55 minutes ago
(1 hour ago)Smitty Wrote: I think we need to determine what a discount is first. I think $10M AAV is about right for Lively. If he plays more than 50 games this season and looks great, maybe he gets closer to $20M AAV in restricted free agency next summer? Then the Mavs just match... So, what's the number... That's the question...
From a skill perspective, we've often said that he's superior to Gafford. Can move his feet, guard on the perimeter, etc.
Is he superior to Kessler? So hard to tell because of his limited body of work.
It's quite possible his value might be north of $20m, if consistently healthy.
If I were the Mavs, and confident about his health, I'd consider a $10m AAV deal a big win, especially on a 3- or 4-year deal. Almost like getting a significant rookie on their initial contract.
If they gamble and lose, he's tying up 7% of their cap for the next few years.