Trade & FA 2024-25:

[KillerLeft]

 

Ohhhhhh, DFS!

Sign me up! And I'm not just saying that because he's one of my all-time favorite Mavs, either. I actually think he's gettable for this team.

[fifteenth]

Ohhhhhh, DFS!

Sign me up! And I'm not just saying that because he's one of my all-time favorite Mavs, either. I actually think he's gettable for this team.

And he can shoot above the break 3s, punish close outs, play D... AND HE BELONGS IN A MAVS JERSEY!

[RGP1981]

I'd much rather have Caitlin Clark than Lebron James.

Go Caitlin!

[Jmaciscool]

Here is Jason Timpf's breakdown of the Finals. I have it cued up to the beginning of his two EXCEPTIONAL Mavs segments, with which I agree 100%. Every single word of this is right on the money. As always, the conclusion is: get with the times and run more 5-out. It's a little frustrating for me, because while this team has changed for the better in many ways, they have taken 2-3 steps backwards, strategically, since the end of the Carlisle era. But, it's not hopeless, and I think this is all doable. 

https://youtu.be/V23LsIjnKQE?si=a3pNr0-g_iFAvkxV&t=1736

EVERY SERIOUS MAVS FAN SHOULD WATCH THIS. SOME OF YOU SHOULD WATCH IT TWICE.

This was great stuff - the only thing he said that I really didn't like was when he talked about how he's a Lakers fan.  Someone as smart as he is shouldn't be that way.

[Knutsen]

Oh, for sure. The on-court advantages to adding LeBron are numerous and obvious. I meant what I said about him making the team a favorite overnight. 

I'm not opposed, I just think A) it's a long shot, B) it would cost much more (in trade) than we'd like to think and C) he's 100 years old, so the timeline would become extremely short.

I wrote it on page one, there’d be a big off court advantage as well in my opinion which is the „professionalization“ of Luka by him looking up to LeBron and getting mentored.

I‘m not sure about the prize being that high. The players have all the leverage an LeGM especially. If it‘s he‘ll leave for free or the Lakers get some return they surely choose the latter.

It really only depends on what LeBron wants the most - evolving as a business man and celebrity and maybe play with his son he‘ll stay with the Lakers. If he‘s all into winning to tie or overtake MJ in rings we are probably his best bet. 

I‘d estimate the chance of this happening at less than 10 per cent. But I‘m 100 per cent sure we‘ll try, because it perfectly fits with the Kyrie window and is our best chance to leap above all the other teams in the West.

[SleepingHero]

Ya know a wing that fits THJ money and we don't need to worry about apron's or whatever?

Lauri Markkannen.

His contract situation muddies the waters in terms of UTA just flipping him to the highest bidder.  Lauri wants at least a 4 years max extension, but due to his contract he can't receive the most amount of money possible. Correct me if I'm wrong Mr. Gump or Dan, but the CBA only allows raises for extensions to be 140% over the last year of the contract. Lauri's last year is 18.1 mil which means if he extended this summer, the most he could receive for an extension is starting at ~26mil w/8% raises (so roughly 4 years/120 mil). 

That means Lauri will almost undoubtedly wait till the summer of 2025 when he is a free agent to sign a max contract, foregoing an extension entirely. On the open market Lauri will get max contract offers from any team with space and a role for him. Further, Lauri has already signaled an exhaustion of losing and wants to win ( https://www.ksl.com/article/50983677/lau...20that.%22 )

"I want to win basketball games and get to the playoffs; and hopefully at the end, get all the way, and that's the ultimate goal," Markkanen said. "They know that."

Will he be patient with Utah? They have a lotto pick in an albeit shallow draft. They have a bunch of cap space they can use to sign an impact player. But given how tough the West is, is Utah really just 1 free agent away from breaking into a top 8 team? I doubt it. 

Further to add even more complexity, the Jazz can use some of their capspace to renegotiate Lauri's deal and extend him at a number much higher/closer to what Lauri wants, similar to how they reworked Clarksons contract last year. That will put Lauri's next year deal around 42mil w/8% raises (roughly 4/200). But that means Lauri cannot be traded at all next year due to restrictions expiring after the TDL. AND do the Jazz really want to tie up one of the lone max contract spots a team can have to a guy that hasn't proven he can be THE guy and lead his team to the playoffs? Further, this pretty much takes away all flexibility for Utah and Lauri could ask out anyways. I'm not sure they want to go that route. I also think with Utah's assets, they'd be more inclined to take a slow approach to building and finding a franchise guy in 2025 vs. trying to make this current team work.

Their GM said as much: 

"I don't want to waste any years, but you also have to do it within the timeline that makes sense," general manager Justin Zanik said. "We're not trying to say, 'Hey, Lauri, we want to make you happy. You've never made the playoffs so we're gonna just burn all our picks and get some marginal-level repeat player and maybe we'll be a seven seed.' The goal is to make the playoffs and then grow from there."

