12-20-2020, 09:58 AM
(12-20-2020, 09:12 AM)StepBackJay Wrote: I'd love to see the Mavs make a move this TDL to get the piece they want so that they can focus on retaining Rich and possibly THJ if he is not moved. They would also have MLE and the BAE to work with.
This has been what I've been preaching for some time. Quite a few players have to leave the roster next summer in order to get space for the "possibility" of someone signing here. So, you are essentially "trading" those players for the player you hope to sign. There is a history of doing (or trying to do) the opposite and trading for someone in-season. They tried to send Barnes for Kemba prior to the Sacramento deal so we'd have the Bird rights on Kemba. We did actually trade for Noel prior to his becoming a RFA.
Common element in both cases...Excel. Schwartz was the agent for both Barnes and Kemba. Happy Walters (Excel) was the agent for Noel at the time. This coming summer the most prominent Excel client who is free is John Collins. Atlanta seems hesitant to go max for him. He was one of only four 20/10 guys in the NBA last season and shot 40% from three. He's close to Powell's level on screen assists and Roll Gravity, but can also pick and pop at a high level (envision the offense with Powell hitting 40% of his 3's and being a plus rebounder). Collins is not a perimeter defender. But, if you add those elements to Powell's offensive game (in a 23 year old body) the offense I'm not sure anyone is going to stop us offensively.
Why would Atlanta do it? They wouldn't unless they don't believe he's a $28mm guy. If they don't want to pay that, do they instead cash in now instead of waiting? Maxi/DFS for Collins/Snell is a money match that keeps us under the tax. DFS would be a fantastic fit as their starting SF (their biggest hole). Maxi would be a multi-dimensional big off the bench allowing Gallinari to start. I don't know what else would have to be added, but Maxi/DFS would help to balance their team. At that point you keep THJ and JRich (and even WCS) and roll out a starting lineup of KP/Collins/THJ/JRich/Luka backed up by WCS/Powell/Green/Burke/Brunson. It is a sizable bet because Maxi/DFS are good players. But so are the combination of guys who would have to leave to make a similar offer this summer that might be matched anyway.