MAVS NEWS:

[Smitty]

I would have no interest in Gaff for Clayton. Not sute thats legal anyhow. But its a waste of talent, basically a giveaway.

Gaff is very good talent. Even if you see him as surplus in DAL, Mavs must demand strong value (personally I would keep him, based on bang for the buck he offers). Clayton as the return is selling way low imo.

I am lukewarm at best on Clayton -- wondering if he's Trey Burke the 2nd, but don't know enough about him other than his name and his recent hero run. I suspect Mavs can do just as well with a GL veteran, and figure if WC was more than that, he'd be an easy lottery pick in this thin draft.

I'm a huge fan of Gafford. I've argued with some frequent posters here about his importance. I think for me, I see the writing on the wall. That he won't be here next year. So, with that, it's about the preferred return. My scenario had them trading Gafford for a FRP (#22) and selected a combo guard that has a bit of Brunson to him (my opinion). Not that he will amount to anything, but I'll buy the upside and have him apart of the Flagg draft class.

Also, my offseason plan had the Mavs getting under the FIRST apron, while still fielding what I believe to be a competitive team. I think the salary structure across the 15-man is more balanced as well. Plus, it is better than some alternatives like Jrue Holiday, which would send me through the wall.

Guards - Kyrie, Paul, Williams, Clayton Jr.  ~$56M
Wings  - Klay, Christie, Flagg, PJW, Naji, Martin, Omax  ~$73M
Bigs - AD, Lively, Jones, Powell  ~$64M