A Few Thoughts on Mavs 120, Hornets 123

[mavsluvr]

Not having the assets is yet another example of how monumentally fubar this offseason was. Just think if we had the roster we do, plus Favors. Or plus Brogdan. Or plus one or two more players of the same level and cost as Maxi and Wright.

The Mavs have one thing to show for having quixotically saved money this offseason - the trade exception. If they don't use it, then, as Darth Vader would say, Donnie's failure will be complete. Bet good money we don't use it.

One thing to consider - if the Mavs don't add any long-term assets by trade, will they have any cap room this summer? Having cap room could be a justification for not making a trade now - if they spend the cap room, of course.

Offseasons can't be finally evaluated a few months later, but I wouldn't say that this one was a complete failure, even if they don't use the TE. They did re-sign Porzingis, which was their most important move. Not all alternative scenarios involve greener grass. 


The real justification for not doing a trade is not finding any opportunities that they deem worth what they would have to give up. They shouldn't make a trade just for the sake of saying they did. Even just the use of the TE involves introducing one or more new elements into the team, taking on salary, and dispensing with a current player. Which may or may not be worth it. 

I am not caping for the front office, or for standing pat during the season. But don't think it's time to push the panic button yet -- this is a foundation building year, not their only chance at glory, which might justify a more desperate move. We will learn a lot more about this team by the summer, and there will be plenty of chances to point fingers at the MBT, if that turns out to be warranted!