So it makes sense for Utah to just shop Lauri to the highest bidder and move on right? Well due to his contract, that isn't so cut and dry. If he is traded to a team that doesn't have cap space and cant renegotiate his contract, he'll lose some money immediately due to not renegotiating his contract. Which means I can see Lauri's agent saying "we're going to test free agency if any team trades for him" to force Utah to pony up now. Remember, that route allows Lauri's camp to control everything and gets security this summer. They want Utah's hand to be forced.  

I don't know what team is going to be super motivated to dump 3-5 picks for a guy who will be threatening testing free agency the entire season. This affects some more than others (*cough* OKC) and will depress the Lauri market imo. But even if the team with the most picks did want Lauri, I don't see how he solves anything OKC needs. Chet+Lauri overlap a bit too much skillset and their lack of center isn't filled.

Utah has been on record they want 4 picks in return for Lauri. I don't think that's happening given his contract situation. But 2-3 picks should be on the table. Mavs have shown a history of trading for guys with risky summer contract situations and not caring about said risk. Lauri also fills a huge position of need here and fits well:

• He can't create his own shot reliably, but is arguably the best player in the league in catch and shoot shots/created looks. Under Luka he might be a 30ppg guy
  
• He has a lot of size, but plays like a wing. Lets the Mavs run 5 out without really giving up much mobility. 
  
• He tried to force his way to Dallas 4 years ago but the Mavs weren't motivated to pay up. 
  
• Did I mention that he can play 5 out? 
  

In terms of pipe dreams, this is a long shot. But the Mavs could offer Utah 2 prospects, 2 FRPs, 1 FRP swap, and a bunch of 2nds. That might just be enough. This deal still allows the Mavs to stay under the 1st apron this year as well.

[BigDirk41]

Ya know a wing that fits THJ money and we don't need to worry about apron's or whatever?

Lauri Markkannen.

His contract situation muddies the waters in terms of UTA just flipping him to the highest bidder.  Lauri wants at least a 4 years max extension, but due to his contract he can't receive the most amount of money possible. Correct me if I'm wrong Mr. Gump or Dan, but the CBA only allows raises for extensions to be 140% over the last year of the contract. Lauri's last year is 18.1 mil which means if he extended this summer, the most he could receive for an extension is starting at ~26mil w/8% raises (so roughly 4 years/120 mil). 

That means Lauri will almost undoubtedly wait till the summer of 2025 when he is a free agent to sign a max contract, foregoing an extension entirely. On the open market Lauri will get max contract offers from any team with space and a role for him. Further, Lauri has already signaled an exhaustion of losing and wants to win ( https://www.ksl.com/article/50983677/lau...20that.%22 )


Will he be patient with Utah? They have a lotto pick in an albeit shallow draft. They have a bunch of cap space they can use to sign an impact player. But given how tough the West is, is Utah really just 1 free agent away from breaking into a top 8 team? I doubt it. 

Further to add even more complexity, the Jazz can use some of their capspace to renegotiate Lauri's deal and extend him at a number much higher/closer to what Lauri wants, similar to how they reworked Clarksons contract last year. That will put Lauri's next year deal around 42mil w/8% raises (roughly 4/200). But that means Lauri cannot be traded at all next year due to restrictions expiring after the TDL. AND do the Jazz really want to tie up one of the lone max contract spots a team can have to a guy that hasn't proven he can be THE guy and lead his team to the playoffs? Further, this pretty much takes away all flexibility for Utah and Lauri could ask out anyways. I'm not sure they want to go that route. I also think with Utah's assets, they'd be more inclined to take a slow approach to building and finding a franchise guy in 2025 vs. trying to make this current team work.

Their GM said as much: 

So it makes sense for Utah to just shop Lauri to the highest bidder and move on right? Well due to his contract, that isn't so cut and dry. If he is traded to a team that doesn't have cap space and cant renegotiate his contract, he'll lose some money immediately due to not renegotiating his contract. Which means I can see Lauri's agent saying "we're going to test free agency if any team trades for him" to force Utah to pony up now. Remember, that route allows Lauri's camp to control everything and gets security this summer. They want Utah's hand to be forced.  

I don't know what team is going to be super motivated to dump 3-5 picks for a guy who will be threatening testing free agency the entire season. This affects some more than others (*cough* OKC) and will depress the Lauri market imo. But even if the team with the most picks did want Lauri, I don't see how he solves anything OKC needs. Chet+Lauri overlap a bit too much skillset and their lack of center isn't filled.

