TRADE: Christian Wood (1yr/$14.3M) to DAL | #26+SB+Boban+Chriss+TB to HOU

[Jason Terry]

My point is this. What makes you think Josh Green gets to "average" NBA player? What has he done to make you think that? His stats went up a bit because he got more minutes during the season. He got more minutes because Kidd put some effort into seeing what he had - which I agree with. But this coaching staff couldn't play him in the playoffs. He's a "defensive specialist" that's still learning the game, and I use "defensive specialist" kindly. Fans appear to eyeball him into being a rotation player, but the coaching staff hasn't given any indication that's actually the case.

This just isn't the team for him. The Mavs are much better with a seasoned veteran who is a tested defensive specialist - not one 3-4 years away at best. We talk about boosting our talent level, but we turn around and keep paying him when we need better rotation players? Why would we keep him if we can use him to acquire a better player? We need to build this team with a serviceable player that you're not afraid to put in there in a playoff game. That's where the Mavs are now. They are likely one of the top 6-7 teams in the NBA. Having wins during the season is meaningful.

He's has two seasons under his belt, and the Mavs just competed for the Western Conference championship. If any team wants him in a decent trade for a veteran, we are supposed to turn them down?

I’m all about trading Green if that’s what it takes to improve the team. Especially now that pick 26 is gone. I think a major key in this thing is not trading any future assets(FRPs) yet still building a contender for next year. Our future picks need to be clean for the perfect all-in trade whenever that time comes. 

Green plus one of our large contracts for something useful would be an ideal finishing move for this version of the Mavs. It’s something we can be patient on though. We can afford to wait until in season or TDL to get the best deal. Our guys (Green,THJ, Bertans) value should increase as the season goes on anyways. 

The argument for keeping Green is mostly about value on a roster with 9 about to be 10 substantial deals. He’s a young unproven player so there’s a chance to lock up a good future player at a cheap rate. On the court he provides energy and defensive effort which is needed. 

The battles for minutes will come down to Hardaway vs Bertans (similar skills and contract, one needs to go)…….Green vs Frank (want to keep both, but which will have more impact?)……….Wood vs. Powell (Wood plays well is Powell out? Wood lacks effort/fit is Wood out?)…….We seem to know what we’re getting from Luka/JB/SD/RB/DFS/Maxi core