(03-22-2024, 07:43 AM)F Gump Wrote: Taking things one step further, I don't accept the premise that the Mavs default position for this summer is being under the probable $171.4-ish M tax line. Even without DJJ and Hardy, their salary total is already sitting at that tax line with only 12 players (and having a roster with less than 14 is generally not permitted). And keeping Hardy is a no-brainer anyhow. 

While I think THJ gets traded (if they can), it's not likely to be with no salary in return. I can see him traded in a package for close to similar salary (in total), and a target of better fit(s) in return. There's not really room for a trade for higher salary, under the new rules, if they want to use the TxMLE or either of their TPEs.

As for DJJ, is he keepable for the TxMLE? That's the best they can do, and I would think they would try to persuade him to return with a 1 yr + player option deal, which would open the door to "up to early-Bird" money (ie, up to about $12M or so) in 2025. There's value in offering "the most we are allowed to offer."

Their limit? I think their practical limit ends up the 2nd apron. That allows them to make such a swap if they can find it, but still use the taxpayer MLE (about 5.2M), keep Hardy, perhaps use one or both TPE's, and fill the roster, with some room to spare.

(03-22-2024, 09:52 AM)Smitty Wrote: I agree with all of this. As for your THJ trade options…I had a random thought last night that maybe Nico tries the SnT route with Paul George. He doesn’t fit the age timeline and has a long injury history but it feels like a Nico move. Does a package of THJ+Green+Maxi+Pick make sense for everyone?

KAI - Exum
Luka - Hardy
PG13 - DJJ
PJW - Omax
Lively - Gafford

(03-22-2024, 10:25 AM)Smitty Wrote: “Pelicans' Brandon Ingram has suffered a bone contusion in his left knee. Fortunate diagnosis for New Orleans and its star forward avoiding serious injury, but Ingram is expected to miss at least two weeks.”

#4 LAC 43-25      -
#5 NOP 42-27  1.5GB
#6 DAL 41-29    3GB
#7 PHX 41-29    3GB
#8 SAC 40-29   3.5GB


This finish is going to be fascinating to watch. Can the Mavs get to 5? The Pelicans without Ingram for at least two weeks makes it seem plausible. Do we even want the Mavs to jump up to 5? That probably sets up a first round matchup with the Clippers and if you’re fortunate to win that series you probably get the defending champs in round 2.

There’s certainly no easy road in the West but my ideal scenario is still Denver finishing 1 and Dallas 6, keeping them on the OKC/MIN side of the bracket. But a run of LAC - DEN - OKC - BOS championship would rival the 2011 one as the greatest ever.

(03-22-2024, 01:55 AM)SleepingHero Wrote: I've rewatched this play maybe 50 times now. There is no twist of the ankle. Barely any contact really. PJ literally steps on DJJ's foot at a slight downward angle for maybe a split second and instantly comes up limping. I fear a broken toe/foot based on how instant that pain was. Even on the bench where the trainer was pressing down, it was around the mid foot area, not ankle. 

I really REALLY hope I'm wrong. 

Even this statement is making me think they're going send him to get x-rays and see what they say.

(03-22-2024, 08:11 PM)StrandedOnBeauboisHill Wrote: I know we didn’t get an update today but for what it’s worth PJ just showed up to the Mavs ball without a boot or anything like that which I take as a good sign.

(03-23-2024, 09:05 AM)Chicagojk Wrote: Ok I must admit I have a center fetish.  I certainly understand there may be some teams where we get exposed a little bit, but I find myself the next day after a game of watching the highlights of both Lively and Gafford on YouTube.  I haven’t been doing that with anyone else.  Just seeing dunk after dunk out a smile on my face.  Amazing that in the past we had one guy who would occasionally make impressive dunks.

It is way early, but just imagine if Hardy becomes a player and if Omax figures it out.  If so, Nico is quietly cooking despite some moves that I have disagreed with.

(03-23-2024, 11:58 AM)SleepingHero Wrote:

Mavs with the 5th best offensive efficiency, 8-9th on defense!

(03-23-2024, 01:10 AM)SleepingHero Wrote: I just saw the tweet in question.

He definitely looks fine. Hopefully he is ok. Perhaps I overreacted. A rare occurrence on the internet to be fair. 

https://twitter.com/sixfivelando/status/1771320296789725251

(03-24-2024, 12:05 PM)SleepingHero Wrote: https://x.com/TexasLegends/status/1771745782477082916?s=20

Texas Legends (@TexasLegends)
"This time I've been in the G has been really good for me. I get a lot of reps, my confidence increases and I feel really good about my shot right now." - @dallasmavs O-Max


REALLY great interview from OMax. Must watch imo.