2020-2021 ROSTER TALK: Archived

[michaeltex]

I expect the same, and wouldn’t be upset with an extension. 

Having said that, your point seems to pre-assume that losing him in free agency or overpaying a good version of him are terrible outcomes. To me, the single worst outcome is to commit long term dollars to a player and then decide AFTERWARDS that he doesn’t fit. 

One thing we can all agree about, I hope, is that the Mavs’ current culture is good. It seems like everyone around the league who gets asked notes how close the team is and how much they support each other on the court. My hypothesis is that players will WANT to re-sign here. Luka might be a bit young to attract the Giannis/Kawhi types, and I’m not suggesting that the Richardson and THJ types are going to accept huge discounts just to stay, but I’ve never felt like the Mavs were in danger of losing them IF they want them back.

So, to me, there’s value in delaying these extensions or new contracts, keeping the OPTION of using the expiring deals at the deadline alive. I see no compelling argument to commit prior to the trade deadline at all.

I think you can use KP as an example. Used a ton of assets to swing the deal when he was due for an new contract, but wasn't initially committed to DAL. By the time summer came around, there was no problem getting him to sign. I know he may (probably?) not have gotten a big deal anywhere else, but DAL made him feel wanted. 

As you say, neither will take big discounts to stay, but it won't be because they don't like playing here. 

My question is why isn't this environment attractive to more FAs? Cuban pays well for performance and the culture is a winning one (again).