PLAYOFFS ROUND 1: #4 DAL (4-2) vs #5 UTA (2-4) |

[omahen]

I agree, do you agree that trading picks that far out has a FAR greater risk than simply waiting one season to be able to make the same sort of kitchen sink offer?

No, I don't agree. There is no assurance that same opportunity (or better one) that will be on the table this summer will also be on the table next season. Another thing to consider. Vast majority of traded picks have protections on them. So even if things go completely south for Mavs, they will be most likely able to keep the picks. 

The idea that they can't afford to wait one more season (the first of Luka's new 5 year contract) for past mistakes to rectify themselves in the form of a full slate of picks to trade is a little over anxious if you ask me.
I'm not saying we shouldn't trade picks, I'm saying we should put ourselves in a situation where the worst case scenario is us winning 15 games for 4 years.

Lets go back again. My initial response was to the claim by Mvossman, that Mavs have weak trade assets, basically 2022 pick. I don't agree with this, I think Mavs have good assets that could be used i a right deal. I didn't discuss possible trades this picks would be used for. I also didn't say Mavs have to use the picks, just that they have an option. I just used Beals name to post an example. I can't agree Mavs don't have a possibility to create an attractive package. Since this possibility exists imho, Mavs should be imho on a lookout for a right deal and also aim high. I don't think improving around the edges should be the strategy. The strategy should be more ambitious. 

Competition will not be resting. LAC and Denver will likely be much stronger next season once their stars return. Minny and Nola could also make a step forward. 

As for rebuild and the 15 wins per season scenarios you are affraid of. I am not. All teams go through rebuilding cycles. Some teams went all in and succeeded winning the ultimate prize (Lakers, Milwaukee), some teams went all in and didn't (Houston, Utah if they fail this season). That is life, some make it and some don't. In the end, some sooner than later, they will all share the same fate - at some point the assets will run out, stars will become too old or demand trade and rebuild will be necessary. 

Basically the only team on the contender list with a strong pick base remaining is Phoenix. Price for that? Years and years of below average results and gathering lottery picks. But even Phoenix is not guaranteed to stay strong. Owner is cheap and who knows if he will be willing to pay Ayton. CP3 will be too old at some point.

You also have teams that don't really quite go all in and remain average. Recent examples like Indiana or Orlando. Even these teams can't avoid eventual rebuild, because no one wants to be average for eternity. To be honest, I would prefer Mavs to share the destiny of Houston or Utah than the one of Indy or Orlando from the last decade or so. 

To conclude. I think Mavs should be looking hard to upgrade the roster with at least one quality starter. I agree with Itsgotime that this doesn't have to be a superstar. It can be a good but not star kind of players. Basically the "Grants", "Turners" and similar kind of players. This kind of guy will likely cost two FRP and I would be willing to pull the trigger, if I would be able to keep the core of this team. Ambitious FO would look to bring two of those guys.