Trade & FA 2024-25:

[KillerLeft]

I feel like we’ve had this conversation before. I could be wrong. We just see a different player. I’ve never once thought he was someone capable of running an offense. He’s an off-ball player. CnS guy 100% and a poor shooter at that. I feel like every team has a Jaden Hardy and ours just isn’t that good. I hate being negative about any Mavs players so I’ll leave this one be. I would love nothing more than to be wrong and him have a breakout year!

If I believed that, I'd be praying for them to trade him because he'll never amount to squat. I think you're wrong. 

"Running an offense" isn't a bar these guys have to clear anymore. You can count the guys who do that on one hand. Running a high screen and roll is all he has to be able to do. 

I think Hardy's iso game is THE DRAW, and have thought so since his rookie season. He's literally a poor man's Kyrie to me, on his way to becoming a lower-middle-class man's Kyrie. I suppose we'll see how the Mavs view him soon.

[Ghost of Podkolzin]

Tyus had some monster games when Morant was out. Any opinions on his defense?

That's why I'm an Exum fan. Good distributor, big, and good defender. Injuries and fading in the playoffs is troubling tho.

[Smitty]

If I believed that, I'd be praying for them to trade him because he'll never amount to squat. I think you're wrong. 

"Running an offense" isn't a bar these guys have to clear anymore. You can count the guys who do that on one hand. Running a high screen and roll is all he has to be able to do. 

I think Hardy's iso game is THE DRAW, and have thought so since his rookie season. He's literally a poor man's Kyrie to me, on his way to becoming a lower-middle-class man's Kyrie. I suppose we'll see how the Mavs view him soon.

What is your opinion of Exum? What do you think the Mavs think?

[KillerLeft]

What is your opinion of Exum? What do you think the Mavs think?

I think Exum is bad ass, and checks a ton of important boxes:

Competent PG in terms of bringing the ball up. 
Willing to give the ball up to get the possession's action started (few Mavs are).
GREAT size and defense for a guard, and can in fact guard 1-3 quite effectively (this is GOLD). 
Similar in size to Luka, which in theory means that even if he can't do what Luka can do, he at least fits next to some of the same players as Luka's backup. 
High energy guy.
Surprisingly good on catch and shoot attempts that are WIDE OPEN

...and all that on a vet minimum, with real hope of a team-friendly next deal. 

BUT:

He's scared to shoot. I don't understand why, really, because he's pretty good at it. He'll never be a quick-release sniper, but he CAN shoot. He just won't. And, to play PG here, you must, must be an offensive threat when you have the ball, like Luka and Kyrie are. That's non-negotiable. There were a couple of moments in that one good finals game where he pulled up for shots when his defender went under (pretty sure he made them, too), but to actually play that role off the bench in a usable way, his defender has to KNOW he's going to shoot that. 

It's not even about making them, it's about the defense knowing he's going to take them. Make them have to make decisions. Otherwise, the entire offense dies. 

As long as he's scared to try on offense, I don't think there's room for him in the NBA (as an on-ball player, at least). I wouldn't want him in a playoff rotation while this is a problem for him, and unfortunately, that probably means I wouldn't want him back at anything above the minimum, which is why I bet they're wondering if he should be here again this year. At least with him another minimum isn't out of the question (someone is going to pay Hardy, I promise). Based on what I've seen so far, I'd say it's unclear whether Exum should be a backup PG or a 3&D wing. Not a great place to be for someone his age. 

I think Hardy is a much better bet as backup point guard, personally. He does the same stuff Luka and Kyrie do, and he's going to improve at those things. He's not scared of getting shots up. Getting shots up brings the defense, which opens passing lanes. That, in an oversimplified, lacking nuance way, IS modern offense.

[KillerLeft]

What do YOU think of Exum, Mr. Smitty?

