MAVS NEWS:

[F Gump]

I would have Interest, I think.  Only makes 10 million next year.  He is hurt again though.

What makes it tricky is the bulls.  They very rarely make player trades, although they have made a few lately.  Second they are playing really well now so they are unlikely to move a guy like White.  Third, I am not sure what Dallas can offer that makes it worthwhile for the bulls.  Dallas has good players on good contracts.  It is tricky though.  Most of these players lack the tricky upside.  It also makes it trouble for guys making over 30 million.  As it will take at least two good role players and pick(s).  That player needs to be really good and not have a huge salary and where the team is looking to move that player.  Tricky offseason but this team is dead in the water next year if they can’t upgrade their backcourt.

I don't think that is what Ball would cost -- his price tag should be considerably limited by his injury situation (often hurt) combined with his shooting (always awful) matched to his price tag ($10M is probably too much for such a player, and if you think otherwise, ask yourself if you'd be excited if Exum, a very similar player, was paid like that).

Given that, I think it's possible that a Hardy-Powell package (perfect salary match) would be plenty, if Hardy plays well in the remainder of the season. He should have ample opportunity to impress, as he will have to play a significant role, once Williams is not available, with both Kyrie and Exum out. I would also consider including Martin in addition, or instead of either Hardy or Powell, to make that deal.

SIDE NOTE: In writing the above, I again wonder if we are sleeping on Exum as part of the solution at PG. The injuries are certainly an issue, but in one way they are a blessing, in that they should greatly limit the price tag on Exum. And Exum, when healthy, has the very skill set that's needed here.