RBWS' Multi-Team Offseason Blueprint

[RasheedsBigWhiteSpot]

I'm not one to start threads, but I put a lot of time and work into this and didn't want it caught up in the wash at the end of a page.

Yes, this post is long one, but after reading multiple team's message boards, studying their ultimate Offseason wishlists and incorporating what the Mavs could and should do, I've created a giant blueprint.  Please give it a read and your thoughts and consideration. (Yes, FGump, I've done multiple checks against the cap on this and it seems to check out. That said, if there are slight issues, I can see multiple ways this can be compartmentalized and broken up to be compliant.)

Mantra #1 - Two Timelines DON'T Work

There have been multiple examples of teams attempting to win now while cultivating a future generation. But it simply doesn't work. Sometimes a team can win immediately, but, ultimately, doing so, leads to not developing the youth movement and hamstringing it's cap for years to come. Therefore, if it's either building around AD and Kyrie (two injury prone players) or Flagg and  a younger nucleus, I choose the latter.

Mantra #2 - Though Shalt NOT Be a 2nd Apron Team

Operating within the 2nd Apron is far too limiting, prevents a team from being opportunistic and forces it to make poor choices.

Mantra #3 - Do NOT Fall in Love With Past Results

Yes, older players have history, track records and highlight reels that make you feel warm and fuzzy. But they also have bloated contracts (See: Mantra #2) and a shortened potential for winnable seasons.

Trades

Trade #1:
Mavs receive Air
Nets receive Dwight Powell and Sixers 2031 2nd

This is simply an appetizer for the deals to come, which comfortably gets Dallas under the 2nd Apron and allows it to aggregate players in the future trades. This is part of the Nets accumulating small contracts on serviceable players which is sometimes needed in lieu of the straight cap space they have.  There are other teams with small, soon to be expiring TPEs who would like a free asset. I simply chose the Nets.

Trade #2:

Mavs receive #8, #13, #36 and a $51.8 mil TPE/ cap space
Nets receive PJ Washington, Max Christie, #22 and the Lakers 2029 1st (top 3 protected)
Hawks receive Daniel Gafford, Caleb Martin #19 and #27  (Hawks have a $25 mil TPE)

Why do the Nets do it?

Frankly, the Draft becomes a crapshoot after the 5th or 6th pick. They hoped their pick would be higher, but they rolled snake eyes.  Trading #8 and swapping around a few other picks is worth it in getting young assets like PJ, Christie and Hardy (who are easily movable -- Hardy needs a change of scenery), plus a reroll with the future Lakers' pick is a good rebet.  Additionally, a giant glob of cap space looks great on paper, but valuable players on good, short contracts are much better when you are blindly starting a rebuild 

Why do the Hawks do it?  They have a $25 mil TPE due to expire in June. For the #13 pick they get a young Center in Gafford, a solid piece in Martin and move up a few picks later in the draft.

Why do the Mavs do it?

Yes, they swap around draft capital, but they also create significant cap space/TPE to be used in...

Trade #3

Mavs receive Damian Lillard, Harrison Barnes, Jared McCain, Bobby Portis, #2, the Celtics unprotected 2026 and regain 2030 swap rights from Spurs

Sixers receive Anthony Davis, #32 and #36

Bucks receive Paul George, Jrue Holliday, Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, #3, #13,#14, 2026 Hawks 1st via swap with Spurs, Hawks unprotected 2027 1st and unprotected 1st from Clippers, 2028 swap rights for the Celtics' 1st via Spurs

Celtics receive 2031 2nd via Kings

Okay, why does each team do this?

Let's start with the Bucks:

First, they are in the epically weak East. Secondly, their immediate draft position is essentially negated by the sunk cost of having zero control of their own draft capital.  Plus, they get rid of the dead weight of Lillard's deal while landing seven 1sts to trade Giannis in his prime. 

A starting lineup of:
Holliday, Vassell, George, Kuzma and Queen (#13 pick) will get you into the playoffs in the East. And if it doesn't, who cares? This season is essentially a Powerball ticket while building around the seven 1sts.