[Smitty]

I think Exum is bad ass, and checks a ton of important boxes:

Competent PG in terms of bringing the ball up. 
Willing to give the ball up to get the possession's action started (few Mavs are).
GREAT size and defense for a guard, and can in fact guard 1-3 quite effectively (this is GOLD). 
Similar in size to Luka, which in theory means that even if he can't do what Luka can do, he at least fits next to some of the same players as Luka's backup. 
High energy guy.
Surprisingly good on catch and shoot attempts that are WIDE OPEN

...and all that on a vet minimum, with real hope of a team-friendly next deal. 

BUT:

He's scared to shoot. I don't understand why, really, because he's pretty good at it. He'll never be a quick-release sniper, but he CAN shoot. He just won't. And, to play PG here, you must, must be an offensive threat when you have the ball, like Luka and Kyrie are. That's non-negotiable. There were a couple of moments in that one good finals game where he pulled up for shots when his defender went under (pretty sure he made them, too), but to actually play that role off the bench in a usable way, his defender has to KNOW he's going to shoot that. 

It's not even about making them, it's about the defense knowing he's going to take them. Make them have to make decisions. Otherwise, the entire offense dies. 

As long as he's scared to try on offense, I don't think there's room for him in the NBA (as an on-ball player, at least). I wouldn't want him in a playoff rotation while this is a problem for him, and unfortunately, that probably means I wouldn't want him back at anything above the minimum, which is why I bet they're wondering if he should be here again this year.

Wow. It’s so crazy to me that we can see the same player here and then complete opposites elsewhere. You hit the nail on the head with this one. There’s really nothing I’d add. Our view of Exum; strengths, weakness and style are spot on! Here’s to hoping I’m wrong on Hardy!

[Luka77]

Nobody knows how Ayton would have done in a winning environment. I wouldn´t want him now, considering what Nico has done with Lively/Gafford, but for the last 13 years Ayton for THJ/Kleber (not the pick) would have been better than all their other glorious ideas from Lamar Odom to De Andre Jordan to Javale McGee. At least Ayton was young and had shown plenty of promise. The jury is obviously out on Phoenix and next season is their whole window imho, but I think they lost every single trade they made since the new owner came on board, including Ayton. 

Also heard Ayton was really good for the Bahamas and there was some shady sh*t going on in the qualifiers final in Spain. Now I wouldn´t trust Windhorst farther than I can throw him, which is not very far, since he believes Messi played for Real Madrid, but when it comes to cheating whether it is doping, naturalization, tax evasion and fraud, flat out bribery or just unsportsmanlike conduct, Spain are the cunt world champions of sports.

Yes nobody knows for sure but there are enough red flags in his character to avoid dipping your toes in those waters.  

One of the biggest ones being that Ayton is reported too loving video games more than basketball.  That's not something you would ever want around Luka  who is not the hardest worker off the court himself.

[MAVS-SLO]

Only 2 teams have remaining cap space:

1. UTA-34.7 mil
   
2. DET-19.2 mil
   

Teams with their MLE available: 

• BRK (11.4)
  
• CHA (12.8)
  
• HOU (11.6)
  
• IND (7.3)
  
• MEM (11.5)
  
• NOP (7.7)
  
• NYK (4.4, but practically 0)
  
• ORL (12.8) 
  
• POR (9.4) 
  
• SAC (12.6)
  
• SAS (12.8)
  
• TOR (4.4)
  
• UTA (12.8)
  

All teams that are bolded have the full MLE and don't have to worry about the 1st Apron. All other teams you can chop off about 1 mil to stay under that 1st apron.

ATL- 3mil under the 1st apron (can get full MLE if they let Bey walk)
CLE- 5mil under the 1st apron (can get full MLE if they let Okoro walk)
LAC- has 3.3 mil left but are hard capped at the 1st apron
DAL- has 4.2 mil left but are hard capped at the 1st apron
CHI- has 4.2 mil left but are hard capped at the 1st apron
WAS- has 3.3 mil left but are hard capped at the 1st apron


Celtics, Nuggets, Lakers, Heat, Bucks, Suns, and Timberwolves all cannot use the MLE right now due to being over the 2nd apron. 

GSW has used all of their MLE space. 

OKC and PHI have the room exception (7.9) left.

Fantastic work! Thank you.

