02-18-2025, 05:53 PM
(02-18-2025, 05:36 PM)F Gump Wrote: That's why I wouldn't do a deal for KD unless PJW, Lively, and Christie are off the table -- but if that limit is workable with PHX, then maybe a KD deal starts to make sense? And I would think it almost certainly includes a KD desire (almost a demand) to land in Dallas, as part of what fuels such a deal.
If they have that framework, Mavs are trading away EVERYONE else (including 2025 FRP). But I think what remains can be really good, and has some degree of depth as well. I would pencil in Edwards and Williams, who are already here, have familiarity with the system, and have shown some promise.
Filling those remaining 6 roster slots with minimum salary players, you are likely to get some veteran ring-chasers who are willing to take a minimum salary deal and jump on the bandwagon. It's like what MIA did when they signed Bosh, Lebron, Wade and then had to build a roster around them with almost no way to spend except minimums. In this case it's starting with AD, KD, and Kyrie which are certainly a comparable "Big Three" - but the added presence of Lively, PJW, and Christie makes this bandwagon even more attractive, I would think.
C - Lively, ________, _________
PF - AD, ________, Edwards (minimum).
SF - KD, PJW [backs up both forwards], ________
SG - Christie, ______, _______
PG - Kyrie, Exum [$7M, backs up both guards], Williams (minimum)
But don't AD and KD play the same position? Do we really want KD on the perimeter trying to guard a more mobile SF? or getting switched onto a SG?
Sorry, I can see the marquee value of adding KD, but it would make for some wonky rotations and leave real vulnerability to smaller, quicker teams. Plus, isn't the implicit assumption that decent vet mins would choose DAL over some of the other high profile teams? Isn't supported much by history.