Building Around Cooper: A Backward-Looking Thought Experiment

[F Gump]

Another hypothetical:

Locked On Mavs was discussing Giannis' gushing love for all things JKidd, and that it would not be surprising to see him requesting to be in Dallas.

Let's say the Mavs landed at pick #4. Would you trade #4, the Lakers pick, GS pick and the 2031 1st plus PJ, Gafford Max, Naji, Klay (note: some of them could be flipped by MIL) for Giannis and Turner? 

Let's not get bogged down in cap numbers. This is merely a question of if you could have a core of Kyrie, Cooper, Giannis, Turner, Lively and use of the full MLE would you do it?  Or does this reek of jumping the gun and doing another Tingus Pingus trade? 

I initially lean towards saying no and just building a young core for the long haul. But then I think about the new CBA and that there is no such thing as dynasties anymore. Even OKC, which appears to be an unstoppable juggernaut for a decade, now appears questionable because they're not going to be able to afford to build around their big 3, who are dealing with injuries. Basically, IF you feel you can make a title run with the right players, I think you have to consider it.

Thanks. I'll now hang up and listen.

Interesting question. Thanks.

I have been intrigued by Giannis-to-Dallas in conjunction with trying to find an avenue forward for an AD trade, and I like GA a lot.

But I don't think I would do this trade. 

I think the Mavs are better off to build around Flagg as Giannis #2, and that rather than have 2 of them who have somewhat the same approach, they should build around CF the same way that MIL built around Giannis. They aren't exactly the same player, and their strengths are a bit different, but similar enough imo.

Going for that means having 3-and-D guys, as much spacing as possible, and you need a versatile center (Lopez) AND a significantly talented 2-way PG who can shoot, defend, handle the offense, etc (Jrue). 

Thinking of it in that way brings it all into focus for me, that the main guy to find right now for CF would be his own "Jrue." That should be their the primary goal. That not only helps CF grow his game, but also makes the 3-and-D guys and various wings way more effective. They do not yet have the Lopez-type center (3-and-D, basically) but those guys seem to be made available from time to time, often at a very modest cost, and if the Mavs are patient and diligent one will come along. In the meantime, work with what they have, of course. 

So I wouldn't do this trade. But I would try to build a Giannis team.