Why do the Sixers do it?
Rinse and repeat: the East is WIDE OPEN and a core of Maxey, AD and Embiid would be one of the favorites to come out of the Leastern Conference. Plus, they get out of George's deal. It will cost them #3, a 2028 Clippers' 1st and McCain, who can be replaced by resigning Grimes.

Why do the Celtics do it?
Easy. They unload a MASSIVE contract and save a boatload of luxury tax. It costs them an unprotected 1st in a loaded draft in what could be a bad year for them.

Why do the Spurs do it?

Even easier. Giannis. Between Antetokounpo and Wembanyama they create the most formidable frontcourt for the next decade (GA will age like LeBron) and cause Elementary spelling bee contestants in San Antonio to freak out.

Okay, now, WHY DALLAS?

First, if you're honest with yourself, the West ain't the East. It's going to be a GAUNTLET for the next 3-4 years. The chances of an aging Mavs team threading the needle with health scares and a weird mix of very old bodies with a generational talent in Flagg who won't even be old enough to drink for THREE more years(!!!), combined with limited future picks is a bad mix.  Instead, use the pieces you have and the mixture of panic and ambition the other teams have against them and build for the long term.

Why, specifically? Because a Flagg and Harper combo could be epic.  Plus, with the 8th pick you can either sit back and grab whoever slips through or add an asset and move up to get someone you think could be a part of a 3-headed monster along with Lively.

Now you're wondering how Kyrie fits in with all this. Truthfully, I think it could work out two ways, with both being positive. If Kyrie decides he'd rather go elsewhere, cool. I understand. But, honestly, with the exception of Detroit, I don't see many desirable options to sign him away outright. Thus, the Mavs, could facilitate a sign and trade that gets them some assets.  However, if Kyrie likes it here, I would love nothing more than a rehabbing Kyrie and Dame serving as the mentors for this next generation (gives me chills).  Plus, once Kyrie and Dame have rehabbed their value, the Mavs can work with them to find them an ideal situation to go elsewhere.

So what does the new lineup look like for next season?

Harper, B. Williams
McCain, Klay
Naji, Barnes
Flagg, Portis
Lively, Maluach (#8 pick)

The Mavs then have their own 2026 1st and Boston's to add to the young core, and $30 million in expiring contracts (Barnes and Portis) that can be dealt at the deadline.

Yeah, it's young, but it's also got a sturdy framework.

As for the trades, it does look like a lot of moving parts and questioning of, plus or minus, the value of the trades.  But in the long run, this trade looks fair:

AD, PJ, Gafford, Christie, Martin and the Lakers 2029 pick
For
Harper, McCain, Lillard's bad contract, Barnes, #8 and the Celtics' 2026 1st, plus regaining the 2030 swap from SA

In fact, I think this checks the boxes for all the teams.

Look, I expect Nico to Nico. But if he zags instead of zigs, this could be a way more exciting future than the one we woke up to in February.

[cow]

With the landscape of the West, I think it's fine to be out of contention in the short term. More than fine actually, it's what I think the team should do. That's going to require replacing Nico which I don't see happening before the end of next season and almost certainly after the TDL. You just have to hope AD's value doesn't fall off a cliff and that no moves are made to further damage the hole we dug ourselves by putting together Luka's supporting cast. Further, if Giannis wants out and the destination is the Spurs, the Bucks probably would just take the path of least resistance and grab the #2 for themselves as it seems there is a lot less certainty beyond that pick in this draft.

[F Gump]

Thanks for the hard work in putting all that together. Interesting. I have no idea if it breaks any cap rules, because I didn't see a reason to look to find any, and it's such a complex exercise for something so remote (so you said you did your best, and I'll just take it as is).

Some of the rationale I like, some I don't agree with at all, but it has a lot of thinking and it's fun to consider the various team ideas. Thanks again.

[ballsrchr]

I'm not one to start threads, but I put a lot of time and work into this and didn't want it caught up in the wash at the end of a page.

Yes, this post is long one, but after reading multiple team's message boards, studying their ultimate Offseason wishlists and incorporating what the Mavs could and should do, I've created a giant blueprint.  Please give it a read and your thoughts and consideration. (Yes, FGump, I've done multiple checks against the cap on this and it seems to check out. That said, if there are slight issues, I can see multiple ways this can be compartmentalized and broken up to be compliant.)....

