DAL OFFSEASON: Trade & FA | Mavs "mostly done...but you never know."

[SleepingHero]

So yall I am talking myself into going all in on Oladipo.

He TERRIFIES me. 

If you get peak Oladipo that is GREAT (but unlikely to me)....if you get current Oladipo then you have wasted a couple years of Luka (which is likely).

I don't see how this is true at all.

At best, not only have the Mavs found their 3rd star, but they found objectively one of the best pairings in the backcourt for Luka AND the team as a whole. Oladipo was elite as a playmaker in the PnR for the Pacers. Someone that can run the offense fine without Luka on the court. He was about league average at 3. He was an All NBA defensive guard that was capable of guarding anyone under 6'8. And he was athletic as all hell. If he returns to what he was, then the Mavs found the dude. 

At worst, Oladipo expires at the end of 2021 season . Mavs can cut him loose and chase another star in that loaded free agency class that they are already planning to do anyways. There will be plenty to choose from. Giannis. Kawhi, Lebron, PG, Beal, Jrue Holiday and a glut of quality role players. Even if the doomsday scenario is the most likely outcome, losing Oladipo doesn't change the fact that the Mavs have a top 5 NBA player and MVP candidate, and another top 20 player both under 26 to offer to potential FA's. Something that literally no one else can offer. 

Currently Dipo looked like a shell of himself coming back. He was still solid averaging 15ppg on some bad shooting with flashes of defensive potential. And while that can be a red flag to stay away, I see it as a perfect buy low opportunity. The fact he's forcing himself out lowers his price even more since other teams will be scared off with him potentially wanting to leave the moment he hits free agency. 

Given all these downsides and potential restrictions I can see Dipo being had for a cheap price. One that the Mavs can be competitive in. If they get him for a meager package of THJ+18+31+1 role player (Brunson, Wright, or Jackson), then it'd be highway robbery.