Trade & FA 2024-25:

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

@All_Things_Mavs
According to
@JakeLFischer
, Kyle Kuzma “has a lot of interest in going to Dallas” this season.

The Mavericks nearly traded for him last year before he opted to stay in DC.

If the price has dipped, and he’s really all in, would you take him on the Mavs?

fuck that guy

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

"DFS will be 32. Grimes will be 25. That’s an easy decision." -- Is it? DFS plays well, at a starter level (ie vs other 1st stringers). Grimes starter minutes are often disappointing. I'd rather add a strong starter level player than one whose ceiling appears to be backup caliber.

I didn't say Grimes will want a lot more than the MLE. You misread me. The point was whether the Mavs have MLE to spend, or not, and it's either-or when it comes to Grimes (and Hardy too).

One guy scores 10ppg in 29 minutes on one of the worst teams in the NBA. One guy scores 9ppg in 21 minutes on one of the best teams in the NBA. 

Do you think DFS would start ahead of Klay or PJ Washington? No, he wouldn’t. Would that make him a backup level player?

[Chicagojk]

Nice trade for Lakers. Still though, counting on a full season with a 40 year old may be a losing battle. They didn’t give up much though.

I wonder if the nets had a first round offer? Or was it so protected that really didn’t have much value. Last year it was comical they were looking for two firsts. DLo is a fa, so they either get cap room or maybe move him to another team. He may never suit up for the nets.

I thought DFS would eventually land in Dallas. There really is t a fit for him with the moves the last two years. Sure, I would love him backing up PJ, but that is overkill for the minutes available.

[F Gump]

One guy scores 10ppg in 29 minutes on one of the worst teams in the NBA. One guy scores 9ppg in 21 minutes on one of the best teams in the NBA. 

Do you think DFS would start ahead of Klay or PJ Washington? No, he wouldn’t. Would that make him a backup level player?

You missed the point entirely, which was about caliber of play, and not about whether the player is being used as a starter or off the bench in this situation. I want a player who can compete and often win against starters. From what I see, DFS has shown he can. I would greatly prefer that quality of player, whether playing against starters or backups.

[JamesConway912]

@NationMffl
Fischer said he also spoke with people connected to the Mavericks FO and mentions they’d most likely not be interested in giving up key assets for Kuzma.

That seems like a reasonable stance. He’d be an upgrade to our bench but besides his crappy play & unavailability this season he also makes quite a bit more than MLE money. Would be hard to find a spot for him under the salary cup. Personally I’ve never been a fan of this guy but if the front office still sees something in him after almost trading for him last year I’d be on board. It’s just hard to see where he’d fit here if it’s supposed to be more than a bench role.

Generally speaking the backup PF spot looks like the biggest weakness right now and the team certainly could use a shooter at the frontcourt spots though.

Irving | Dinwiddie
Thompson | Grimes
Doncic | Marshall
Washington | Kuzma
Lively | Gafford

The way Fischer states it makes it sound a lot more like that’s something Kuzma is interested in instead of the Mavs though. And that’s also my stance here. Probably a non starter and just an old almost-trade rumor being recycled again.

[Chicagojk]

That seems like a reasonable stance. He’d be an upgrade to our bench but besides his crappy play & unavailability this season he also makes quite a bit more than MLE money. Would be hard to find a spot for him under the salary cup. Personally I’ve never been a fan of this guy but if the front office still sees something in him after almost trading for him last year I’d be on board. It’s just hard to see where he’d fit here if it’s supposed to be more than a bench role.

Generally speaking the backup PF spot looks like the biggest weakness right now and the team certainly could use a shooter at the frontcourt spots though.

Irving | Dinwiddie
Thompson | Grimes
Doncic | Marshall
Washington | Kuzma
Lively | Gafford

The way Fischer states it makes it sound a lot more like that’s something Kuzma is interested in instead of the Mavs though. And that’s also my stance here. Probably a non starter and just an old almost-trade rumor being recycled again.