Utah has been on record they want 4 picks in return for Lauri. I don't think that's happening given his contract situation. But 2-3 picks should be on the table. Mavs have shown a history of trading for guys with risky summer contract situations and not caring about said risk. Lauri also fills a huge position of need here and fits well:

• He can't create his own shot reliably, but is arguably the best player in the league in catch and shoot shots/created looks. Under Luka he might be a 30ppg guy
  
• He has a lot of size, but plays like a wing. Lets the Mavs run 5 out without really giving up much mobility. 
  
• He tried to force his way to Dallas 4 years ago but the Mavs weren't motivated to pay up. 
  
• Did I mention that he can play 5 out? 
  

In terms of pipe dreams, this is a long shot. But the Mavs could offer Utah 2 prospects, 2 FRPs, 1 FRP swap, and a bunch of 2nds. That might just be enough. This deal still allows the Mavs to stay under the 1st apron this year as well.

I don't think this has any chance of happening, but sign me up. He would be a legit 3rd star. He could play the 5 when we want to play 5 out. We can slide PJ to the 3 when Lively and Lauri are in together. Make it happen.

[KillerLeft]

I don't think this has any chance of happening, but sign me up. He would be a legit 3rd star. He could play the 5 when we want to play 5 out. We can slide PJ to the 3 when Lively and Lauri are in together. Make it happen.

I personally don't like PJ as a 3. I think he's a 4, or you don't want him on the team, unless you think he'll be happy coming off the bench. I kind of feel like PJ would be gone in any deal for Markkanen, anyway, but maybe not. 

As to who I'd prefer between Markkanen and Washington, I'm not sure. Washington is a GREAT defender, and I believe his offensive potential is much better than what he has shown. But obviously, Markkanen is a huge improvement right away, offensively. I'm just not sure if I like the trade off, especially given the cost. It's worth considering, that's for sure.

[BigDirk41]

I personally don't like PJ as a 3. I think he's a 4, or you don't want him on the team, unless you think he'll be happy coming off the bench. I kind of feel like PJ would be gone in any deal for Markkanen, anyway, but maybe not. 

As to who I'd prefer between Markkanen and Washington, I'm not sure. Washington is a GREAT defender, and I believe his offensive potential is much better than what he has shown. But obviously, Markkanen is a huge improvement right away, offensively. I'm just not sure if I like the trade off, especially given the cost. It's worth considering, that's for sure.

I wouldn't give up PJ for Lauri so I would be done at that point. PJ has all NBA defense potential and I believe his shot will improve next year.

[SleepingHero]

I personally don't like PJ as a 3. I think he's a 4, or you don't want him on the team, unless you think he'll be happy coming off the bench. I kind of feel like PJ would be gone in any deal for Markkanen, anyway, but maybe not. 

As to who I'd prefer between Markkanen and Washington, I'm not sure. Washington is a GREAT defender, and I believe his offensive potential is much better than what he has shown. But obviously, Markkanen is a huge improvement right away, offensively. I'm just not sure if I like the trade off, especially given the cost. It's worth considering, that's for sure.

Lauri has the size of a 4 but the skillset of a 2. This isn't a PJ vs Lauri discussion but more of Mavs adding a 7ft shooting guard. PJ will still be in his regular role on offense and will still guard the best guy on the floor. Lauri has enough size to play the 5 and enough mobility to play the 3. 

Only issue is that this doesn't fix the POA defender problem. DJJ theoretically could still be retained, but perhaps the Mavs don't care that much if they are adding an offensive force like Lauri.

[KillerLeft]

Lauri has the size of a 4 but the skillset of a 2. This isn't a PJ vs Lauri discussion but more of Mavs adding a 7ft shooting guard. PJ will still be in his regular role on offense and will still guard the best guy on the floor. Lauri has enough size to play the 5 and enough mobility to play the 3. 

Only issue is that this doesn't fix the POA defender problem. DJJ theoretically could still be retained, but perhaps the Mavs don't care that much if they are adding an offensive force like Lauri.

Right, but who guards POA? 

For me, and this is going against everything I wrote over the past month, the question suddenly becomes: who is out there who might be better than DJJ? I think that's the spot I'd look to upgrade, sure, but I don't think Markkanen works, because he's more of a Washington replacement...just my gut reaction. I do think Markkanen is a good player and worth thinking about.

[F Gump]

Lauri wants Superman money. In today's NBA, you can't pay that to your 3rd or 4th best player, even if he's a very good shooter. At that price, he'll have to be on a scrub team lacking top talent, where he's the best player.

[KillerLeft]

Hopefully, first forward/big off the bench is solved via O-Max. Total game changer if he's ready for 15-18 minutes per next season. The best moment of game 5 was watching him utterly smother Jaylen Brown on that garbage time iso. I believe he has the chance to be a three-position player who can defend 1-5. Talk about switchable!

