Trade & FA 2024-25:

[F Gump]

That's an insanely expensive contract for Klay at this point in his career. It's a move I would attribute such an imbecilic move from the old regime, not the current.

Is it? It's hard to weigh value objectively, but I suspect that 20-21M is closer to "too low" than too high.

1 We will get a hint at what the NBA experts think he's worth, when he signs.
2 Salaries are going through the roof.
3 Klay's last deal ended at over $43M this last season. How much has he fallen off? (He might not even take a phone call for an offer in the 20s, who knows.)
4 His max is a shade under 50M. Offering 20-21 seems cheap in that setting.
5 Last season THJ was paid $17.9M. We need way better, right? That's the on-court role Klay would be given, only the Mavs want someone who can at least defend a bit, and can be somewhat consistent. By that comp, Klay would seem worth way more than 20-21.
6 Is Kyrie worth twice as much as Klay? That's what 20-21 would indicate, by comparative salaries.

My thinking is less about the money, and more about the combo of "what is available to spend" and whether Klay would make a difference. I think he would.

We've talked about that 6th man type who can score in bunches, but we also want a guy who has some ability to defend. Better than THJ (on both ends). The scoring and the defense-too aspect will raise the salary for a 6th man, but I think there's real value if you spot that scoring guy you need and he's gettable. (I think ORL sees the same thing.)

I see Klay as potentially a guy like Ray Allen, who twice was the shooter added to a contender, which led to a title both times. Thought to be slowing a bit, on the downhill side. But his marksmanship opened up the floor. And one time he signed for what the team could reasonably offer, because he wanted to be there. 

To me, that feels like a place where this could go, if they can sign Klay (and do so in the right price range), so that's why I'd be in favor of something like we're saying. I don't mind giving up Green for that guy. Adding Kleber makes me a bit more reluctant, but you have to move some salary.

I can accept a different solution, if there is one that's better/cheaper. And I can see "no one" as a possible (perhaps likely) path, with a hope that Hardy/Grimes can somehow be that guy.