Yeah, I don't see it.  I think it is Kuzma looking at good situations (and one who had interest last year).   I was in the minority here and was fine with the gamble last year.  I am glad to be proven wrong.    I don't think Dallas would consider a Marshal, Maxi and pick type of trade.  Too many moving parts and again, you are adding a guy to come off the bench.  I am not sure Kuzma wants that and may not be a better fit than Marshall anyway.

With the new CBA and Kuzma's poor play this year, I am sure they are having trouble finding teams.    The Kings were always a team mentioned, but what point does that make and is not a very desirable location now.   You can probably find a few teams but the return may be very low, so not sure the Wizards would move him for that type of .25 on the dollar.   I think a team like Denver may be in the panic stage.  Same with Milwaukke and maybe Minnesota.   tough seeing if Kuzma would be the guy they went in on with their first choice.   It may be even harder finding a fair trade.

[mvossman]

The ability to match matters most when a player is max-worthy, or close to it. But with an MLE player like him, what do you do if some team offers him way more than you feel he's worth? Do you match and end up with a bad, cap-clogging contract? And what he THINKS he is worth will tend to factor into the picture too. So an accurate player evaluation is huge. (But it also helps if few teams will have cap room for over-MLE offers.)

To me, Grimes is a lot like Josh Green was. Sometimes, he looks like he can be a good player. Other times, he spares it up and it feels like his ceiling is "limited minutes backup." In theory, you want to keep him no matter what because you need talent, but it's going to be real easy to end up with a bad contract you regret.

I think Grimes has been significantly better than Green on both sides of the court.  He is a much better defender, a much more willing shooter (while being just as efficient) and a better rebounder.  I would have been fine giving him an MLE like extension before the season and still feel that way.  The good news is that due to how deep this team is he is not going to get huge minutes and likely wont score much more than 10 a game, so probably not a big candidate to get a huge offer sheet in the offseason given the limited money available.

[Chicagojk]

I think Grimes has been significantly better than Green on both sides of the court.  He is a much better defender, a much more willing shooter (while being just as efficient) and a better rebounder.  I would have been fine giving him an MLE like extension before the season and still feel that way.  The good news is that due to how deep this team is he is not going to get huge minutes and likely wont score much more than 10 a game, so probably not a big candidate to get a huge offer sheet in the offseason given the limited money available.

I have been so impressed with Grimes this year.  I think he has mostly been really good.    I hope we have enough minutes for everyone when healthy.   His ability to hit open threes should really shine when the team is healthy.  Heck, he has been making them pretty consistently now.

One of the areas that has been a pleasant surprise is his play off the dribble.  From what I recall, that had been a hole in his game.   He may not be a #1 creator but he makes quick decisions and with a spread floor he has really taken advantage of this.   

As you mention the lack of $ this offseason may limit the offers.   As might being on his third team and also maybe some past knee concerns.

[Chicagojk]

From Stein:

Brooklyn's inability to acquire a first-round pick for either Schröder or Finney-Smith highlights the challenges that Chicago and Washington face in their efforts to generate first-round trade compensation in return for Nikola Vučević and Kyle Kuzma, respectively.

The Bulls, in particular, have hoped that Vučević's sizzling offensive season would lead to a trade offer that features at least one future first-rounder. That just might not be possible in this marketplace even with Vučević averaging 20.7 points and 9.9 rebounds per game while shooting 57.3% from the field and 45.5% on 3-pointers.

Other veterans believed to be available for second-round draft compensation with 39 days to go until the trade deadline include Valančiūnas and Brogdon, Toronto's Kelly Olynyk and Bruce Brown and Utah's Jordan Clarkson.

[Chicagojk]

I know Ayton is fools gold, but he was really good last night. The Hawks have really done a nice job. They looked like a team going nowhere but now suddenly at least have a positive future with a lot of young talent. So how about Ayton to ATL for Capela and Okongwu?

ATL gets a known center still in his 20's. Portland gets an expiring in Capela and a young center who matches their core in age.

