Trade & FA 2024-25:

[F Gump]

No, I'm saying that first would be for DFS.  Its a crappy late round first and Maxi is probably a negative asset with his salary, injury history and offensive issues.

Got it.

On the pick, it's hard to know how much BKN would want another pick in this draft. It's supposed to be a really good draft, but in addition to their own (which everyone assumes they want to tank for), they are already swimming in low 1sts (they will also have MIL, NY, and one of PHX-OKC-HOU). Not sure what they plan to do with all those picks, much less if they have another.

[KillerLeft]

Maxi-Powell-Exum vs Maxi-Powell-Hardy, that forces consideration of whether you'd rather have Hardy at 6M in future years, or you'd rather have the 6M to spend elsewhere.

I'd be inclined to let him go. The Nets might see him as an asset (and maybe he is) and I think I'd rather go ahead and cash in. I think cap room and hard cap issues will continue to make contract sizes a factor in their roster-building.

I don't think I've fallen completely out of love with Hardy's potential, but I expected more from him this year than he has shown. I'd say I'm rapidly approaching "indifferent", so if the Mavs decide to get off of that contract somehow in the near future I won't lose any sleep. I'll just take it as an indication they're a little more disappointed than I (with more info than I have). \

I think either deal is fair - not sure which I'd prefer. Honestly, it's giving up BOTH alternative centers that gives me pause. I just keep coming back to the idea that this "hole" we're trying to fill doesn't really exist. I mean...it COULD exist, but as you said in an earlier post, an injury just about anywhere creates a need.

[DL2RimRocker]

Significantly short of fitting into hard cap (by about $4M). Adding minimum salary players (like Morris) to a package don't help, since you then have to turn around and re-fill the empty slot - and that new player will get AT LEAST minimum salary.

Perhaps I'm missing something, but Morris would be nothing more than salary match to get the deal done in that trade scenario.
I'm sure Nets get much better offers for DFS than two 2nd rounders while taking on a contract like Maxi's, but my point is that it would be sweet if Nico could pull off a deal for DFS without giving up our 2025 first, OMax or anyone in our current rotation.

[DL2RimRocker]

I don't really see how he'd help insulate against losing Grimes, however. I think they're totally different players who fit into totally different roles on both sides of the court. You kind of lost me on that one.

I don't see DFS as a direct replacement for Grimes by any means and I do agree they play different roles. 
We'd certainly have to find Grimes' replacement, but DFS does have the ability to guard multiple positions and could for instance, allow Klay to slip down to play more at the 2.
That's why I say he would be some insurance if we lost Grimes because it will be difficult to find someone as productive as Grimes for that small of a salary. It's really more about having another playable vet off the bench.

DFS would present somewhat of a problem with the development of OMax though because they are basically the same type of players. That would be the one reason I wouldn't want to bring DFS in now, but OMax simply isn't ready to be in the rotation of championship caliber team in the POs.

[RGP1981]

Kleber for Portis would be better and more preferable than Grimes for DFS, I think.

G: Kyrie, Spencer
G: Grimes, Naji
F: Luka, Klay
F: PJW, Portis
C: Lively, Gafford

[F Gump]

Perhaps I'm missing something, but Morris would be nothing more than salary match to get the deal done in that trade scenario.
I'm sure Nets get much better offers for DFS than two 2nd rounders while taking on a contract like Maxi's, but my point is that it would be sweet if Nico could pull off a deal for DFS without giving up our 2025 first, OMax or anyone in our current rotation.

Forget my comment about the uselessness of including minimum salary players.

The point is that Maxi-Morris is not a legal trade for DFS. More incoming salary than outgoing pushes them over the hard cap at Apron 1, which is not allowed. Also, Mavs are committed to Morris as 15th man, so another dead end. 

MY SIDE POINT WAS ....The hard cap makes the Mavs send as much or more outgoing (they are right near that number), and there's a salary diff of 4M between Maxi and DFS. But for hard cap purposes,  you cant make up any of that 4M difference by simply adding minimum outgoing salaries, since you have to come back after the trade and refill those empty slots with a player (who of course makes at least the minimum that you sent away!). That hard cap changes and complicates the trade possibilities, and it's not flexible.