Wow!  Yes...thanks for your post.  I can't imagine the time and effort that you took to do this.  Just like F Gump I agree with parts of it.  And I also have no idea if scenarios are legal and viable.

Besides Flagg--if the Mavs draft him...remember this is Nico Harrisons's team, he's the man!...and I am very worried he will mess up the draft...and trades.

Besides Flagg...I want to keep Lively, Gafford, Max Christie, Naji Marshall, P.J. Washington.

I also want to keep Kyrie Irving if we can get a good deal going forward.  He's injured and getting older, but what a team leader he has become.  This would be very valuable for a young team.

Because of what they can contribute to the team, and the economics--meaning basically league minimum--I'd like to keep Dante Exum, and...hmmm...not much else.  Brandon Williams.  Jaden Hardy...maybe.  Kai Jones?

The rest are trade bait as far as I'm concerned.

I may have missed an important part of the team.  I'm just a fan, not an expert like many of you are.  Believe me...I appreciate all the great posts and information.  Keep it up!

And Nico Harrison needs to be fired...now.

[loki]

I'd love an AD for Harper deal. Hopefully something similar is still possible once Dumont realizes he can't win with those cats (Nico, Kidd, AD).

[RasheedsBigWhiteSpot]

Besides Flagg...I want to keep Lively, Gafford, Max Christie, Naji Marshall, P.J. Washington.

I also want to keep Kyrie Irving if we can get a good deal going forward.  He's injured and getting older, but what a team leader he has become.  This would be very valuable for a young team.

Because of what they can contribute to the team, and the economics--meaning basically league minimum--I'd like to keep Dante Exum, and...hmmm...not much else.  Brandon Williams.  Jaden Hardy...maybe.  Kai Jones?

Thanks for your thoughts. Yes, ideally, I'd love to keep most of the band together, but there's a BIG problem most don't consider:

A year from now PJ and Gafford will be up for bigger extensions, Flagg will be making $9mil and even trading AD away will require taking back considerable salary in return. This will be a hard 2nd Apron team. And that doesn't even take into account Lively's extension a year after that. 

Frankly, you have to ask yourself, is that collection of complimentary pieces worth being Hard Capped by the 2nd Apron and without the ability to aggregate any of those players to improve?

As much I love those guys, you can't do that anymore. They were brought here to compliment Luka, a top 3 player in his prime. You swallow hard and become a 2nd Apron Team around Luka because you've literally seen the results of being in at least the WCFs multiple years.  But, in a best case scenario, Flagg is several seasons from being a true Alpha. And by then, Kyrie and AD are worth very little. 

No, the time is now to move these pieces.

[F Gump]

Obviously the payroll has the potential to get worse, but imo the decisions on what future contracts will be for PJW and Gaff come THIS summer, and by doing so it allows them to be proactive as needed. But at the right numbers, it alternately might allow them to NOT have to change a lot. Everything needs to be a value proposition on talent/production vs paycheck (they need players who can and do OUTPLAY their paycheck), rather than knee-jerk.

That's why I really think trading AD (not the rest) has to be very much on the table, because I think the idea he's able to play up to his contract, much less exceed it, is very iffy due to his health issues.

However I think NTI's "vision" so to speak was an AD-Kyrie based team, so there's that flawed reality to deal with. On paper, when healthy and at the right age, AD-Kyrie could have been a dynamite combo, but NTI has to take off the rose-colored glasses and see what these guys (especially AD) are actually going to be able to offer. If AD was getting 40M like Kyrie, it's a much different value equation imo, but the AD contract is what it is and to me is a big issue.

There's another thing NTI should consider (although not sure he will). Flagg could LITERALLY become the replacement for AD, doing all the same kind of things (incl rebound, defend) as a 4, but at 40M less per year and playing way more games. Trading AD for a superior offense creator, doesn't that solve all the money issues and overlap issues in one move?

[RasheedsBigWhiteSpot]

Trading AD for a superior offense creator, doesn't that solve all the money issues and overlap issues in one move?

I'm all ears for a move like that. Truly. But hit me with some specifics.

