Trade & FA 2024-25:

[DanSchwartzgan]

Agree with all of this.  Would you rather send Green + both firsts for Deni, or Green + 25 for Caruso?  Either way you dump Timmy and bring DJJ off the bench.  Or Timmy + 25 for Grimes?

If we have Deni as a starter, then I would actually prioritize Green over DJJ.  We need shooting, right?  Avdija can be a creator from the SF position and plays strong D.  I love him and PJ as the 'Aaron Gordon' types with Luka, Kyrie and Lively.  That is a championship team.

I prioritize Deni over Caruso based on age, upside and contract.  It isn't close for me.  If I could, I'd do THJ and both firsts for Deni making the 2031 pick an unprotected swap.

[KillerLeft]

I agree. That's why I think we should pursue a trade for Lebron or Mikal Bridges because they both deliver everything Dallas needs at a high level (playmaking, defense, 3 points).

If these two are not possible, we should look for others in the same style.

Mikal Bridges is custom made for what the Mavs need. Literally, he is perfect for them. 

He’s not available, sadly.

[KillerLeft]

Count me in the group who doesn’t buy Advija due to shooting. I also think his defense is being overrated, slightly. I am more open to him than some of the other names mentioned, but when I picture him in the mix it doesn’t feel right to me. I could be wrong, obviously, but I’d prefer to hope for DJJ becoming an improved shooter than go that way, I think.

I know he’s not available at all, but the guy above brought up Bridges and I can’t get him out of my head because that’s pretty much exactly what they need. I wish the dude had not mentioned him, lol, because now I have this impossible standard in my head.

Honestly, the more we hash through this, the more I am gravitating towards the guys who have been pushing for Caruso all summer. He’s probably the best combination of ideal and attainable.

[Jason Terry]

The most im willing to go on Avdija is Green, Hardy and 2025 unprotected

[Chicagojk]

Probably most would disagree but keeping jones jr and trading Green and a first for Kusma would solve a lot of our issues.

[KillerLeft]

Probably most would disagree but keeping jones jr and trading Green and a first for Kusma would solve a lot of our issues.

Oh, I totally agree! It would solve the problem of me having to watch so many Mavericks games all the time.

[loki]

Mikal Bridges is custom made for what the Mavs need. Literally, he is perfect for them. 

He’s not available, sadly.

Not yet. Keep your fingers crossed that Mitchell extends in Cleveland.

[dirkfansince1998]

Count me in the group who doesn’t buy Advija due to shooting. I also think his defense is being overrated, slightly. I am more open to him than some of the other names mentioned, but when I picture him in the mix it doesn’t feel right to me. I could be wrong, obviously, but I’d prefer to hope for DJJ becoming an improved shooter than go that way, I think.

I know he’s not available at all, but the guy above brought up Bridges and I can’t get him out of my head because that’s pretty much exactly what they need. I wish the dude had not mentioned him, lol, because now I have this impossible standard in my head.

Honestly, the more we hash through this, the more I am gravitating towards the guys who have been pushing for Caruso all summer. He’s probably the best combination of ideal and attainable.

Caruso is great but injury-prone. Also on the wrong side of 30. Given that the Bulls refused to trade him for a "reasonable" package I don't think he is available.
Actually think that Avdija is underrated on defense. Only so much one guy can do to cover for the rest of his team. Just like PJ with the Hornets. 

For me it isn't about DJJ or Avdija. As much as I doubted Kidd (honestly still do) his defensive scheme looks legit. I expected them to get burned from three in every single playoff round but it never happened. I think the Mavs best option is doubling down on the player type that worked in his scheme. Avdija is that kind of guy. Another long and versatile defender. Can guard on the perimeter. Has the size and awareness to help in the gaps and contest shots at the rim.

[mvossman]

If we have Deni as a starter, then I would actually prioritize Green over DJJ.  We need shooting, right?  Avdija can be a creator from the SF position and plays strong D.  I love him and PJ as the 'Aaron Gordon' types with Luka, Kyrie and Lively.  That is a championship team.

I prioritize Deni over Caruso based on age, upside and contract.  It isn't close for me.  If I could, I'd do THJ and both firsts for Deni making the 2031 pick an unprotected swap.

Your kind of changing the rules of the game.  Deni is obviously the more desirable player long term, which is why you would have to pay significantly more to get him.  I'm not sure Timmy + 25 + 31 swap is a bigger package than Green + 25.  

My preference is not to touch those far down the road firsts if I can help it.  I consider sending that out to be a big hit.  If I did, I wouldn't swap it as it has more value traded straight up.

I kind of think Caruso is the better fit short term.  He is a better defender and better shooter.  I get the idea that Deni is longer, but I am struggling with whether we will be quick enough with three forwards (PJ/Deni/Luka) on the court.

[Ghost of Podkolzin]

Probably most would disagree but keeping jones jr and trading Green and a first for Kusma would solve a lot of our issues.