[JamesConway912]

Do we have room to sign a bought out player to a minimum deal?

Read a few pretty wild Ben Simmons-takes on twitter and another board. Thought I’d share bc it’s obviously gonna be a controversial one lol. 110 ORtg, 113 DRtg right now. TS% in the high 50s iirc and he’s recently been playing better compared to earlier in the year. I kinda get the appeal if you make him play PF, set screens and defend off the bench in short bursts. Could be our Kyle Anderson except he’s way more boom or bust. 

Always liked Anderson. Maybe that’s Simmons‘ spot in the league from now on. If there even still is one. Never followed him much so I don’t know if he’s indeed such a headcase but we’ve had our fair share of redemption arcs.

But he’s clearly a troubled dude. Shame how his career turned out.

[F Gump]

Kleber for Portis would be better and more preferable than Grimes for DFS, I think.

G: Kyrie, Spencer
G: Grimes, Naji
F: Luka, Klay
F: PJW, Portis
C: Lively, Gafford

MIL would only trade P to get an upgrade. Their trade aim is improving now, not future considerations. Do you think they would see Maxi as an upgrade? 

I think P could be available but from MIL pov Maxi isn't the return they'd want.

[DL2RimRocker]

Forget my comment about the uselessness of including minimum salary players.

The point is that Maxi-Morris is not a legal trade for DFS. More incoming salary than outgoing pushes them over the hard cap at Apron 1, which is not allowed. Also, Mavs are committed to Morris as 15th man, so another dead end. 

MY SIDE POINT WAS ....The hard cap makes the Mavs send as much or more outgoing (they are right near that number), and there's a salary diff of 4M between Maxi and DFS. But for hard cap purposes,  you cant make up any of that 4M difference by simply adding minimum outgoing salaries, since you have to come back after the trade and refill those empty slots with a player (who of course makes at least the minimum that you sent away!). That hard cap changes and complicates the trade possibilities, and it's not flexible.

Ok...thanks for clearing that up!
If Im understanding this correctly, that means we can't trade for DFS because we don't have matching one-to-one salaries?

[mvossman]

Ok...thanks for clearing that up!
If Im understanding this correctly, that means we can't trade for DFS because we don't have matching one-to-one salaries?

No, just that a minimum is useless.  I think he posted valid trades that included Powell + Exum (who are both making over min).  Something like Maxi + Powell + Exum + 25 first for DFS.  Then we need to sign vet mins for those two spots.  But Gump pointed out that Nets already have multiple firsts in coming draft and may not be terribly interested in getting another (crappy) one.  Doesn't seem like there is a good trade option unless involving a third team, which makes it much less likely.

[mvossman]

MIL would only trade P to get an upgrade. Their trade aim is improving now, not future considerations. Do you think they would see Maxi as an upgrade? 

I think P could be available but from MIL pov Maxi isn't the return they'd want.

Nope.  Hard to do a trade between two contenders.  This would also likely need a third team, and Dallas would probably have to give up the 25 first to get it done.  Its unlikely either trade (Portis or DFS) will happen, but my vote would be fore Dorian.

[F Gump]

It's harder without an easy one for one. But the last page or two in this thread has multiple posts about possibilities.

If sending away multiple players for DFS, Mavs have to send away MORE salary than they get back, enough extra to allow payroll room to subsequently refill the roster and stay under that hard cap.

They have multiple obstacles, not just the hard cap (which severely limits choices to consider) but also the reality that their depth is a real asset and they have good use for (and good contract for) about all 15 players. That means trade options that will truly make them better are probably very limited. Also, it's hard to see where they have minutes to play a player they trade for, which kinda makes a trade not worth the cost.

I like DJJ or DFS or maybe Portis as good adds of 2 way players with contracts priced right (to me, a MAJOR part of who makes sense and who doesnt). But if I'm being practical, sitting pat sure seems like it might make more sense than what any of those are likely to cost in both players, picks, and turmoil to the roster. OTOH they did it last year in a major shakeup that was worth it, so who knows?

