2021-2022 ROSTER TALK: [ARCHIVED]

[mvossman]

I'd go for the same move that has put UTA and PHO on top of the West. Adding a borderline All-Star to be Luka's backourt partner. A guy that can go get his and run the offense if needed and could play off the ball as well. Any potential deal to add a major piece into our squad involves getting our pick back, so if the Knicks are keen on getting JB, I'd deal him in return for our pick + Robinson/Kemba.

Right now that player is McCollum (expendable due to Simons' little run). Take a chance and run the with the Luka-CJ-KP tandem with Kemba as a 6th man. Re-sign DFS for the tax MLE (or full MLE if we can avoid it). After this summer we have all our picks to trade ('23 and further for another blockbuster if needed).

DAL in: CJ, Kemba, '23 DAL 1st.
NYK in: Brunson.
POR in: Hardaway, Robinson, Burke, '22 DAL 1st.

Luka/Kemba
CJ/Green
DFS/Bullock
KP/Kleber
Powell/Chriss (come '23 TDL this becomes our priority for upgrades, that starting PF/C to complement KP)

I am skeptical that NYK is going to give up 2 first and Robinson for Brunson.  He is a UFA and they can make room if they have to.

CJ is overpriced, but I don't think they would have any interest in Hardaway or Burke and a I don't see Robinson plus a late first being enough.

Also, your description of CJ sounds a lot like Brunson, who is already roughly as good as CJ, many years younger, and still getting better every year while CJ seems to already be on the slide.  CJ might be a better fit as he is a better catch and shoot player, but this seems like going through a lot of machinations to trade Brunson for an older more expensive player.  I would prefer to just hold onto Brunson unless I am serious worried about him bailing.