Kuzma is much underrated on this board.  Deni is being praised as the defensive stopper that he's not.

Last summer was the same with PJ Washington.  If PJ is the player this board portrayed him to be, this wouldn't be a discussion.  He and J.Green should have been the perfect SF/PF combo.

[michaeltex]

Of the few players from other teams I've looked at so far, Gary Trent Jr seems to stand out. He's made at least 38% of his ATB 3's each of the last 5 seasons. He also hit 51.3% of his wide open 3's on 3.3 attempts/game last season. That's double Exum's volume.

And he's an UFA this summer. 25y/o, so he's on the Luka timeline. He made $18.5M last season. Not sure what he's looking for in a next contract and I have no idea if there is any space to clear that would entice him.

But I like the idea.

[mvossman]

Caruso is great but injury-prone. Also on the wrong side of 30. Given that the Bulls refused to trade him for a "reasonable" package I don't think he is available.

Caruso has had some injury troubles in the past, but I am somewhat encouraged that he played roughly 70 games the last two seasons.  He is also only 3 months on the wrong side of 30 and just had the best season of his career.  The Bulls wanted two firsts for him last year and didn't get it.  With only one year left on his contract he should be less expensive, and a quality young player and a first is a good package.  Don't really understand what the Bulls are doing so maybe they will be stubborn and let him walk (or trade him at TDL for smaller package).

[SleepingHero]

I agree. That's why I think we should pursue a trade for Lebron or Mikal Bridges because they both deliver everything Dallas needs at a high level (playmaking, defense, 3 points).

If these two are not possible, we should look for others in the same style.

The dream is Mikal Bridges for sure. But Nets seem adamant they aren't moving him. Houston offered all the Nets picks back, on top of their #3, AND 2 more additional firsts (so by my count that's 6 FRPs) plus Jabari Smith Jr. and the Nets turned it down. 


Lebron is one of my more preferred candidates but its murky trying to SnT with the Lakers. Certainly a better chance of that happening than Bridges. But that essentially means the Mavs have 2 years left (maybe 1) with Lebron. I don't think that's a bad thing given that's probably the time we have left with Kyrie being an impact player anyways.

[SleepingHero]

Probably most would disagree but keeping jones jr and trading Green and a first for Kusma would solve a lot of our issues.

Kuzma on paper makes sense. He's big, athletic, can score in bunches. But Kuzma the player also brings with him one of the worst attitudes in the NBA. He literally said he didn't want to come to Dallas because he thought they weren't close to an NBA championship and would rather stay on the bottom dweller Wizards where he gets 20 FGA a night. 

Different priorities. He's gotten his big contract and he has zero expectations of him in Washington. Much like Poole. He's of the similar "got to get mine" mindset that plagued Wood. 


Because of that, he's probably one of the more awful fits on this team, because he won't sacrifice his role if it came down to it.

[F Gump]

Bobby Marks offseason guide for Dallas.  He thinks DJJ will get a Bruce Brown contract.  He thinks Dallas will likely use THJ or Maxi (plus draft capital) to upgrade the position anyway.

I think the accuracy of this analysis hinges on whether the Mavs see DJJ as the guy they want. If they want him, then DJJ's preferences come into play, and he wants to return as long as they can work out a deal -- which means he's definitely open to NT MLE (since it is the biggest offer they can possibly put on the table) and maybe less (in a 1+1 scenario).

It remains to be seen if DJJ (or anyone else) gets the so-called Bruce Brown Deal this summer -- which was essentially a one-year overpay, with a TO for another year, to turn open cap room into a playable player, who can also be trade filler. I'm sure the concept will be a frequent talking point for this player or that, but that may have been a rare confluence of factors for Indy last summer (with it being a financial transition year due to the new CBA). I can see DJJ maybe looking to become something like that if DAL cannot (or will not) offer him full NT MLE slot, but not sure he goes chasing that. I think he truly prefers to stay.

I also think the Mavs want to build on the strong defense model they used to get as far as they did, rather than tear it down, so I don't think DJJ is as expendable as others might think. If he goes, how do you fill that hole, and even upgrade him to a same-or-better defender who also can be a better shooter? There's definitely not an answer on the existing roster, and I think it's not an easy find, especially in the Mavs price range.

[Winter]

Kuzma on paper makes sense. He's big, athletic, can score in bunches. But Kuzma the player also brings with him one of the worst attitudes in the NBA. He literally said he didn't want to come to Dallas because he thought they weren't close to an NBA championship and would rather stay on the bottom dweller Wizards where he gets 20 FGA a night. 

Different priorities. He's gotten his big contract and he has zero expectations of him in Washington. Much like Poole. He's of the similar "got to get mine" mindset that plagued Wood. 


Because of that, he's probably one of the more awful fits on this team, because he won't sacrifice his role if it came down to it.

I kind of agree with this for the simple reason that he's just not going to get the touches he's used to. He never seems happy anywhere, and I can't imagine him happy in this environment either.