I'd be game for a simple 3 team trade of:

Mavs get P. George and #2 (Dylan Harper)
Sixers get AD
Spurs get something of value from the Sixers that compliments them other than another ballhandler. Perhaps #3, McCain and a nice pick.

I do think the Mavs should probably get #35 back for taking on George. I think PG, as a 6th Man, would thrive in that role.

[Winter]

One of the questions I have is "How much say-so does Nico have now?"

It seems strange that he would still be allowed complete (and trusted) control over Maverics trades post-Doncic. As far as I know, there's been no rumors of additional input or any changes that would raise a flag. Yet, it would almost be weird to continue as is. The Doncic trade is almost certainly the biggest event in Mavericks history outside the 2011 Championship. Maybe Rick Welts is more involved, but that's just a guess.

One thing this front office is good at is staying quiet.

[ThisIStheYear]

The specifics aren’t important and are a little lopsided in the Mavs favor, but I like the general direction. If you want to win now, then trade Flagg. If you try to win now with Flagg, AD, and Kyrie, you’re just going to fail and be forced to trade Flagg later at gunpoint with a dying team. The Mavs could rebuild this thing quickly for a nice 6-10 year window by prioritizing young, cheap players and draft picks, and signing one impact free agent in a year or two.

[RasheedsBigWhiteSpot]

One of the questions I have is "How much say-so does Nico have now?"

It seems strange that he would still be allowed complete (and trusted) control over Maverics trades post-Doncic. As far as I know, there's been no rumors of additional input or any changes that would raise a flag. Yet, it would almost be weird to continue as is. The Doncic trade is almost certainly the biggest event in Mavericks history outside the 2011 Championship. Maybe Rick Welts is more involved, but that's just a guess.

One thing this front office is good at is staying quiet.

Yes, this bothers me IMMENSELY!!!!!!!

Dumont can still exist in a world of knowing jack s--- about basketball, but he can't be this vapid about PR. Nico is TOAST and simply a public relations liability. It doesn't matter what he ever does from here on out -- he traded Luka, who was viewed as "Simba" to the Lion King of Dirk. The Mavs could win a championship next year and I think he'd STILL get booed. It's that baked in.

So, I'm with you, he should've been looooong gone. Anyone factoring in the extreme luck of getting the #1 pick in the Lottery with Nico's basketball acumen, is an idiot and delusional.

[F Gump]

I'm all ears for a move like that. Truly. But hit me with some specifics.

I'd be game for a simple 3 team trade of:

Mavs get P. George and #2 (Dylan Harper)
Sixers get AD
Spurs get something of value from the Sixers that compliments them other than another ballhandler. Perhaps #3, McCain and a nice pick.

I do think the Mavs should probably get #35 back for taking on George. I think PG, as a 6th Man, would thrive in that role.

MY INITIAL THOUGHTS:
1 i don't think that moving to PG from AD really improves the problem of health/availability or massive salary clogging the roster. PG is about a wash with AD in those areas.
2  I'm not convinced Harper will be a TOP player. I do think he will be a solid starter for someone. But his athleticism is NOT special, maybe even a bit subpar, which is probably going to give him a ceiling that's not high.
3 Those being said, there's enough utility in there that I would do that deal on its face. Except --

There's one hidden issue which would be a deal-killer for about every team, including the Mavs. That's the fact that it causes about a 10M bump in the Mavs payroll, when they are already about 1.2M over A2 and would be committed to getting below it far enough to allow some room to navigate. 

Solvable? Likely, at least on paper. But it's a HUGE impact deal to get where you need to go to carve out a TxpMLE window. Even my preferred Ball trade (with Martin, Hardy, DP all outgoing) doesn't even get you back down to A2. And trading Gaff is no longer an option, with AD gone, But it's now basically mandatory to do some major cost cutting even AFTER moving AD, which means the original deal to trade him has to be weighed inclusive of the cost of the salary-shedding one(s) also required, to see if the overall price to trade AD has become a price too great.

It's an intriguing exercise, but the point is that a simple solve for moving AD to erase the issues he brings may not really erase them from the roster after all, while adding a need to shed talented players with well-priced contracts just like I really don't want to do for AD in the first place.