[mvossman]

Lauri wants Superman money. In today's NBA, you can't pay that to your 3rd or 4th best player, even if he's a very good shooter. At that price, he'll have to be on a scrub team lacking top talent, where he's the best player.

He is not a plus defender, can't create for others and average games played over last 6 years is in the mid 50s.  He is not going to be worth the assets to get him plus max contract.

[Winter]

Hopefully, first forward/big off the bench is solved via O-Max. Total game changer if he's ready for 15-18 minutes per next season. The best moment of game 5 was watching him utterly smother Jaylen Brown on that garbage time iso. I believe he has the chance to be a three-position player who can defend 1-5. Talk about switchable!

I'm hopeful he's in the rotation and serves a defensive purpose. I like O'max as a bigger body. 

I think for me, though, I'm looking at picking up someone in FA who can generate their own shot who can play Hardaway's role, but maybe a little less one-dimensional on offense and more active on defense.

[mvossman]

I'm hopeful he's in the rotation and serves a defensive purpose. I like O'max as a bigger body. 

I think for me, though, I'm looking at picking up someone in FA who can generate their own shot who can play Hardaway's role, but maybe a little less one-dimensional on offense and more active on defense.

Not sure we have the assets right now to get what you are describing.

[Smitty]

My top somewhat realistic trade target this off-season is Deni Avdija. He’s been a Mavs target for a while.

I’m sure it’ll take Green to get it done so Green+Hardy+FRP for Deni.

Then I would do the THJ + SRP for Grimes trade I brought up weeks ago. For all the reasons I posted.

The reason I’d add Hardy to the Deni trade is both Grimes and Hardy are extension eligible next year and Rich Paul is going to want the most playing time for Hardy - what better place than the Wiz.

It also leaves the Mavs with enough room to bring back DJJ.

Luka | Exum | VetMin - DSJ/Wright/Mclaughlin/Beverley/Dinwiddie/Payne
Kyrie | Grimes | Lawson
Deni | DJJ | Omax
PJW | Maxi | Morris
Lively | Gaff | Powell

*Grimes is a career 37% 3PT shooter on 5 attempts per game. Good defender.
*Deni is a 6’9 SF with a pretty complete game. Averaged 15/7/4 this year and good defense. Also a 37% 3PT shooter.

[Chicagojk]

Hopefully, first forward/big off the bench is solved via O-Max. Total game changer if he's ready for 15-18 minutes per next season. The best moment of game 5 was watching him utterly smother Jaylen Brown on that garbage time iso. I believe he has the chance to be a three-position player who can defend 1-5. Talk about switchable!

big summer for Omax.   He can set the tone this summer both in summer league and at the practice facility.  He needs to be there all summer.  If I were to guess, he is going to start the year outside the main rotation.    He will get some shots though during the season.  If he makes a strong impression, he will find himself in the rotation.   To be honest, he looked lost and robotic this season.   That is totally normal for a young player.   I have not watched much real action of him, but I liked his college highlights and his summer league play.  Plus, he has the measurables that everyone is looking for in a player.  I also think he is a guy who will work non stop and never be a problem teammate.   Will he work out?   Not sure.   He needs to start laying the groundwork this summer though. 

It is a really, really important summer for Jaden.  A strong summer may lead to a contract extension for him.  I think he will get his shot in the rotation next summer.  I think the team knows he can play.    He just needs to continue to turn himself from a really exciting player into a player who makes winning plays.   I don't think he quite does this yet.   This is true for a lot of players.   He needs to improve several things in his game.   Improve his ball handling, develops a floater and play better help side defense could mean the difference in 75 million extra dollars throughout his NBA career.

[Jason Terry]

Lively will be shooting 3’s next year. He will have all the tools to beat any type of team. He had a bad finals, but what a great run. He will show any doubters next year that he has no real weakness. He’s no longer a rookie, he’s a 2nd year player with tons of playoff experience. I fully expect him to earn a max extension

O-Max could be a totally different player with a summer under his belt. He benefited from the extended run as well. I can’t wait to hear the snippets of his progress this summer. Like PJ, he can guard 1-5. He will need to be able to shoot to crack the rotation. He’s a good bet to have on the team.

Lively transforming into a shooter is a big deal. O-Max has the tools to be special. Green is a good shooter and needs to be more of a volume guy. Hardy could still be here and has great incentive to take a big step forward

Plus overall gelling together after only being together a short time. Regardless of what moves we make this offseason, there’s tangible reasons to believe we will have internal improvement next season

Let’s not forget we had lots of bad injury luck this season. If anything we shouldn’t expect worse injury luck

[Jason Terry]

Jimmy Butler

Khris Middleton

Here’s a couple of big names i could see being available to us.

Mikal and Lauri are unattainable