MAVS NEWS:

[DanSchwartzgan]

I'm still struggling with what I think is best regarding Gafford/PJ.  I see 3 versions of this:

1.  Extend and Keep both.  

This maximizes and retains talent, but doesn't give you much in the way of assets to go after a guard.


2.  Keep Gafford and trade PJ

Here you are more insulated from injuries to Lively or AD.  I think Gafford may be easier to retain on a more reasonable extension.  We still have plenty of players to play the 3/4 and Flagg slots more naturally to the starting 3 spot with some minutes at the four.  One risk is you may be selling low in PJ.


3.  Keep PJ and trade Gafford

PJ will finish games.  Gafford won't.  So, you keep the best player.  Between AD, Lively and presumably Jones, you have enough bodies who can play center (hopefully).  But, the starting lineup is awkward trying to make PJ, Flagg and AD work without forcing AD into the starting center role.


I think I can make a compelling argument for any of these, but what I don't know is how do you fill the guard hole in the roster.  I can suppose certain players 'should' be available to us in each scenario for what we have to offer.  But, what is ACTUALLY available to us goes a long way in helping me decide which is the better scenario.  The legality of trades also plays a role and to determine that, you have to know the plan with Kyrie.