TDL Archived: The 2nd Rnd Pick Yankee Swap

[F Gump]

Is it ongoing, or did he just have a rough go of it last year? 

For my money he's mobile, switchable, plays very good defense in space, sets great screens, is still an excellent rim runner and obviously a team leader. I think even in a game when he doesn't make any statistical impact, that's usually going to come as a result of the defense switching every ball screen because they want to take away the Luka/Powell screen and roll game. That, in a significant way, is him being pretty effective, from my seat. 

I don't think he's much of a paint defender (but again, does a lot to reduce the amount of times the ball touches the paint) and he's bizarrely one of the worst rebounders I've ever seen. I'm certainly not arguing that the Mavs are fine with him in place at center, please don't get me wrong. 

But...if Wood works out, and Kleber comes back to backfill minutes at the 4 and 5, and Powell is re-signed for a discount (maybe that "half the price" target you mentioned)? I think they could do much worse at 3rd big, personally. 

Don't get me wrong, if they can let him expire and find someone better, or trade him in a multi-player deal that includes that someone, I'm all for it.

I think the verdict on Powell is that his limits (can't rebound, can't protect rim, no scoring outside the circle) make him too exploitable to be of much use in the playoffs. He's just too limited in contribution on BOTH ends of the floor in playoff style ball. So regardless of the rest, that's probably an important part of the equation in determining his value.

I also think it's fair to wonder if DP would be taking a discount to sign here - not that he's worth it, or that the Mavs would be competing for his services, but Mavs gotta Mav when it comes to Powell. To me, that bizarre blind spot is also part of the equation in determining his value.

But even in your scenario offered ("if Wood works out, and Kleber comes back to backfill minutes at the 4 and 5, and Powell is re-signed for a discount"), that salary result is almost identical to the Gafford result. If that was the choice, you wouldn't want Gafford instead? I think I would.
McGee 5.7 + Powell 6-6.5?  .....vs .....Gafford 12.4