MAVS NEWS:

[Scott41theMavs]

Unfortunately, Grimes turning down that extension offer prompted me to brace myself for him being next summer's version of DJJ, especially if the Mavs have another deep playoff run and he's a factor in it. I sure hope I'm wrong. 

I'm no cap expert, but I really feel like we're nearing a point in time when Gafford will be a luxury this team can't afford, at least without losing stuff they need even more in other areas. I'm not saying I'd do this now or at this trade deadline, but at some point before the end of his contract I think I might look to move him on terms that are favorable for my team, treating him as an asset, rather than just a savings casualty. If they're smart enough about turning some of these guys into cost controlled players with upside and maybe some draft capital, maybe they can avoid being backed into a corner. I realize that's "cart before the horse" thinking, and that maximizing this current window needs to be the primary goal, but as you say, we're not even into Luka's prime yet. 

I agree about planning for life after Kyrie, too. I'm sure I'll be fine with having him around long after you've decided he's too old, but he's obviously not totally synced with Luka's timeline the way some of the other pieces are. This is part of what's so disappointing about Hardy's lack of progress for me.

Re: Grimes and Gafford: I think it would be extremely foolish of the Mavs to trade Gafford in season, but I would look for him to be traded for air + picks next summer so that they can afford Grimes. No excuse for losing Grimes. He will not be next year's DJJ, because we have matching rights. If someone offers him a big contract, it's probably because he's shown himself to be worth it.