THE GREEN MACHINE: The Subtle Emergence of Josh Green

[F Gump]

I’ve been cautious about posting this as I know it will be universally disliked, but I tend to suspect Bullock will be part of the outgoing if we make any substantial trade before the TDL or next summer.  Bullock and Powell can turn a $26mm player into $5mm next year given the Bullock partial guarantee.  And, the receiving team can sell their fans on the important role he played on a team that made the WCF’s last season.

Part of why this can work is he’s probably the most replaceable among out 7 high minute guys.  If we bring in a starter level two-way player, someone has to sit.  Reggie’s age and contract status mean he’s not committed to in the same way others here are.  Hardaway is a sell-low situation.  Bullock has a favorable contract for trading and is probably at the peak of his powers from a trade asset standpoint.  To me, the question is whether they find a deal before the TDL or wait until the draft (the decision on his partial guarantee has to be made by 6/28).

I don't think the RB "5M" is even a thing, in such a discussion. No team will waive him from his 10M deal which is already very modest pricing in today's NBA. He is a player you keep or trade, but you don't pay him 5M to go away.

I think the big plus with RB and others is that Mavs need some rotation worker bees, at commensurate salary, and they do have some who fit. They aren't stars. But they are important, and they also are very easy on the cap.

The Mav payroll will prioritize Luka, then it's looking like SD and Wood will get some big chunks. Not sure there's really room for another 20M+ contract, unless Cuban is willing to SIGNIFICANTLY increase his commitment. To use your example, it would cost Cuban an extra 15-20M in salary, plus an extra 60M or so in tax, to pull the trigger on that if it's available. Seems very unlikely. I think Cuban will pay some tax, if he must, but he's no longer playing big spender like he once did.

In fact, in the next year I think Cuban is far more likely to be searching for a seat on the opposite end of that salary reducing swap, where he is the one giving up more talent for less, if you'll just take the bigger contract off his hands. (While I really dislike the idea, I don't think a Westbrook deal would be a total non-starter in Mavs FO, depending on what else they might get offered such as a pick or two and usable inexpensive side talent.)

As for RB specifically, I envision a much different future as "most likely" -- my bet is that, barring injury and a significant decline, next summer he gets an extension.