DAL OFFSEASON: Trade & FA | Mavs "mostly done...but you never know."

[Hypermav]

https://www.theringer.com/2020/10/7/2150...e-warriors

Front office executives around the league believe the Heat have become the league’s top destination for the next star with a wandering eye.

Miami "Super Team" = Mavs Championship.  Historical fact.

[omahen]

Front office executives around the league believe the Heat have become the league’s top destination for the next star with a wandering eye.

Which is exactly why Mavs need to be as good as possible next season if they want to hunt serious free agents in 2021. Because if not, there will be plenty of more appealing destinations. And as Leroux said in his piece Dan posted yesterday - Mavs need to walk a very fine line between improving in 2020 and keeping 2021 flexibility.

[KillerLeft]

Mavs need to walk a very fine line between improving in 2020 and keeping 2021 flexibility.

Totally.

[StepBackJay]

I think I saw Kamm down on a DJJ idea but I like DJJ a lot. We know Mavs wanted him last summer. He is the type of prospect we want uncle Ricky to get to work on. You bring him in on a cheap deal and have Rick get him to work on an outside shot. He isn't getting much run in the finals because it's the finals and he still needs work. I absolutely believe DJJ will be on the Mavs radar this offseason.

[Kammrath]

I think I saw Kamm down on a DJJ idea but I like DJJ a lot. We know Mavs wanted him last summer. He is the type of prospect we want uncle Ricky to get to work on. You bring him in on a cheap deal and have Rick get him to work on an outside shot. He isn't getting much run in the finals because it's the finals and he still needs work. I absolutely believe DJJ will be on the Mavs radar this offseason.

That is what matters to me. On a cheap deal. If that is the case I am cool. However, I just like quite a few prospects in this draft and hope the Mavs don't punt just to reclaim guys like DJJ.

[KillerLeft]

DJJ has potential, but he's not even in the playoff rotation for his team. I know we as fans LOVE potential, specifically athletic players with potential, but I just feel like the Mavs look at themselves and prioritize experience and leadership right now. 

So, while I would love getting a guy like DJJ (or Josh Jackson) on a minimum deal, I definitely don't expect them to be here on a larger contract, and I wouldn't expect them to PLAY very much, which I know will drive people here crazy.

[Hypermav]

https://theathletic.com/2120912/2020/10/...ba-season/

[Kammrath]

Any highlights from the article for us?

[Mavs2019]

https://www.theringer.com/2020/10/7/2150...e-warriors

Front office executives around the league believe the Heat have become the league’s top destination for the next star with a wandering eye.

Miami "Super Team" = Mavs Championship.  Historical fact.

It´s funny, but if they get Giannis (the league MVP that can´t shoot), we could once again build a team with super-depth whose design could be pretty close to the title team:

Luka = Kidd
Dunn = Stevenson
DFS = Marion
Porzingis = Dirk
Allen = Tyson

THJ = Jet
Brunson = JJB
Curry = Peja
Kleber = Cardinal
Bey = Brewer
Stewart = Hayward

[Scott41theMavs]

Any highlights from the article for us?

I hate it when people post articles from the Athletic, because I have no interest in paying for them. Please post highlights!

[Hypermav]