[F Gump]

@NationMffl
Fischer said he also spoke with people connected to the Mavericks FO and mentions they’d most likely not be interested in giving up key assets for Kuzma.

It may be worth mentioning that the salary match for Kuzma (have to send out about 26.5 for Kuzma plus another 2 for each extra outgoing body) is a deal-killer in light of his meh talent. To put together a package, no matter which players you pick off the roster, Mavs would have to trade way too much talent for a rando whose priority isn't winning, and who the fans would not forgive for his "too good for Dallas" mindset.

[SamStetz]

For any of the cap/CBA experts:

How much do the Mavs save from the Naji/PJ suspensions and does that result in more apron space?

[F Gump]

I think Grimes has been significantly better than Green on both sides of the court.  He is a much better defender, a much more willing shooter (while being just as efficient) and a better rebounder.  I would have been fine giving him an MLE like extension before the season and still feel that way.  The good news is that due to how deep this team is he is not going to get huge minutes and likely wont score much more than 10 a game, so probably not a big candidate to get a huge offer sheet in the offseason given the limited money available.

I hope you're right on Grimes. I agree on this year's version of Grimes over Green, but I am not sold on Grimes being starter caliber either, which is why for the same money and given a choice, I'd opt for DFS.

Grimes could improve and change my mind, and I hope he does, but so far I'm not seeing him as a must-keep.

[F Gump]

For any of the cap/CBA experts:

How much do the Mavs save from the Naji/PJ suspensions and does that result in more apron space?

Relative peanuts saved. About 163K reduction in their cap total (which would be the increase in apron room).

[Moviemavguy]

Kuzma has regrets...

[mvossman]

I hope you're right on Grimes. I agree on this year's version of Grimes over Green, but I am not sold on Grimes being starter caliber either, which is why for the same money and given a choice, I'd opt for DFS.

Grimes could improve and change my mind, and I hope he does, but so far I'm not seeing him as a must-keep.

Grimes already proved he was starter caliber in his second year in the league, and he is playing at least at that level now.  Assuming Grimes and Dorian end up costing roughly the same (prolly around MLE) I lean towards Grimes given the age difference.  We don't need a starter right now, but we will eventually need a long term replacement for Klay, and Grimes makes more sense for that role given age.

[Chicagojk]

Grimes already proved he was starter caliber in his second year in the league, and he is playing at least at that level now.  Assuming Grimes and Dorian end up costing roughly the same (prolly around MLE) I lean towards Grimes given the age difference.  We don't need a starter right now, but we will eventually need a long term replacement for Klay, and Grimes makes more sense for that role given age.

It is an interesting discussion on who I would prefer.   I have seen DFS play in big games with Luka and the Mavs.  I have a level of trust with him.   I also think he is the exact type of role guy I like.  tough, fearless and does all the small things.   

I haven't seen Grimes do it yet.   So far though, I have nothing to complain about.  As you mention, age is a factor in benefit of Grimes.  We haven't seen injuries yet for Grimes, but that could be a factor favoring DFS.

In my recollection, DFS is best guarding 4's (although he could get overpowered by guys like Randle) and Wings.   I am still trying to get a good feel for Grimes on defense.   He probably is going to be better guarding the smaller players and smaller wings.   Both players abilities are important with playing with Kyrie and Luka.   

I guess what I am saying that I wouldn't change anything right now.  That could change in the future.   I do think if the Mavs don't win it all this season, they will look for ways to upgrade the roster (I think it is a very good roster, but Mavs are looking to win while Kyrie is at this level).   backup PF is the big hole.   I really hope Omax gets a chance to grow into this role.   If he fills that hole, that really helps in so many ways.

[Mavs2021]

Kuzma has regrets...

I hope our new owners have more pride than Cuban.

[DallasMaverick]

I hope our new owners have more pride than Cuban.

I hope our new owners’ egos never get in the way of good basketball decisions.

[rocky164]

I hope our new owners’ egos never get in the way of good basketball decisions.

AMEN! And AMEN!!