I thought the most teams already used their space, but see that they are many who still have good cap space to spend.

The only way i can think we can get players caliber of Fultz, Kennard... Is that they see us as contender sign for us for less money and chase a ring.

Also, do we get bird rights on the player if he sign for TPE?

[Branduil]

The biggest red flag with Ayton is that he got shut down by Dwight Powell

[Ghost of Podkolzin]

I’ve probably been harshest on Hardy. The biggest eye opener for me was Summer League last year when they tried to make him a point guard and it went miserably. They clearly WANT him to be a combo guard but to me it’s like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. I have no idea if they think the same. 

To me he’s Tim Hardaway Jr. lite. Check this out:

Per 36

Player A
73 GP , 19.3 PPG , 4.8 RBS , 4.0 AST, 2.3 TOV , 40.7 FG% , 36.2 3PT% , 77.6 FT% , DEFRTG 114.5

Player B
79 GP , 19.3 PPG , 4.3 RBS , 2.4 AST, 1.2 TOV , 40.2 FG% , 35.3 3PT% , 85.2 FT% , DEFRTG 113.4


Player A is Jaden Hardy and Player B is Tim Hardaway Jr.


His pending contract situation and Agent, combined with the news of looking for backcourt help just lead me to the conclusion that they want to move him and/or they aren’t high on Exum. Hardy did show signs of life late in the playoffs but so did Exum in his limited run. 

Getting a SRP for either, if they can, makes some sense… and with Hardy’s supposed upside he’s the one that might net you 1 or 2. Who knows??

Wow.  Fantastic stuff.  I think Hardy has explosion to his game, but yes just like when THJ came into the league as a combo guard, Hardy is looking like a SG only.

The thing is young scoring SGs are probably the easiest young talent.  See Ricky Council IV.

Side issue: I can't believe Hardy and OMax didn't play more for the Legends.  In total Hardy has played 11 games, OMax 1 game.  These guys need real basketball burn.

[mvossman]

I think Exum is bad ass, and checks a ton of important boxes:

Competent PG in terms of bringing the ball up. 
Willing to give the ball up to get the possession's action started (few Mavs are).
GREAT size and defense for a guard, and can in fact guard 1-3 quite effectively (this is GOLD). 
Similar in size to Luka, which in theory means that even if he can't do what Luka can do, he at least fits next to some of the same players as Luka's backup. 
High energy guy.
Surprisingly good on catch and shoot attempts that are WIDE OPEN

...and all that on a vet minimum, with real hope of a team-friendly next deal. 

BUT:

He's scared to shoot. I don't understand why, really, because he's pretty good at it. He'll never be a quick-release sniper, but he CAN shoot. He just won't. And, to play PG here, you must, must be an offensive threat when you have the ball, like Luka and Kyrie are. That's non-negotiable. There were a couple of moments in that one good finals game where he pulled up for shots when his defender went under (pretty sure he made them, too), but to actually play that role off the bench in a usable way, his defender has to KNOW he's going to shoot that. 

It's not even about making them, it's about the defense knowing he's going to take them. Make them have to make decisions. Otherwise, the entire offense dies. 

As long as he's scared to try on offense, I don't think there's room for him in the NBA (as an on-ball player, at least). I wouldn't want him in a playoff rotation while this is a problem for him, and unfortunately, that probably means I wouldn't want him back at anything above the minimum, which is why I bet they're wondering if he should be here again this year. At least with him another minimum isn't out of the question (someone is going to pay Hardy, I promise). Based on what I've seen so far, I'd say it's unclear whether Exum should be a backup PG or a 3&D wing. Not a great place to be for someone his age. 

I think Hardy is a much better bet as backup point guard, personally. He does the same stuff Luka and Kyrie do, and he's going to improve at those things. He's not scared of getting shots up. Getting shots up brings the defense, which opens passing lanes. That, in an oversimplified, lacking nuance way, IS modern offense.