[Knutsen]

I honestly don’t think we‘ll see either AD or Kyrie go anywhere this season - they’ll try to roll out this supposed win-now-lineup at least one season. And honestly I‘m fine with this, because there is at least a chance that Kyrie‘s and AD‘s value is higher after a strong and mostly healthy season or in Kyrie‘s case second half of the season and playoffs than it is now, even if they are a year older.

It‘ll be interesting to see if they are able to extend PJ and or Gafford to a deal that still keeps them a valuable asset on the floor as well as on the trade market. If not they’ll get the Grimes-treatment and get shipped for someone worse, but more cost-controlled probably.

And one more thing, all of our biggest transactions under Nico came midseason, so if something were to happen I‘d assume it’s in February and not in the offseason.

Last thought: the plan for the next few seasons will be to build a team that can beat the Thunder in the playoffs - which we had, but that’s another story. So what do we need position for position to compete against them? I guess our plan will be to be bigger and stronger than them, even when they play both their bigs - and therefore we‘d have to keep AD at the four and play Flagg on a smaller position.

[loki]

Last thought: the plan for the next few seasons will be to build a team that can beat the Thunder in the playoffs - which we had, but that’s another story. So what do we need position for position to compete against them? I guess our plan will be to be bigger and stronger than them, even when they play both their bigs - and therefore we‘d have to keep AD at the four and play Flagg on a smaller position.

OKC's starting lineup was outscored in the Denver series (-1.3 net rating). I'd play AD at the 5 and pray they don't take one of Chet/Hartenstein off the court. Being bigger and more physical position for position is important, but I don't think you can afford to tank your spacing or give them more targets to attack on the other end.

[FireNicoHarrison]

We had a team who beated OKC.

However OKC has 2 years window left then they will destroy the squad because the new CBA.
In that span we can't beat them with AD&Irving as a leaders so take it easy and build around Flagg.

If Harrison can't trade AD after his interviews i don't care, he will fall with his crush next season.

[RasheedsBigWhiteSpot]

I think I'm on to something by piecing things together based on multiple recent reports:

Spurs want Durant
Sixers want to move up to #2 (but why? They have Maxey)
Suns want a lot of draft capital but pieces like Vassell, Barnes and Keldon Johnson don't exactly get them there,
Nets want to trade #19
Mavs DON'T want to trade either PJ or Gafford

Spurs get Kevin Durant, Jared McCain and LAC's 2028 #1 via Philly
Sixers get Anthony Davis
Suns get Paul George, #3, #19 (Nets), #35
Nets get Harrison Barnes and Lakers 2029 1st via Mavs
Mavs get Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan and #2

Why the Spurs do it:
They of course get Durant, but also get a cheap, young SG in McCain and get a valuable future 1st that fit better than shoehorning in another PG

Why the Sixers do it:
They get out of PG's contract while getting a dominant player that fits their timeline.

Why the Suns do it:

Again, what do they want with all they collection of a cap filler when they can get double paid by trading Durant AND eating George. By doing this, they get much better picks.

Why the Nets do it:
They've already stated they're open to moving #19. Is the Lakers unprotected 2029 1st worth just #19? Uh, no. But it is if they also eat Harrison Barnes' deal which allows a certain team to add the top two picks without becoming a 2nd Apron team.

Why the Mavs do it:
Okay, I partially spoiled it. The Mavs wouldn't be above the 2nd Apron this season, but by trading AD, it allows them the option and opportunity to go into the 2nd Apron next season and keeping BOTH PJ and Gafford.

[ballsrchr]

I think I'm on to something by piecing things together based on multiple recent reports:

Spurs want Durant
Sixers want to move up to #2 (but why? They have Maxey)
Suns want a lot of draft capital but pieces like Vassell, Barnes and Keldon Johnson don't exactly get them there,
Nets want to trade #19
Mavs DON'T want to trade either PJ or Gafford

Spurs get Kevin Durant, Jared McCain and LAC's 2028 #1 via Philly
Sixers get Anthony Davis
Suns get Paul George, #3, #19 (Nets), #35
Nets get Harrison Barnes and Lakers 2029 1st via Mavs
Mavs get Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan and #2

Why the Spurs do it:
They of course get Durant, but also get a cheap, young SG in McCain and get a valuable future 1st that fit better than shoehorning in another PG

Why the Sixers do it:
They get out of PG's contract while getting a dominant player that fits their timeline.

