Rock and a Hard Place

[omahen]

Good post. When I think about long term outlook, I think Mavs need one good 2-way wing, for which we will likely have the ammo in the summer. I don't believe they can contend this year (unless that 2-way guy magically happens), so I am not interested in any short term moves. So, all moves to be made I consider have the fit with that 2-way wing in mind.

Expiring:  Wood and Powell

I would extend Wood as I see this as the only win scenario for Mavs from being competitive perspective (unless there is a trade available for a much better player). His value as expiring will be protected FRP at most. Probably from a team looking for that final piece of the puzzle to push for the title. Bostons, Brooklyns and similars. I think he will always produce stats big enough to justify the value they are able to extend him to. Removing THJ or SD with a two way wing can probably make it easier to survive on defense with Wood in.

Powell. If someone is offering value at TDL (part of a trade for a better player) he is by no means off the limits. Otherwise keep him and decide in the summer. His market value is rMLE at best, imho. He certainly brings positive things to the team that go beyond on-court production. I would keep him as a back-up center, basically 15-20 mpg role. Sign him to short term deal so you always have an expiring contract on hand. I think yesterdays game was a good example why Powell works on defense and some other centers doesn't. He is able to switch in PnR, as Mavs basically don't have on ball defenders capable of fighting through screens.

Reggie and Spencer

I would wait till summer unless something really good comes along. Their expiring deals could be very important in "that big trade", probably more than what they could bring in a "talent dump" sale. Of course Bullock might have just improved his trade value a lot, so if there is someone offering much, I would sell high. I doubt we can get much value for SD unless we take some bad contract back. That bad contract will give us more long term trouble than the assets would give us benefits, imho. I think the future of SD depends on who that 2-way wing would be. But I see him as 6th man type and I would pay him accordingly. If he is not ok with that, I seek for trade in the summer or next TDL.

THJ, Bertans and McGee

THJ - if you can get an asset and a year shorter deal coming back, I would do it. I am not much into expiring deals (LeVert) as I am affraid this will only be a salary saving deal.

Bertans and McGee. No need to waste words. If anyone is willing to take them as matching salary in "that one big move", they are available. If someone is willing to trade a player that doesn't work on their team (equal length contract), you consider doing it. If someone is offering a shorter deal for their services, you do it. These two contracts are Mavs problem, not THJ, Wood and other ones. If there is nothing of the above, don't waste assets to dump them.