(11-14-2021, 10:18 AM)Chicagojk Wrote: You could make the argument that Jalen's current role is the perfect role for him. In most games he is getting close to 30 minutes, has the ball a lot, has the coaches trust and is finishing games.Good points.
He gets to play with Luka for stretches but also run the bench squad when Luka sits.
Like most players, he probably wants "his team", but is that really going to happen? Would he find a better situation then the one he is in now? He may not be a starter at the beginning of the game but he does finish them. Starting does mean a lot for most players, but I think finishing games is the bigger deal.
I will throw out a simplified decision map for the FO. Corrections/additional thoughts are welcome.
1. Do we want to try to re-sign JB in the offseason on a sporting basis in a role he might find attractive? Do we think we have a reasonable chance of re-signing him at a price we are willing to pay?
If the answer to either of these questions is no, then, go to Trade Option. If the answer to both questions is yes, then go to Question Two.
2. Will we replace his playmaking skills during the season? If he is traded in-season, will he bring in a reasonably meaningful asset in return?
If the answer to either of these questions is no, then go to Keep Option. If the answer to Both questions is yes, then go to Trade Option.
Trade Option. Make him available for a decent trade at whatever point we no longer desperately need him. But if this means dumping him for a bag of peanuts, or giving up valuable assets just to get rid of him, pass. I am imagining that, because of his contract and CBA considerations, he might not bring much more than maybe a Trey Burke type-player. At best, maybe a younger guy who is somewhat of a reclamation project.
Keep Option. Continue to use him in his best sporting role, and if warranted, make his role as attractive as makes sense from a performance perspective. Use the playoffs to evaluate whether he is really able to be productive at a high level of play in a role that he is enthusiastic about. Make summer signing decision accordingly. Either keep him, or if we can't/won't at the price involved, then see if we can find a S-n-T, or wish him well as he walks for nothing (on the premise that we would have gotten the equivalent of nothing if we had traded him, anyway)
But --
Likely Option?. Go to Mark Cuban MO. Do not bother with all of the above rigamarole. Go straight to Keep Option.