TDL Archived: The 2nd Rnd Pick Yankee Swap

[mvossman]

I think he's probably a little better than Dinwiddie, defensively, but that will still be an issue, sure. Where I'm coming from is that since they seem determined to start Dinwiddie, anyway, at least this would be a much better version of that player. I've seen you opine that while Russell is probably better, their two offensive games are probably pretty close. I do not remotely agree with that, and think Russell is in a completely different class of player. 

I might feel differently if Dinwiddie was being used as I would use him, as a 6th man. 

Yes, I'd extend/re-sign Russell, whatever. My plan would be to combine Dinwiddie and THJ's strengths into ONE player who is superior to both. Maybe he starts, maybe he eventually is the 6th man, but he's a good player, imo.

EDIT: Having said all of the above (I would trade Dinwiddie for Russell in a heartbeat) my hunch is that the Mavs are kicking the tires on what they hope are potential THJ trade targets, not Dinwiddie trade targets. So, if the rumors that MIN wants a PG are true, I doubt it's a trade fit.  For the record, I'd offer either one of them. 

Historically Russell's defense has been worse than Dinwiddie's before this year.  I think they are the same animal in that regard and not what you want to put next to Luka in the starting lineup.

I think Russell is better offensively, but I'm struggling with different class.  I'm not sure how he combines Din and Timmy?  Offensively Din can do just about anything Timmy can.  He is shooting the 3 at better clip with only a few less attempts per game, and that is likely more about him being more aggressive attacking the rim.  The only thing Timmy has on those guys is that he is actually playing average defense.  If I thought there was any chance we could get that from Russell, this would be a different conversation.

What are you going to extend Russell at?  Its hard to believe he is going to be willing to take a real haircut on an extension when he is in the prime of his career.  He is more likely to test free agency than do that.  Do you really want to give 30+ mil to a player that would ideally be our 6th man?