Its true that Exum does not take enough shots to be a true 6th man, but he takes more than Green and roughly the same as DJJ and Marshall.  He is also a better secondary creator than any of those guys without being a negative on defense.  He was very valuable in that role during the regular season (best net rating on the team).  But I think some of that was due to unsustainable efficiency.  He is not going to shoot nearly 50% from three again.  In the playoffs he actually upped his shooting volume a little, but his efficiency completely tanked (from everywhere on the court) making him a huge negative on offense.  Along with the injury concerns, its hard to know what we are going to get next year.  

Hardy is obviously not afraid to shoot, and he can create some for himself, but he is terrible at the rim and he struggles creating for others.  I feel like his game is closer to Hardaway than somebody like Dinwiddie.

My goal for this offseason was to address the glaring hole at 6th man as the Hardaway/Exum/Hardy group completely failed in the playoffs.  We also had to play Luka 40 minutes a game when Kyrie was out in order to compete.  A legit 6th man/creator would really help on the wear and tear to Luka (and Kyrie) during the regular season.

But the FO seems to be more concerned with the lack of shooting in the starting lineup.  In an ideal world we could address both issue with a single player, but that player would be much more expensive in cap and assets (see Grant, Jerami).

I'm skeptical that either Exum or Hardy can play that third creator role that was so effective during the WCF run with Dinwiddie.  If we could send out Hardy for somebody that could play that role (like Tyus) I think it would be a no brainer.

[Ghost of Podkolzin]

It wasn't just Ayton.  People were posting about trading the pick for Capella, Allen, Claxton, ect.

I don't know many that were for keeping the pick like I was.

Ya, I didn't understand the Ayton talk when we exposed him in that playoff series with....  Powell.  Ayton should have killed us.  We locked down CP3 and Booker, daring Ayton to dominate.

I was big on Allen because he was trending for the awesome season he had.  He became a better producer than even Mobley.  Still not a bad approach (trade #10 pick+ for Allen), but I didn't think Lively would be the immediate stud that he is.

[mvossman]

Fantastic work! Thank you.

I thought the most teams already used their space, but see that they are many who still have good cap space to spend.

The only way i can think we can get players caliber of Fultz, Kennard... Is that they see us as contender sign for us for less money and chase a ring.

Also, do we get bird rights on the player if he sign for TPE?

I think its simple as 2 year contract is early bird rights and 3 year contract is full bird rights.

[Chicagojk]

Is Gordon Hayward a minimum player now? I would be so into that. That is a guy with skills and experience. With reduced expectations, he’s gonna make a comeback.

He is probably a minimum guy now after his tough OKC stint.  He was an option for me before we made all our moves.  I don't see him as a fit now.

I think a place like Denver would be perfect for him.   He was pretty solid at a bad Charlotte team.   He would get wide open looks playing off the bench in denver.   I still think Denver has a few moves like this.    Can they find a way to get Gary Trent?

[SleepingHero]

@esidery
Gary Trent Jr. is a strong candidate to potentially take a one-year deal in order to rebuild his market value for 2025.

The Raptors are officially moving on, so Trent could become a key rotation piece on a contending team.

Trent shot 43.1% on catch-and-shoot threes this season.

[Ghost of Podkolzin]

@esidery
Gary Trent Jr. is a strong candidate to potentially take a one-year deal in order to rebuild his market value for 2025.

The Raptors are officially moving on, so Trent could become a key rotation piece on a contending team.

Trent shot 43.1% on catch-and-shoot threes this season.

Any chance of an S&T with TOR?

[SleepingHero]

Any chance of an S&T with TOR?

Depends on the outgoing and starting salary,  it possible.

Question is why do we want Trent Jr when we have Klay, Grimes, and Hardy?

[SleepingHero]

Ignore the feasibility of this idea by the way, but purely as a thought experiment, if the Clippers come calling at the TDL next season and offer you Kawhi for pennies on the dollar (like cheapest package possible, no picks, etc.) do you want him?

[SkenfromLMF]

If Trent is at an all-time low value wise, he would have little interest is doing a Sign and Trade for 3 years.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

https://x.com/hoopshype/status/1811023291466867157


Klay Thompson has taken the biggest haircut this season.