https://theathletic.com/2120912/2020/10/...ba-season/

[b]6. Do the Mavericks move on from Delon Wright or Justin Jackson?[/b] Both players had seasons that were disappointing enough to drop them from this team’s future plans. While it’s possible Jackson could have a renaissance, Wright simply fits this roster poorly. (Only 2.4 percent of Mavericks fans trust him to play major minutes in a playoff game in our recent fan survey.) Are they traded or, in Jackson’s case, even waived this offseason? -Tim
[b]7. What can the Mavericks realistically do in free agency?[/b] If Hardaway triggers his player option, the team will likely enter free agency operating over the cap. That would leave the team committed to $110.9 million in salaries while the salary cap is expected to remain around $109 million, leaving them with the mid-level exception (which starts around $9 million) to acquire a veteran free agent. In a peak cap-space scenario, with Hardaway opting out and Wright being traded into another team’s cap space, Dallas could potentially have around $25 million in cap space. That scenario seems unlikely, though. -Tim
[b]8. Are the Mavericks alright with a quiet offseason?[/b] This is a worthwhile question within the context of the second question we asked. Does Dallas see the 2020 offseason as an opportunity to sign the right pieces to push them into real contention? Or does the front office just view it as a necessary box to check off before reaching next offseason? -Tim
[b]9. Does Trey Burke re-sign with the team? [/b]Yes, I believe Burke will re-sign with the Mavericks. Two stints in with the Mavericks, there is familiarity on his fit and skillset that doesn’t exist elsewhere on this roster. Courtney Lee’s contract is expiring, as is J.J. Barea’s, and I can’t imagine what Burke brings on the court will be sacrificed for two locker room glue guys who don’t offer much on game days. -Saad
[b]10. Does J.J. Barea re-sign with the team?[/b] Barea hasn’t indicated that he’s quite ready to retire, which means I would expect him back barring the Mavericks running out of roster spots. -Tim
[b]11. Can the Mavericks acquire a defensive wing?[/b] What Dallas needs most is more defensive help, mainly consisting of tall, athletic players who can slow down opposing wings. How desperate are they for such a player? Would they bet on someone like Otto Porter Jr., bloated contract and all, or are they content with an Andre Roberson type – an unproven player coming off a major injury – or perhaps even the return of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist? Who knows. -Tim
[b]12. Can the Mavericks acquire a ball-handling guard?[/b] This question is asked within the usual context of Luka Doncic, who will continue to dominate the ball as much as physically possible. But another creative ball-handler who can create shots might help Dallas when games get tight. Seth Curry can help do that; Dallas hopes Jalen Brunson is developing into such a player, too. Still, another guard with proper point skills is definitely valued as a potential addition. -Tim
[b]21. What happens if the Mavericks don’t acquire a defensive wing?[/b] They won’t be much better defensively than the 19th-ranked unit they had last season. It’s possible they’re slightly better due to continuity and health; Doncic even showed the potential of becoming an above-average defender (albeit one who still has mental lapses) in the Orlando bubble. But more talent is needed for real improvement. -Tim

[b]22. What happens if the Mavericks don’t acquire a ball-handling guard? [/b]It might not matter. Curry’s addition to the starting – and, subsequently, closing – lineup helped slightly. Brunson could emerge as a stabilizing force akin to a prime Barea, which would change this entire equation. Even Doncic, prone to abandoning the offense late in games, could just be better. But one certain solution to the Mavericks’ late-game offense – a problem which, in a deeply competitive playoff series, might spread to the full-time offense – is another ball-handler. I’m curious to see whether Dallas finds one. -Tim

Highlights for me.

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Oh and he thinks the season may start on MLK day.  January 18th

[StepBackJay]

My takeaways from Tim:

• Delon probably gone, Jackson 50/50
  
• THJ probably opts in
  
• Quiet offseason possible
  
• Burke probably resigns
  
• JJB maybe back?
  
• No idea on defensive wing
  
• Additional ball-handling guard possible
  

One of the more interesting notes was Tim thinking Burke will be back. I would be happy for him to be back to build on what he accomplished in the playoffs.

No idea why he thinks JJB would be back. This contradicts JJB's own words and also if Mavs do resign Burke JJB would be our 6th guard behind Luka, THJ, Brunson, Seth, and Burke? I don't see the point of that.

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That is what matters to me. On a cheap deal. If that is the case I am cool. However, I just like quite a few prospects in this draft and hope the Mavs don't punt just to reclaim guys like DJJ.

I mean ya cheap deal is probably going to be the only option for Mavs in FA. I expect them to be getting bargain guys. The thing with DJJ or any young player like that is are they better than what you could get at #18? Hard to say, I think MBT struggles drafting players in this area and would probably rather trade the pick then get prospects in FA.

[KillerLeft]

I can totally see them using part of the MLE to go over the minimum for Burke, and then another part of it to go over the minimum for a Josh Joackson, DJJ type. Possibly not even using the full MLE in total.

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I'm just not seeing many MLE targets worth the cap hit, tbh. I mean, if they can get someone who believes they're worth MORE than the MLE to take it on a 1-year, bet on themselves type of season, then that could work.

[cow]

I think I saw Kamm down on a DJJ idea but I like DJJ a lot. We know Mavs wanted him last summer. He is the type of prospect we want uncle Ricky to get to work on. You bring him in on a cheap deal and have Rick get him to work on an outside shot. He isn't getting much run in the finals because it's the finals and he still needs work. I absolutely believe DJJ will be on the Mavs radar this offseason.

