 1st to improve the bench. We're better off drafting a LeVert or Bamba who seem to be popular lately.
LeVert's contract next year puts us in the same position to where we are right now - right up against the tax. Little room for signings and not being able to use the MLE without going into the tax.
