HOLY KRISTAPS: All Things Porzingis | TRADED to WAS

[SleepingHero]

The question is what is that team's peak versus the peak of a team that retains KP and does a better job of filling in the obvious gaps.

Just want to say this is an article worthy post and thank you for posting it.

I'm like you and don't really know which is the best move. I think it's pretty clear I've been staunchly on team keep KP. I still heavily lean that way but mostly because of circumstantial reasons rather than his own play. At the end of the day I want the Mavs to win and win a lot. 

KP is a unique player and presents unique building challenges and I often wonder if it's even worth overcoming them to reap the rewards. My issue was that I scavenged around the league to look for players that met the bare minimum talent return I'd seek in a KP trade and came up with only 6.

Bradley Beal
Zach Lavine
Brandon Ingram
CJ McCollum
Pascal Siakam
KAT

Obviously if the Lakers called and offered Lebron I'd say yes right away (while pondering if he's damaged goods) but I feel this is the minimum talent level of a player we should be getting back in a KP trade. Clear cut stars that can't really lead a team on their own.

John Collins, Malcom Brogdon, Lonzo Ball, and Jaren Jackson Jr. are all on the cusp for me as well but I felt weren't good enough on their own to match KP's talent level.  

Problem is, and that has been beaten to death, it remains to be seen if KP can even get a return of that level. And I feel if the Mavs sold any lower they'd be setting themselves back significantly. Thus, I'm resigned to the idea of keeping KP and making it work. 

Not like that's a bad thing either, because as you pointed out when KP is on and working, the Mavs do incredibly well. Further, I just cannot see Donnie trading away KP after a tumultuous year for the entire league. I mean they're still including him in team events and autioning him off! ( https://e.givesmart.com/events/lNa/i/_All/dMWq/?search= ) 

If we are still seeing issues by the end of 2022, then I'll change my tune but till then I think we can write KP's name on the team's roster in pen for next year whether we like it or not.