Trade & FA 2023-24: HOU Targeting Mikal Bridges again!| Mitchell is LAL #1 Target

[SleepingHero]

https://twitter.com/ajtorres1230/status/...02624?s=20

AJ Torres (@ajtorres1230)
Was not expecting Joel Embiid to say “or anywhere else” when talking about championships… He’s close to his breaking point here in Philly.

[Chicagojk]

Philadelphia signed Flip Petrusvic (who I thought looked pretty good in summer league) who wanted to get a contract this summer. So now they have Embid, Bamba, Harrell, Reed and Petrusvic. So pretty much five guys (with one of the top 2 centers in the league) on the roster. Interesting roster design.

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https://twitter.com/ajtorres1230/status/...02624?s=20

AJ Torres (@ajtorres1230)
Was not expecting Joel Embiid to say “or anywhere else” when talking about championships… He’s close to his breaking point here in Philly.

Yeah, it will be interesting to watch.   I can't see Morey moving Harden.   He won't move him unless he gets a prime offer and I don't think he will get one for him.   Plus, I don't know it was a bad angle, but Harden looks huge.

https://twitter.com/NBAMemes/status/1680249930227798016
https://twitter.com/NBAMemes/status/1680249
https://twitter.com/NBAMemes/status/1680...98016?s=20

[ItsGoTime]

I’d much rather have Phil’s C “problem” than ours.

Powell/Holmes/Lively/McGee/Maxi

[SleepingHero]

https://twitter.com/theathleticnba/statu...54497?s=46&t=xNHF873rjt7IFVxyn62T2g

The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA)
Who were the Rockets bidding against for Dillon Brooks?

The Mavericks were said to be seriously in the mix, @KellyIko writes.

The Bucks were also keeping close tabs on the situation.

https://t.co/nKCtUSdsab

[KillerLeft]

BTW, I think this leads credence to the reporting on Killian and Bojan.  It didn’t work under the tax when we thought Curry was making $4.5mm.  Now it does.  They can’t go right up to the tax as they have to give themselves a little space.  Curry at $4.0mm does that.

I’m not sure why they waited until yesterday to sign OMax.  That was odd to me.  Surely he wasn’t going to be included in a trade after Nico’s statements about ‘making this happen’.

Even with Dallas doing all of its business on a 14 man roster, Stein still seems to think there is another move coming and THJ and McGee won’t be here.  If they go out together, they can bring back $27.747mm ($17.897 + $5.34 + $4.1 = $27.747) and keep Dallas under the tax.  If they go in a 2 for 1, you have to account for a minimum slot being added.  It is also possible a smaller salary (like Hardy) could be added if it brings back the right player for a bit above the $27.747mm.  

Since nothing has happened, it feels like anything that might happen is tied to the open Siakam, Lillard and Harden trades.  Tyler Herro fits in the range we are talking about.  So does Capela and OPJ.  Now that we know all of the numbers and the high likelihood we will stay under the tax, it is easier to forecast what might or might not happen.  BTW, I wouldn’t sleep on the possibility of Herro.  If we wanted Bojan, we would probably be even more interested in Herro.  I’d like the move, but I think it will be expensive as there apprears to be competition.

TOTALLY agree with the premise that the Mavs have positioned themselves to capitalize on one, some or even all of the big moves that are currently pending around the league. I think the information supports that pretty clearly.

Having said that, I think the Bojan rumor is probably left over from a time before Williams signed here. They can’t both start, and unless Kleber gets moved, I’m not sure there are enough minutes to go around, even. Also, just having Killian Hayes on the roster would be a drag, to me. No interest there, whatsoever. 

I also don’t see any way the Mavs would be interested in Herro without Hardy outgoing, and even then I’d say that’s overdoing it as far as resources going to ball-handlers. I like Herro, but I’m sure his people are still trying to guide him to a spot where he can have a bigger role than he’d have here, and there’s no doubt he’d be more valuable to a team with that role to offer. 

If the Mavs give up Green, Hardy or their only 1st to get Bojan or Herro, I’ll be disappointed enough to change my vote in the off-season poll. Either of those moves would taint this entire thing for me. 

