(06-14-2025, 01:56 AM)DL2RimRocker Wrote: There is a lot of justifiable love for PJ from Mavs fans, but I honestly don't think it makes sense to keep him unless AD is moved.
Unless Kidd can find a way to make PJ a permanent starter, I can't imagine why he would want to re-sign to be a backup, and it wouldn't make sense for us to pay him starter salary to come off the bench.
I had the same concern about Brunson and that concern came to fruition.
The Brunson-like concern is real IF (but only if) PJW doesn't sign an extension. They need to get that buttoned down for overall payroll issues too.
I think most of us here are opining under the assumption (possibility) that PJW will be able to be extended at a number that makes sense. The same is true for Gafford.
If either is NOT doable, then that makes it easy and obvious decision to trade them. Of course. But I am optimistic because I believe both of them really prefer to be a Mav and will negotiate accordingly to make it possible. BTW, if you have an agreement in principle, the time to do an extension is after July 1, which allows a longer deal.
As for the issue of who starts, if one of Gaff/PJW/AD isnt traded, I don't see that as the issue that some do. To start the season, if everyone is healthy, you have 5 starters, and 5 slots, so main rotation should look something like this imo ...
Gaff/Lively
AD
PJW [Naji]
Flagg [Max]
Klay [Williams, Exum]