[Jym]

It's harder without an easy one for one. But the last page or two in this thread has multiple posts about possibilities.

If sending away multiple players for DFS, Mavs have to send away MORE salary than they get back, enough extra to allow payroll room to subsequently refill the roster and stay under that hard cap.

They have multiple obstacles, not just the hard cap (which severely limits choices to consider) but also the reality that their depth is a real asset and they have good use for (and good contract for) about all 15 players. That means trade options that will truly make them better are probably very limited. Also, it's hard to see where they have minutes to play a player they trade for, which kinda makes a trade not worth the cost.

I like DJJ or DFS or maybe Portis as good adds of 2 way players with contracts priced right (to me, a MAJOR part of who makes sense and who doesnt). But if I'm being practical, sitting pat sure seems like it might make more sense than what any of those are likely to cost in both players, picks, and turmoil to the roster. OTOH they did it last year in a major shakeup that was worth it, so who knows?

Yeah I'm not too eager to send out another 1st rounder for a backup 
If we pay that, we need someone that could/should replace Klay at SF

[F Gump]

One factor that is worth noting regarding trades is that the salary for a rest-of-season minimum gets a bit smaller by the day, which then lowers the cost to refill an empty slot.

So if they do a trade like we have been discussing, its likely that the timing is much closer to the trade deadline rather than now.

There's also the potential for Exum to return before then and begin to show some value. He was really good last season, but Mavs lack minutes for him. Could Maxi plus Exum become intriguing for a team needing a package of some veteran depth, and is that enough to unlock the door to Portis for example?

[mvossman]

I like DJJ or DFS or maybe Portis as good adds of 2 way players with contracts priced right (to me, a MAJOR part of who makes sense and who doesnt). But if I'm being practical, sitting pat sure seems like it might make more sense than what any of those are likely to cost in both players, picks, and turmoil to the roster. OTOH they did it last year in a major shakeup that was worth it, so who knows?

Agree on sitting pat.  They made it work last year, but they had more and bigger holes to fill.  Kind of crazy that between those TDL moves and the offseason they have added 6 of the top 9 rotational players on a contender.

[F Gump]

Yeah I'm not too eager to send out another 1st rounder for a backup 
If we pay that, we need someone that could/should replace Klay at SF

I don't think Mavs have interest in moving Klay out, and instead see him as evolving into a key part of their success. He's been better as he gets familiar. 

But fwiw he's a straight swap for DFS if you're interested. I don't see how K fits in BKN but he has plenty of interest around the league to make it a very easily doable 3 way imo. Stupid, imo, but not hard to make happen (and likely thats all it costs) if you don't want K.

[mvossman]

Yeah I'm not too eager to send out another 1st rounder for a backup 
If we pay that, we need someone that could/should replace Klay at SF

For many reasons I don't think this team has any thoughts on replacing Klay right now.

[Jym]

I don't think Mavs have interest in moving Klay out, and instead see him as evolving into a key part of their success. He's been better as he gets familiar. 

But fwiw he's a straight swap for DFS if you're interested. I don't see how K fits in BKN but he has plenty of interest around the league to make it a very easily doable 3 way imo. Stupid, imo, but not hard to make happen (and likely thats all it costs) if you don't want K.

Yeah I don't think that would make us better 
More my point is that if we're shooting for a backup, I would hope the Philly 2nd is enough if we can get the contracts figured out 
if not, just roll with what we have

[Chicagojk]

I think they keep Maxi and hope he gets hot during a run with backup duty. The issue with him too is he has another year left on his contract. I have trouble to believe a team would view as a positive asset. Maybe mavs resign him to a Dwight type contract too.

Any thoughts what Chris Boucher would go for without giving up a first or Omax?

[F Gump]

No idea on Boucher, but teams don't tend to pursue someone else's 18 mpg 3rd stringer on a bad bad team. He can't make 3s, but he chucks a lot of them. Why bother?