TRADE: Davis, Hardy, DLO, Exum to WAS | Middleton, filler, 2 FRPs, 3 SRPs to DAL

[F Gump]

If it’s Mathurin, I like that move for next year as a replacement in the starting lineup for PJW/Naji.

Whether I like that move or not depends on how much Mathurin salary would be. But I have assumed the ask is fairly high, thus motivating his availability, and likely also making me mainly lose interest.  I don't see him as worth a starting salary of 20M, yet I figure he's maybe going to be looking for 30M or so.

[vfromlmf]

The big problem with this trade is the Mavs are better today than they were yesterday, simply because AD wasn't playing while Bagley and Middleton are solid veteran rotation players.

Unless the MBT decides to waive Middleton and somehow convinces Kidd to play AJ Johnson it may be tougher for this team to lose.

[mvossman]

The big problem with this trade is the Mavs are better today than they were yesterday, simply because AD wasn't playing while Bagley and Middleton are solid veteran rotation players.

Unless the MBT decides to waive Middleton and somehow convinces Kidd to play AJ Johnson it may be tougher for this team to lose.

I think Middleton will be bought out.  I'm not worried about Bagley generating wins.  I assume Kidd will give the new kids plenty of run.  No question we are tanking now.

[Dirknows]

I think Middleton will be bought out.  I'm not worried about Bagley generating wins.  I assume Kidd will give the new kids plenty of run.  No question we are tanking now.

I think someone posted here Bagley might get rerouted elsewhere. Hope tomorrow is as exciting as the past 2 days have been.

[Smitty]

The big problem with this trade is the Mavs are better today than they were yesterday, simply because AD wasn't playing while Bagley and Middleton are solid veteran rotation players.

Unless the MBT decides to waive Middleton and somehow convinces Kidd to play AJ Johnson it may be tougher for this team to lose.

Hard to argue. When I broke down the current roster/depth chart it’s easy to see how this is now a better team. Davis, DLO, Hardy, Exum weren’t playing any real minutes to matter. Middleton and Bagley are actually positives. Unknown for Johnson/Branham.

None of the players added are difference makers, but they are at least better or more available than the outgoing…

[cow]

In the unlikely scenario he does play for us and while Bagley's offensive stats are good, he's still a net negative so he will not impact the tank. Middleton is an even less likely scenario to suit up for us.

[Smitty]

Whether I like that move or not depends on how much Mathurin salary would be. But I have assumed the ask is fairly high, thus motivating his availability, and likely also making me mainly lose interest.  I don't see him as worth a starting salary of 20M, yet I figure he's maybe going to be looking for 30M or so.

Your breakdown of the financials for Pacers next season in a hypothetical Gafford trade has made me skeptical it’s even a realistic option. Still, until the deadline, I’ll root for it to happen. The contract stuff $15M/$25M AAV is less crucial for the Mavs than it was a few hours ago. Riccardi will have a good idea what the agent is looking for before pulling the trigger. Being a RFA gives them some options like SnT, qualifying offer, and just straight refusal to match, so I’m okay with the deal (Gafford) overall.

[FireNicoHarrison]

I don't like too much Mathurin with an high paycheck honestly.

[KillerLeft]

I've been watching AJ Johnson highlights all night...super quick, athletic...can handle, can shoot, big dunker for a guard. Quick first step.

I have no idea if he'll be any good at all, but I predict he'll be the next "why isn't the coach playing this guy" around here, at the very least. His play history paints a picture of a raw player, as does the fact that he has been trade deadline filler annually, so far, but if the goal is to increase lottery odds, maybe he'll get a lot of time here for the rest of the season.

[vfromlmf]

Regardless, I’d rather watch AJJon dribble it off his foot than watch Exum rehab his knee.

[Smitty]

I've been watching AJ Johnson highlights all night...super quick, athletic...can handle, can shoot, big dunker for a guard. Quick first step.

I have no idea if he'll be any good at all, but I predict he'll be the next "why isn't the coach playing this guy" around here, at the very least. His play history paints a picture of a raw player, as does the fact that he has been trade deadline filler annually, so far, but if the goal is increase lottery odds, maybe he'll get a lot of time here for the rest of the season.

He should get plenty of playing time the rest of the season. He’s athletic as heck!

[FireNicoHarrison]

Regardless, I’d rather watch AJJon dribble it off his foot than watch Exum rehab his knee.

This.

[vfromlmf]

Also I have a prediction that Bagley will be on this team for a LONG time if he resigns near the minimum.

This is a smart kid who has had awful breaks. He’ll obviously never live up to his draft position. He’s not a starter. But he could play 8-10 more years in this league if he just copies everything Dwight Powell does. He has all the athleticism in the world. Jury is out on whether or not he can match Dwight’s physicality. Just set solid screens and do your job defensively and I could easily see Dallas offering him a Powell type contract.

I’d also like to see a best hairdo competition between Bagley and Lively.

[KillerLeft]

Also I have a prediction that Bagley will be on this team for a LONG time if he resigns near the minimum.

This is a smart kid who has had awful breaks. He’ll obviously never live up to his draft position. He’s not a starter. But he could play 8-10 more years in this league if he just copies everything Dwight Powell does. He has all the athleticism in the world. Jury is out on whether or not he can match Dwight’s physicality. Just set solid screens and do your job defensively and I could easily see Dallas offering him a Powell type contract.

Interesting. 

I'm kind of hoping he's traded tomorrow and never suits up for the Mavs once. Your way could work, too, I guess. I do like that he seems to have accepted that he's a center.

[FireNicoHarrison]

AJ is an athletic freak. OMG.

[FireNicoHarrison]

Bagley is a waste of space. Good stats but empty game. Loser player.0 effort.

We can hope in miracles but it's hard this time.

[cow]

Bagley is a waste of space. Good stats but empty game. Loser player.0 effort.

We can hope in miracles but it's hard this time.

Plus there is no chance he can take ball to the face like the Diamond.

[vfromlmf]

Bagley is a waste of space. Good stats but empty game. Loser player.0 effort.

We can hope in miracles but it's hard this time.

Haven’t watched him play much at all but Wiz fans and analysts don’t generally seem to agree with your viewpoint. He got positive press and the coaching staff praised his maturity and acceptance of his role. We’ll find out regardless. He could be a bum. But I’m optimistic based on what I’ve been reading. Again, he’s an 18 minute backup center, so not expecting miracles. But this team has a role for that especially with Lively’s health history.

[cow]

Haven’t watched him play much at all but Wiz fans and analysts don’t generally seem to agree with your viewpoint. He got positive press and the coaching staff praised his maturity and acceptance of his role. We’ll find out regardless. He could be a bum. But I’m optimistic based on what I’ve been reading. Again, he’s an 18 minute backup center, so not expecting miracles. But this team has a role for that especially with Lively’s health history.

Posted this on the last page:

431st in defensive rating, 389th in net rating, 420th in +/-

If you are looking for an Enes Kanter type, maybe kick the tire.  I'm not sure he's the bucket that Kanter was, but I always hoped we'd see a 2nd unit run through him to see if it could be effective.

[Scott41theMavs]

AJ is an athletic freak. OMG.

He looks like a Manute Bol mini-me.