[dirkfansince1998]

Kuzma on paper makes sense. He's big, athletic, can score in bunches. But Kuzma the player also brings with him one of the worst attitudes in the NBA. He literally said he didn't want to come to Dallas because he thought they weren't close to an NBA championship and would rather stay on the bottom dweller Wizards where he gets 20 FGA a night. 

Different priorities. He's gotten his big contract and he has zero expectations of him in Washington. Much like Poole. He's of the similar "got to get mine" mindset that plagued Wood. 


Because of that, he's probably one of the more awful fits on this team, because he won't sacrifice his role if it came down to it.

This. Beyond me why people are still talking about Kuzma after his trade deadline statement.

[loki]

And he's an UFA this summer. 25y/o, so he's on the Luka timeline. He made $18.5M last season. Not sure what he's looking for in a next contract and I have no idea if there is any space to clear that would entice him.

But I like the idea.

It would have to be a sign and trade. Something like THJ+25 1st or a deal around Green. I would also want to make sure they can re-sign DJJ, so Josh probably needs to be moved either way.

As far as the $ amount, I don't think he'll get a significant raise over his last deal. Maybe he looks for a 4th year though.

[michaeltex]

Not trying to troll here, but...

What are the scenarios if DJJ gets bought away on a "Bruce Brown" deal and THJ is removed for air?

Using Hoop Hype date, that put's payroll at ~$158.7M, if you guarantee both Exum (6/22) and Hardy (6/30). Waiving both will get you another $5.2M ($3.1M and $2.1M respectively). Either way, well below the LT of $171.3M and well below the 1st apron of $178.6M.

It also opens up more FA signing opportunities, like SnT, doesn't it?

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to keep the gang together for another run, but I have an itchy feeling that DJJ is going to get a "godfather" offer he can't refuse, and not by DAL.

[SleepingHero]

That feels more realistic.  I'll join mvossman in buying Smitty a beer if the deal ends up being THJ/2nd for Grimes (maybe two beers).

If I have Avdija as a starter, I don't really care if I have Green or Jones coming off the bench.  Your use of Green to Washington makes more sense than THJ to Washington, so if you can also do the deal with Detroit to retain DJJ, I'm in.

Green and 2025 for Avdija probably isn't enough.  Would you be willing to add 2031?  Unprotected?  Top 3 protected?  Unprotected Pick Swap?  I think that gets you more into the conversation.  If you watched the Marks video, this is the kind of thing he was advocating.  Salary plus both picks for a real difference maker.

I probably balk at including 2031 at all for Avdija. 2 FRP's for a non all-star and fringe top 100 player is way too much. WAY too much.

This is every single transaction the last 4 years that included FRPs. 

Past trades that included a single first for a guy last 4 years: 
Terry Roizer
PJ Washington
Daniel Gafford
Kelly Olynyk
CP3 (salary dump w/Poole included but still 1 first was sent)
Marcus Smart/KP trade 
Eric Gordon to LAC + Luke Kennard to MEM
Josh Hart
Jakob Poeltl
Mike Conley/D'Lo/Westbrook trade
Kyrie Irving
Malcom Brogdon
Kevin Heurter
Jerami Grant
Kemba/Duren draft night trade (this one was mega complicated so I don't really want to put it in the list but for accuracy I'll leave it)
Royce O'Neal
Derrick White
Thad Young+Drew Eubanks for Dragic
CJ McCollum (and a bunch of role players)
Caris Lavert
Cam Reddish
Lauri Markkannen (CHI got DJJ! Lauri to CLE)
DeMar DeRozan
Valanciunas/Adams swap (Plus a 1st included)
Al Horford (to PHI and again to BOS 2 years later)
Victor Oladipo
Aaron Gordon
PJ Tucker
Westbrook (to WAS)
Trevor Ariza
CP3 (to PHX)

Multiple firsts included for a guy last 4 years:
Pascal Siakam
James Harden (To PHI *only 2 frp)
Jrue Holiday (*only 2 frp to BOS. And also only 2 FRP to MIL)
Dame Lillard
Bradley Beal
Kevin Durant
Donovan Mitchell
Rudy Gobert
Dejounte Murray
Ousmane Dieng (draft night trade w/OKC)
James Harden (2nd time to LAC)
Alperen Sengun (only 2, draft night trade w/OKC)
Nikola Vucevic
James Harden (To BRK)


I know it's a block of text, but look at each list and compare Avdija right now. He's only worth a single 1st that's probably protected. Maybe an additional 2nd. No way are 2 FRP's included. An unprotected FRP for him is already insane value because I didn't include the protections for each transaction (only Jrue, Harden, Lillard, Durant, Mitchell, Gobert, Murray, and PJ Tucker were traded for unprotected 1sts the last 4 years.

My best package for Avdija is Green+2025 top 3 protected+ 1 2nd.