The Mavs have three ways to improve right now, imho: defensive big who can function in pick and roll, wing defender and third ball-handling playmaker (doesn’t have to be a guard, but must be someone they can plug and play with the rest of the roster). In all three cases, there are players already on the roster who we can plausibly hope will rise to the challenge, so if they don’t find the RIGHT deal, I hope they hang on to their assets and go to war with what’s here.

[DallasMaverick]

The Vando part is definitely a longshot. I tried to preface it with a bunch of qualifiers that no one besides Wood/Lakers/Mavs could answer. 

But my reading of the tea leaves is that while Vanderbilt was a great get for the Lakers, they are in no way tied to him. They just signed a "replacement" in Prince and they just committed a bunch of money to Rui. I can also see why they'd be very motivated for Wood. AD's health is always a risky thing to bet on, and Wood could fill that AD role (sans defense) pretty well. 

In fact, the Lakers have 1 backup center. Their current roster is as follows:

D'Lo/Vincent
Reaves/Hood-Schifino/Christie
Lebron/Reddish/Lewis
Rui/Vando/Prince
Davis/Hayes 

Hayes was just cut by NOP in the last year of his rookie deal and is a 1 dimensional center. Having Wood be a backup to AD makes a lot of sense. I agree that the Lakers could just sign Wood outright, but that only works if Wood agrees to a vet min deal. And I don't see why Wood would be motivated to sign a vet min deal to play backup on the Lakers. If anything it'd make more sense for him to go to any other team that will feature him to restore his value with that kind of contract. 

To me, that explains why the Lakers would be at least interested in a SnT. That way they guarantee Wood wanting to be there, get him locked up on a 3 year value deal, and it only costs them Vanderbilt with no other assets at a position where they have depth.

Let's say the Lakers just wait for some other team to offer him more than the vet min, and nobody does.  If the money is equal, wouldn't he want to sign with the team that can give him the most playing time? 

AD has certainly proved his fragility over the years, so maybe it's a decent bet to go to LA.

Who would have minutes available for him?

[F Gump]

If the Mavs give up Green, Hardy or their only 1st to get Bojan or Herro, I’ll be disappointed enough to change my vote in the off-season poll. Either of those moves would taint this entire thing for me. 
 

Bojan + Hayes
THJ + McGee

Would you?

[KillerLeft]

Let's say the Lakers just wait for some other team to offer him more than the vet min, and nobody does.  If the money is equal, wouldn't he want to sign with the team that can give him the most playing time? 

AD has certainly proved his fragility over the years, so maybe it's a decent bet to go to LA.

Who would have minutes available for him?

I follow your logic and agree.

If you’re Wood, not old, but certainly not young, at what point do you look for your bag overseas?

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Bojan + Hayes
THJ + McGee

Would you?

Reluctantly. If it’s that cheap, you have to. I don’t think it will be that cheap, and I have little to no interest in either player.

I don’t think that deal makes any sense, whatsoever, from Detroit’s perspective.

[mvossman]

https://twitter.com/theathleticnba/statu...54497?s=46&t=xNHF873rjt7IFVxyn62T2g

The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA)
Who were the Rockets bidding against for Dillon Brooks?

The Mavericks were said to be seriously in the mix, @KellyIko writes.

The Bucks were also keeping close tabs on the situation.

https://t.co/nKCtUSdsab

Last time we were competing with the Bucks on a free agent it was McGee.  Glad we lost this one.

[mvossman]

Bojan + Hayes
THJ + McGee

Would you?

You would have to due to value, which is why it doesn't happen.  I actually think Timmy makes more sense on this roster right now than Bojan, but maybe there are locker room reasons why it makes more sense.  But Bojan is going to cost an asset and that package is negative in value.

[F Gump]

Like all players, Wood is looking for money and minutes. But it sure does look like his opportunities are only min salary, in some sort of TBD backup role.

Assuming that's where he is, have all the bridges been burned with Dallas? Did he completely poop the bed with whatever he did the last year here? Or is there any possible role for him to fill, such that there could be a path for him to be back with the Mavs on an under-tax but over-minimum deal? It feels like they don't need another body, and don't want his style of play in their mix, but ....

I'm thinking yes, there's no place for him here. A return would obviously have to be based on a reconciliation and acceptance of what he has to do to earn minutes and rebuild his desirability. But am I missing anything? Is there a need, and minutes?

[DallasMaverick]

Like all players, Wood is looking for money and minutes. But it sure does look like his opportunities are only min salary, in some sort of TBD backup role.