Why the Suns do it:

Again, what do they want with all they collection of a cap filler when they can get double paid by trading Durant AND eating George. By doing this, they get much better picks.

Why the Nets do it:
They've already stated they're open to moving #19. Is the Lakers unprotected 2029 1st worth just #19? Uh, no. But it is if they also eat Harrison Barnes' deal which allows a certain team to add the top two picks without becoming a 2nd Apron team.

Why the Mavs do it:
Okay, I partially spoiled it. The Mavs wouldn't be above the 2nd Apron this season, but by trading AD, it allows them the option and opportunity to go into the 2nd Apron next season and keeping BOTH PJ and Gafford.

Sochan is a forward and Vassell is a shooting guard.  Neither addresses the Mavs need for a point guard.  Both players are interesting, though, and seem to have future potential.  We just need a point guard... 

You've got it all down on paper now.  It will be interesting if any of your prognostications come to fruition.  It would be like winning the lottery.  Hmmm...the Mavs did win the lottery!

[F Gump]

The player the Mavs need is Halliburton, but obviously that won't happen. Is there any other youngish player who has a similar profile of skills and might be gettable? How about players in Europe?

[RasheedsBigWhiteSpot]

We just need a point guard... 

That's HARPER.

[myconsumerclub]

Flagg or PJ depending on where Kidd plays Flagg plus Lively/ Gafford and AD is a great lineup in the front court if AD stays healthy and improves his outside shot more. I see the MBT wanting to make this lineup a reality even if AD is on the tailend of his career.

If you want to dump AD it might help to have him play a more healthy season with us before you trade him.

Irving and Klay or Flagg since Kidd has suggested using him as a guard being a possibility. Is it real or just BS talk to confuse others? Probably not BS. I recall that we did have a lot of Luka play next to Kyrie and Coopers game has some similarities so maybe they think the similarity in play would be a way to appease the fans and win them back.

I agree that we need to keep our young core and try to fade out the older guys before they lose all of their trade value.

I tend to think big trades are middle of the season trades near the TDL. They are knee jerk reactions when an owner is frustrated.

Our 7 younger guys : Flagg, Lively, Gafford, PJ, Naji, Max, Omax, BWill,

Old Core trio: Irving, AD, Klay

TRADE BAIT: Powell, Martin, Hardy, Kai I might want to keep Kai and maybe we can give Hardy another year to see if he starts to get it more, he made a lot of passes that were impressive last season and his three point shooting is on more than it is off. No biggie either way if someone wants him bad enough to give us a nice piece we could use then I am down with it. I would not trade him just to get rid of him and I wished we still had Grimes.

DRAFT: After Flagg we need to trade for multiple picks and refill our 2 way staff because given our injury history we may need them.

If you do not think that we will be able to give Gafford what he wants to stay we need to trade him at the TDL so you need to draft a 5 as well as a PG and or a wing in the 2nd, either that or you hope one falls past 60 and you snag him for Frisco.

That all being the case I like that big Chinese kidd Yang. He is a good prospect that can also play as a PF to pair with Gafford and Lively at the 5. He will help you sell more schwag and tickets and I would grab him in the 2nd if possible and then if you do have to trade Gafford you have a talent developing on the team to take his place.

3D wings like 6'7" Kobe Brea who can hit 3 pointers at 43% that kind of 3 point shooting makes a lot of sense to me. https://www.tankathon.com/players/koby-brea

FREE AGENCY: Wait till the money dries up and vet min $$$ is all a player can expect to be offered and whatever PG talent is still there then you get them on the cheap. I'd rather snag a PG in free agency or via trade to get a vet but you still need to get a late 2nd PG to add in to the 2 way crew.

https://hoopshype.com/lists/global-ratin...-position/
https://hoopshype.com/lists/2025-nba-fre...is-summer/

We need to get serious with taking on a PG that can be here after Irving retires.