MAVS NEWS:

[Winter]

Does the Kyrie contract have a best window of time between now and FA? Before or after the draft? It seems like any trade idea from the FO regarding draft night would need a settled Kyrie contract. Am I reading that right?

[DanSchwartzgan]

Does the Kyrie contract have a best window of time between now and FA? Before or after the draft? It seems like any trade idea from the FO regarding draft night would need a settled Kyrie contract. Am I reading that right?

The Kyrie PO has a deadline of 6/24, but nothing says the parties can't agree to extend.  I think Dallas would love to lower his 25/26 cost of $42.9mm and his apron cost of $44.9mm.  But, Kyrie has to buy what they are selling in order to opt out.  

I suspect Dallas would love to know where they stand relative to the second apron next season ASAP.  Whether Kyrie is at nearly $45mm or closer to $38mm (as some have estimated) has a huge impact on that number.  But, it isn't absolutely critical that a decision be made before the draft.  Dallas probably can't execute a deal in the 24/25 NBA year because of the hard cap.  So, nothing says they can't push the PO deadline.  It just depends on whether they have an opportunity that needs to be agreed to earlier rather than later, and whether that opportunity lowers our apron number enough to be done independent of Kyrie's decision.

[Chicagojk]

I'm still struggling with what I think is best regarding Gafford/PJ.  I see 3 versions of this:

1.  Extend and Keep both.  

This maximizes and retains talent, but doesn't give you much in the way of assets to go after a guard.


2.  Keep Gafford and trade PJ

Here you are more insulated from injuries to Lively or AD.  I think Gafford may be easier to retain on a more reasonable extension.  We still have plenty of players to play the 3/4 and Flagg slots more naturally to the starting 3 spot with some minutes at the four.  One risk is you may be selling low in PJ.


3.  Keep PJ and trade Gafford

PJ will finish games.  Gafford won't.  So, you keep the best player.  Between AD, Lively and presumably Jones, you have enough bodies who can play center (hopefully).  But, the starting lineup is awkward trying to make PJ, Flagg and AD work without forcing AD into the starting center role.


I think I can make a compelling argument for any of these, but what I don't know is how do you fill the guard hole in the roster.  I can suppose certain players 'should' be available to us in each scenario for what we have to offer.  But, what is ACTUALLY available to us goes a long way in helping me decide which is the better scenario.  The legality of trades also plays a role and to determine that, you have to know the plan with Kyrie.

I have been in all three thought process at different times.  LOL   

I think you are right the type of trade will play a big role.  As are the discussions with the player/agent.   It is going to take a lot of nuance and I am not sure this front office is good at this.  You need to be able to make sure the player knows they are wanted and be able to check in on them and just keep that conversation going.   I am a firm believer the Mavs need to act in a position of strength with both of these players.   If either player/agent says they aren't resigning, then this opens up a trade either this summer or at the deadline.   Maybe there is a win/win extension for both.    A good GM is one who at the same time makes sure the player is wanted/respected while also at the same time being pretty honest.   I am not sure Nico can do either of these.   

Gaff should be easier to resign and may be the cleaner fit.  He is a 20-25 player who goes all out for 4-5 minute segments.  He may say he wants starter money, but I think there could be a middle ground with team and player.   PJ's fit is a little more tricky and he is also a guy who expects to start and finish games.   But if we move him now, we may be looking in a year from now saying we wish we had a player like PJ.  Very tricky.  

I am beginning to wonder if Nico just plans to do a small upgrade at point and go into next offseason?  I wonder if he is just looking at a smaller upgrade like Lonzo or a minimum guy or two?   I don't think that is the best way, but I am also not sure if we are a real contender next year either.

[Chicagojk]

Sam Vecenie Game theory Podcast had a Dallas Mavs offseason show on June 10th. I was listening to it going to sleep, so I don't remember much. Ha.

I think they proposed a Levert for Gafford trade straight up. Yuck. I will need to listen to it again while awake. it is about 40 minutes long.

[DanSchwartzgan]

Sam Vecenie Game theory Podcast had a Dallas Mavs offseason show on June 10th.  I was listening to it going to sleep, so I don't remember much.  Ha.

I think they proposed a Levert for Gafford trade straight up.  Yuck.  I will need to listen to it again while awake.  it is about 40 minutes long.

Don't bother.  Their cap stuff was all messed up.  Gafford and LeVert isn't legal as LeVert would have to be a S&T.

[F Gump]

1 I think the decision tree for the Mavs will mostly sort itself out, by facts that we do not have access to know until they happen. So we can speculate and opine until we are blue in the face (which I do along with everyone else) when in fact there may really be little-to-nothing for them to truly have to debate.

To be specific ....

Gafford will be willing to extend at a price that makes sense (in which case, they keep him), or he won't (in which case they trade him). The same will be true with PJW. So the decision isn't a question of "Do we trade him or him" but rather "Who has made himself desirable to keep?"

One important side note: the length of an extension on Gaff and/or PJW can be a year longer if done in July. And you aren't supposed to commit to (announce) a deal until it is legal. So they may already have handshake deals with both players and are just sitting on it for now.

