What does it all mean?

[SleepingHero]

Future assets be damned. We don't need picks.

While I LOVE your post, and totally agree with you, one of my main gripes is with this point. 

Drafting a quality role player with a pick is infinitely more valuable than signing/trading for one. Having guaranteed team control guaranteed on a contributing piece for 4 years, PLUS the ability to make sure he stays for another 4/5 after his first contract is up, is one of the most powerful assets any team can have. Not to mention the contract is small.

A reason why the Mavs have such a deep team with the ability to add to it is solely because Luka is on his rookie contract.

Now obviously a pick is only worth it if you actually hit on it. If not then its practically dead weight (see Bernard James, Shane Larkin, Ricky Ledo etc. etc.). Given that the Mavs have hit on maybe 4 picks the last 7 years (Luka, Brunson, Crowder, DSJ), I am more than willing to part with picks. 

BUT the Mavs shouldn't just give away future assets for just anybody. Unless he's a major difference maker, the Mavs should be stingy with what's left of their asset cupboard. Andre Igoudala is my dream realistic get, but the Mavs shouldn't offer more than Lee+UTA 2nd rounder+some far off future protected 2nd rounder.