That is what matters to me. On a cheap deal. If that is the case I am cool. However, I just like quite a few prospects in this draft and hope the Mavs don't punt just to reclaim guys like DJJ.

Bingo.  We need to stop thinking we elevate role players into more than they are with the teams we are poaching them from.  It's not like the Heat are bad at player development.  If DJJ had defensive value, he'd get run in the playoffs over someone like Iggy, especially now that their bench was shortened due to injuries. DJJ on cheap deal, sure but I'm not going to lose any sleep if he signs somewhere else.

Paul Millsap is my favorite MLE target. He was productive in the playoffs so I'm not terribly concerned about his age. He defends, can hit an outside shot and bolsters our big rotation. He's also a guy that would have taken that Technical Foul instead of KP having to step up to the plate.

[Hypermav]

Paul Millsap is my favorite MLE target.

He is tough without being a knucklehead.  Now can we convince him to go from 30 millionish to MLE?

[StepBackJay]

Bingo.  We need to stop thinking we elevate role players into more than they are with the teams we are poaching them from.  It's not like the Heat are bad at player development.  If DJJ had defensive value, he'd get run in the playoffs over someone like Iggy, especially now that their bench was shortened due to injuries. DJJ on cheap deal, sure but I'm not going to lose any sleep if he signs somewhere else.

Paul Millsap is my favorite MLE target.  He was productive in the playoffs so I'm not terribly concerned about his age.  He defends, can hit an outside shot and bolsters our big rotation.  He's also a guy that would have taken that Technical Foul instead of KP having to step up to the plate.

Is it possible that the Heat are just stacked and thus its hard for a 23 yr old DJJ to get minutes in the Finals? I am not suggesting DJJ is starting here, I just think there's room for at least one of these prospect-type guys to git gud under the guidance of uncle Ricky.

Millsap would be great but I imagine he will have options including just returning to the Nuggets. They have his bird rights so they can pay him whatever they want.

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MBT wants to show they are in "win now" mode but also want max space in 2021 for a third big fish. 

With in mind that I think they do the following:

1. Upgrade Wright with a pick (likely 18) for some expiring veteran out there that is brought in as a starter. This will be Cubes "win now" move. It also will clear off Wright's money in 2021.
2. Bring back Burke + other small moves to shore up some roster holes. Mavs will use MLE money that isn't guaranteed in 2021 or adds only a small amount to '21 books.
3. Probably draft a player with #31 and use part of MLE if they find a player they like there.

[Kammrath]

Highlights for me.

Any notes from him on the draft?

[KillerLeft]

MBT wants to show they are in "win now" mode but also want max space in 2021 for a third big fish.
With in mind that I think they do the following:

1. Upgrade Wright with a pick (likely 18) for some expiring veteran out there that is brought in as a starter. This will be Cubes "win now" move. It also will clear off Wright's money in 2021.
2. Bring back Burke + other small moves to shore up some roster holes. Mavs will use MLE money that isn't guaranteed in 2021 or adds only a small amount to '21 books.
3. Probably draft a player with #31 and use part of MLE if they find a player they like there.

I think this is EXACTLY what they’re thinking, and easily the most plausible prediction I’ve read.

[Scott41theMavs]

MBT wants to show they are in "win now" mode but also want max space in 2021 for a third big fish.
With in mind that I think they do the following:

1. Upgrade Wright with a pick (likely 18) for some expiring veteran out there that is brought in as a starter. This will be Cubes "win now" move. It also will clear off Wright's money in 2021.
2. Bring back Burke + other small moves to shore up some roster holes. Mavs will use MLE money that isn't guaranteed in 2021 or adds only a small amount to '21 books.
3. Probably draft a player with #31 and use part of MLE if they find a player they like there.

I think this is EXACTLY what they’re thinking, and easily the most plausible prediction I’ve read.

Using 18 to dump Wright, and for an expiring player no less, would be the banghead to end all bangheads for me in this offseason. Well, that, or trading for Russell Westbrook.

[KillerLeft]

Using 18 to dump Wright, and for an expiring player no less, would be the banghead to end all bangheads for me in this offseason. Well, that, or trading for Russell Westbrook.

Regardless of who the player is?