Trade & FA 2024-25:

[mvossman]

What I am struggling with is how this team can become a contender again.   Just guessing, but I believe Nico wants a deep and physical team.    I think we are missing at least a piece, but I am not sure what that missing piece is.   I think we can assume that AD and Kyrie are the two untouchables.   I would hope Lively is close to that, but I am not sure.   Outside of that, I think no one is off limits.   I think the Mavs are higher than most of us on Thompson and I expect he is on the roster next season.   One of Exum or Dinwiddie should be back, but not in a role they are in now.   Exum you can't count on his health and Dinwiddie is too hot and cold and not a great defender.   

So if we assume Kyrie and AD are off limits.  Lively is close to it.  Klay is back.   Max is a high minute bench guy.   PJ can play 3 and backup 4.   I think that leaves a guard who can create and play both with Kyrie and Max.    I think he needs to be physical and big too.   I just don't know who that player is.    

The roster is already deep.  If healthy, with AD, Lively, Gafford, & Martin available, I have no idea how you find minutes for everyone.  So maybe a 2-1 trade with a pick makes sense for this player.   I just can't identify this player.

There may be better options, but a guy that I think makes a lot of sense is Lonzo Ball.  He fits your description, fits the contract model they have been following and will probably be available.  His three is still rusty, but it looks like everything else is back.