Trade & FA 2024-25:

[SleepingHero]

I agree with some others on this board that a trade at this point is likely to be more bad than good, considering team chemistry and how long it takes to integrate a new player.

I also think that Maxi Kleber is pretty much done.  He still contributes what he can when he gets minutes, but we need to be thinking ahead.  Since I don't think we should trade for a backup-4, what should we do?  This is what the 10-day contracts are for.  Who is standing out in the development league, who deserves a chance to showcase talent for us?

I thought his defensive effort this season has been bordering on irreplaceable status. Conversely, offensively he's been a dud. But is it that pressing of a need that our 2nd string PF/3rd string center is a one dimensional defensive minded guy with MAYBE an outside shot depending how he's feeling?

As for 10-day contracts, Mavs are capped at 15 already with their roster. It'd take waiving Morris to open a slot, which I don't think they're that keen on doing. BUT you didn't ask about the feasibility of the move, but guys to watch! So with that here is my list of dudes I'm interested in:

International:
Mario Hezonja- averaged 15/5/2 on Real Madrid and showed why he was a lotto pick. He isn't a star, but as a solid guy off the bench I think Hezonja would shine here. Only problem is that to buy out his contract would be expensive. Further, you're basically asking Hezonja to leave Real Madrid where he's a top 3 guy, to come play 20 mins a game here MAYBE. Unlikely.

Usman Garuba- Which is why I have my backup to my backup, Garuba. He's a defensive athletic freak that barely gets any run. On the Spanish National team he averages a cool 8/4 with 1.5 blocks and steals a game. Now he I could see being interested in an NBA comeback, and could be fine with spotty minutes. 

G-League

Emanuel Miller- Honestly shocked he didn't get one of the 2 ways spots with how he played in both Summer League and preseason. I just think the dude can flat out play. He isn't the size of Maxi, but he can guard, rebound, and score a bit. Now can he truly fill a backup 4 slot? Especially one on a hopeful finals bound team? That I am not sure. In fact, that's why I only have Miller on my G-league list, as I don't think anyone in the G-League is ready to come in and fill such a role. 

Free Agents:
Omer Urtseven- I remember Mavs2021 going head over hills for this dude. For the most part, I didn't really see it. Then I saw him play against Portland and he matched up against Deandre Ayton so well. I think he had 15 points and 16 rebounds if I remember right (which I'm probably not, but it's definitely close to those numbers). After that, I finally saw a glimpse of what he could be in the league.


Here are a few names and thoughts that I think could potentially fill Maxi's role today, to differing levels of success. BUT to each name, are any of them truly better than Maxi today and what he provides? Maybe Hezonja, but even still it's hard to replace what Maxi does. At least right now. The main dude I want to actually replace Maxi down the line is Jabari Smith Jr.