2 Any scenario where Kyrie's salary is helpful begins with him opting out (followed, of course, by the talking muckety-mucks painting doom and gloomy forecasts of how the Mavs are painted in a corner, forced to do this or that, and disaster payroll consequences). Be forewarned -- all that WILL happen, and it's coming soon. KYRIE IS GOING TO BE A UFA, OH ME OH MY!!

Then there will be lots of fretting for about a week or two.

Then in July he will do a deal with the Mavs. The deal may end up being based on what else they do and what they have left to spend this summer under A2, so we may have to wait. But that's where we're headed.

3 I agree there are unknowns and moving parts re a PG or offense creator, but all of those possibilities will flow from what's going to happen as noted above (probably already being discussed, and maybe even decided). I think by July 1 we have a much better feel for how they plan to approach that need.

Personally, I think Williams and Exum - with Marshall getting some minutes (which I hate) and Kyrie coming later - gets them ALMOST all the way to the MINIMUM they might need to do. With no injuries, it's enough, but there are always injuries for Nico's setup.

Would hope for another piece that would be a BIG help, not just scraping by for awhile, but it sure should depend on the other moving parts and the price. (And as interested as I am in Clayton, to me he is NOT one who would qualify as a target to assure you of getting that BIG help. He's a maybe, like Hardy was, who you hope he can help you eventually and turn into something, but nowhere near ready to plug-and-play to fill Kyrie hole.)

4 Ball could be a LITTLE help (and might, presumably, also aid in solving some roster and payroll issues.). Ty Jones or CPaul might offer a bit more. None is great solution ... but frankly not sure one really exists.

[Chicagojk]

Just posting this. don't kill me. Begley was early to the party that Thibs may not be back when the season ended. I heard him on the Lowe podcast right after that series.

As the Knicks' coaching search continues, here are a few updates, via SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley:

- The door is not completely closed on the Knicks and Jason Kidd, per people familiar with the dynamic in Dallas. Other outlets reported as recently as last week that Kidd was still a possibility, and that remains the case as of Monday.

- Former Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins is getting the first interview with the Knicks, according to people involved with the process. Mike Brown, most recently the head coach of the Sacramento Kings, is expected to interview after Jenkins.

- Bulls head coach Billy Donovan is not a candidate for the Knicks’ job, and he is expected to sign an extension with Chicago, as Marc Stein first noted.

- The Knicks have cast a wide net, and will continue to do due diligence on other candidates.

[DanSchwartzgan]

As the Knicks' coaching search continues, here are a few updates, via SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley:

- The door is not completely closed on the Knicks and Jason Kidd, per people familiar with the dynamic in Dallas. Other outlets reported as recently as last week that Kidd was still a possibility, and that remains the case as of Monday.
 

I've been wondering if Miles McBride might not be our compensation in a deal where Kidd ends up in NY?  Somebody would have to work out their apron issue.  So, it probably won't be as simple as Powell for McBride or Hardy for McBride.  But, McBride probably does us much more good than a bad first that turns into two seconds or some such.

[F Gump]

I've been wondering if Miles McBride might not be our compensation in a deal where Kidd ends up in NY?  

Nope. Definitely not. Impossible.

You can't trade ANY player in a deal for a coach. Nor a side deal. Strictly off limits and would be heavily scrutinized where it could never sneak by.

[Chicagojk]

Who knows what is true and what is not. Reports are have been said the Mavs gave a swift no to the Knicks. Kidd has hired two assistants recently though. Sort of odd that the Mavs assistants have or are reported to have interviewed for other assistant positions. Are sure Kidd hasn't packed on a few pounds and Nico is doing the Luka treatment to him?

All I will say, if this has any legs to it shame on Nico if this is not put to bed prior to Flagg visiting the franchise. If there any loose ends, shame on them. To me that would be another firable offense. Whether you like Kidd or not, it just comes off messy if this is not put to bed firmly.

[FireNicoHarrison]

We will the answer this summer, if Kidd was not involved in Luka trade he will go to the Knicks. Simple. No other options.

[Chicagojk]

"Looking at Flagg relative to his peers, it’s amazing how far ahead of the pack he is as a playmaker. He took on a huge usage burden and generated boatloads of assists while still managing to play a largely mistake-free level of basketball. Again, he did this despite turning 18 in December. Flagg’s willingness to win with the basics, paired with an ability to make advanced reads, is an ideal base for a jumbo playmaker. Usually, this level of vision at a young age comes with some occasional nonsense—the “too much dip on his chip,” overly adventurous type of plays that plagued guards like Kasparas Jakucionis in this class. Flagg avoids those pitfalls. As he develops, he’ll surely improve his handle. When those improvements come, things will be downright scary for opposing defenses. Flagg came into college heralded for his defense, and rightfully so, but his offensive skill package is absolutely ridiculous. This level of scoring and playmaking, in tandem, is outrageous for a young player this size."
Quote
No Ceilings
@NoCeilingsNBA
·
20m
Duke's Cooper Flagg is a lock to be the number one pick in the 2025 NBA Draft for the Dallas Mavericks.

