Trade & FA 2024-25:

[SleepingHero]

I get all the risks attached ( I was Mr. RedFlag on Porzingis), but we have to think about finding a long-term partner eventually for Luka.

Luka/X/Washington/Healthy Zion/Lively is pretty enticing.

Zion´s contract is not that big and heavily guarded (basically always expiring). Furthermore even in two years Zion is only 26/27. If you want to trade for a Joker , then you still need a big talent another team can talk themselves into or immediate cap relief. Zion´s contract provides either option effortlessly. Right now our only trade pieces that fall into that category are Luka and Lively, who are untouchable.

Klay/Kleber/Gafford gets you there cap-wise. I just don´t think two unprotected 1sts will be enough.

Just like I argued for Markkanen, Randle (also a Pelican) and Washington, you have to consider the circumstances. Good players in shit organisations.

New Orleans just has too many injuries outside of Zion. There has to be something fundamentally wrong in their physical/medical department, maybe even their courts or facilities.

Biggest question mark would be whether you can get the Texas Barbecue out of him mentally.

I actually find it quite interesting that you're more open to Zion on his max contract given how opposed you were to KP when he was here. Especially since Zion is actually more fragile than KP and has missed way more games than Porzingis has. I haven't looked at Zion's contract, but even with non-guarantees, he's due a significant portion of the cap. It scares the crap outta me committing to a guy that even remotely resembles KP in terms of health. 

I wouldn't be so sure that 2 FRP wouldn't be enough though. I don't see many teams wanting to take on the risk of Zion and his fragility paired with his max contract. That alone could depress his value considerably. 

But that trade if the Mavs were to make it now would certainly put them further away from a title than they are currently. I think this is a player they revisit come next summer after Kyrie got his extension and Zion is still in New Orleans about to become a FA. Then I can see the Mavs rolling the dice.