Assuming that's where he is, have all the bridges been burned with Dallas? Did he completely poop the bed with whatever he did the last year here? Or is there any possible role for him to fill, such that there could be a path for him to be back with the Mavs on an under-tax but over-minimum deal? It feels like they don't need another body, and don't want his style of play in their mix, but ....

I'm thinking yes, there's no place for him here. A return would obviously have to be based on a reconciliation and acceptance of what he has to do to earn minutes and rebuild his desirability. But am I missing anything? Is there a need, and minutes?

Enes Kanter is still available, and only 31.  Same player?

[omahen]

Interesting idea on Bleacher report. Would you do it?

Dallas Mavericks acquire Alex Caruso from the Chicago Bulls for Jaden Hardy, JaVale McGee and a 2025 second-round pick.

I think I would. Hardy has upside, but could also just floor as a "THJ". Caruso is a much better fit next to Luka and Kyrie and can play with either of them or next to them. But seems like Bulls will just run it back and they already have a ton of offense first guards.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1008...y-nba-team

[mvossman]

Interesting idea on Bleacher report. Would you do it?

Dallas Mavericks acquire Alex Caruso from the Chicago Bulls for Jaden Hardy, JaVale McGee and a 2025 second-round pick.

I think I would. Hardy has upside, but could also just floor as a "THJ". Caruso is a much better fit next to Luka and Kyrie and can play with either of them or next to them. But seems like Bulls will just run it back and they already have a ton of offense first guards.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1008...y-nba-team

Caruso is a guy I really like and wanted them to sign instead of Bullock.  He would also be a great fit on this team and in the exact mold of what they are looking for.  And yet, I still wouldn't do it.  The Hardy upside is too high.

[dirkfansince1998]

Interesting idea on Bleacher report. Would you do it?

Dallas Mavericks acquire Alex Caruso from the Chicago Bulls for Jaden Hardy, JaVale McGee and a 2025 second-round pick.

I think I would. Hardy has upside, but could also just floor as a "THJ". Caruso is a much better fit next to Luka and Kyrie and can play with either of them or next to them. But seems like Bulls will just run it back and they already have a ton of offense first guards.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1008...y-nba-team

https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-bull...lex-caruso

The Bulls have reportedly asked for two first-round picks in a potential trade for Alex Caruso, per Marc Stein.

Don´t think the asking price changed. Hardy alone won´t get it done.

[Chicagojk]

anyone have any opinions on Lamar Stevens?

https://twitter.com/All_Things_Mavs/stat...9275753472

[KillerLeft]

Interesting idea on Bleacher report. Would you do it?

Dallas Mavericks acquire Alex Caruso from the Chicago Bulls for Jaden Hardy, JaVale McGee and a 2025 second-round pick.

I think I would. Hardy has upside, but could also just floor as a "THJ". Caruso is a much better fit next to Luka and Kyrie and can play with either of them or next to them. But seems like Bulls will just run it back and they already have a ton of offense first guards.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1008...y-nba-team

I would definitely do this. Would Chicago? I kind of doubt it.

[Mavs2021]

I would definitely do this. Would Chicago? I kind of doubt it.

Of course they would do it. LOL. You don´t trade 20 year olds with ALL-Star upside for limited roleplayers. Why you think literally every Dallas trade suggestion involves Hardy.

[F Gump]

https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-bull...lex-caruso


Don´t think the asking price changed. Hardy alone won´t get it done.

You might assume that the Mavs' asking price on Hardy would be 2 1sts, in which case maybe there is a value match. And the idea that Caruso is WORTH a pair of 1sts, for a player who only gives 5ppg, 3 rpg, 3 apg, that doesn't sound very realistic pricing even if he is a good defender.

The cap implications might be a bigger issue, however, with Caruso getting paid ~9.5M and up, whereas Hardy is only in the ~2M range. And if they did this trade, Mavs would be right at the tax line (only $89,400 under it, with 14 players) and almost certain to end up paying tax by the time they deal with injuries and stuff, which could cost Cuban down the road financially in several significant ways.

[dirkfansince1998]

Of course they would do it. LOL. You don´t trade 20 year olds with ALL-Star upside for limited roleplayers. Why you think literally every Dallas trade suggestion involves Hardy.

Caruso made 1st team all defense this season. That´s not your average role player.