@BaumBoards is here with an in-depth examination of his greatness, via both tape and statistics.

[Chicagojk]

Could be true, could not be true. May be posturing or just may be early. Anyway...



Kevin Gray Jr.
@KevinGraySports
As the Mavs look for guard help, league sources indicated Dallas is not actively looking to trade P.J. Washington or Daniel Gafford to facilitate the acquisition of a guard.

As
@TheSteinLine
first reported Dallas’ preference is to keep Washington and Gafford if it can. #MFFL

[SleepingHero]

Could be true, could not be true.  May be posturing or just may be early.  Anyway...



Kevin Gray Jr.
@KevinGraySports
As the Mavs look for guard help, league sources indicated Dallas is not actively looking to trade P.J. Washington or Daniel Gafford to facilitate the acquisition of a guard.

As
@TheSteinLine
first reported Dallas’ preference is to keep Washington and Gafford if it can. #MFFL

I think this is saying, the Mavs aren’t trading PJ or Gafford, unless it’s for a crazy good player. 

Which is exactly how it should be.

[FireNicoHarrison]

I Hope it's true.

[michaeltex]

I think that looking for a PG and waiting on Kyrie's return are not addressing the same needs. IMO, ss great as he is, Kyrie is more of a SG than a PG, although he often gets lumped into the latter category mostly due to his size. I'm OK going forward with Exum and Williams and TBD (Hardy?) to start the season and see how Flagg responds when asked to create some.

BTW, we are down on AD for his injury history, maybe with good reason, but let's not forget that counting on Kyrie is problematic as well.

Career wise...
Kyrie plays in an average of 51.2 games per year with counting stats of 23.7/4.1/5.6
AD plays in an average of 56.2 games per year with counting stats of 24.1/10.7/206

[Chicagojk]

I think that looking for a PG and waiting on Kyrie's return are not addressing the same needs. IMO, ss great as he is, Kyrie is more of a SG than a PG, although he often gets lumped into the latter category mostly due to his size. I'm OK going forward with Exum and Williams and TBD (Hardy?) to start the season and see how Flagg responds when asked to create some.

BTW, we are down on AD for his injury history, maybe with good reason, but let's not forget that counting on Kyrie is problematic as well.

Career wise...
Kyrie plays in an average of 51.2 games per year with counting stats of 23.7/4.1/5.6
AD plays in an average of 56.2 games per year with counting stats of 24.1/10.7/206

Yes injuries are a concern and both Kyrie (when he returns) and AD needs to be watched closely in the regular season.  No more playing Luka for a full half type of things.   I think they need to be around 30 minutes when healthy.  That is why I think a deep team will be important.  We will see if this is transferable to the playoffs when stars play bigger minutes.

I also agree that Kyrie is more of a scoring guard than a point guard.  Although, I think Nico/Kidd don't want one guy to lead an offense.   I think they envision having mulitple guys do this.   The Mavs aren't really set up for this now because Klay isn't great at it and Max is still developing.    I am not sure, but I believe Nico wants a deep team.  A tall, long and physical team (besides Kyrie).   And one who doesn't rely on one player creating offense.  I think we will be able to get a good glimpse if Cooper can eventually be a number 2 creator.  If he can, it opens up a ton of options.

[cow]

Yes injuries are a concern and both Kyrie (when he returns) and AD needs to be watched closely in the regular season.  No more playing Luka for a full half type of things.   I think they need to be around 30 minutes when healthy.  That is why I think a deep team will be important.  We will see if this is transferable to the playoffs when stars play bigger minutes.

I also agree that Kyrie is more of a scoring guard than a point guard.  Although, I think Nico/Kidd don't want one guy to lead an offense.   I think they envision having mulitple guys do this.   The Mavs aren't really set up for this now because Klay isn't great at it and Max is still developing.    I am not sure, but I believe Nico wants a deep team.  A tall, long and physical team (besides Kyrie).   And one who doesn't rely on one player creating offense.  I think we will be able to get a good glimpse if Cooper can eventually be a number 2 creator.  If he can, it opens up a ton of options.

Kyrie doesn't want this either.  It's been one of my favorite things about watching him play on a regular basis.  He tries to get his other wings involved in small things like bring the ball up the court or being the first to initiate the offense.  It's something I'd hoped Luka would learn from him as it reduces work load of any given player and puts a ton of confidence in the supporting cast.  That's just experience and confidence that you can get yours any time you want it.

[SleepingHero]

https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/maveri...mavericks/

"It’s not a surprise Flagg’s draft cap will likely bear a Mavericks logo. Head coach Jason Kidd said several times this offseason the Mavericks are excited about “the kid from Duke,” and this visit is an opportunity for the two parties to learn more about each other.

American Airlines Center and the team’s practice facility are expected to be included on Flagg’s itinerary, as well as a light workout and dinner with Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison and other team representatives. Flagg is also expected to meet with a handful of players to learn more about the team’s culture."

[SleepingHero]

@MavsFilmRoom
Marc Stein on the DLLS Mavs Podcast says that “rumbles” are that Cooper Flagg is excited that he’s being drafted to a team that isn’t a bottom feeder and is one that can be competitive.