02-11-2021, 07:03 PM
(02-11-2021, 06:48 PM)omahen Wrote: I can't agree with this claim. Perhaps Brunson will be better in a few years, but he is certainly not better now. Not even close. Putting aside what it would cost, Lowry would bring exactly what this team needs. Toughness, vet leadership, secondary playmaking, a loud and respected voice in the lockerroom, capable of keeping the youngsters focused, clutch plays.
The questions with Lowry are:
1. How long till he starts seriously declining. One could be optimistic, look at CP3 and say - he has a couple more years easily. Not really something we could know, teams have access to far, far, far more data to make a better educated decision on this.
2. Are Mavs really just one (good) vet piece away from becoming a serious contender? In my opinion, the answer is yes.
Than we come to the cost. I am of course not willing to throw serious assets for what can become just a 30 mil vet rental. His 30 mil salary makes it a tough match and I assume Toronto doesn't want long term money. Johnson salary is certainly a start, but we need more. We can go three team way by sending Powell somewhere else. OKC still doesn't own all the picks in the league, for example, so they might be willing to help. Alternatevly we could do Johnson+JRich. Or we could do Johson+THJ while Toronto adds Powell.
As for assets. I would be all over it if Toronto would take any combination of Green and Terry. I would also give 2027 FRP instead. But I am afraid, Brunson would be most likely the price needed. If the option would be Johnson+THJ+Brunson for Lowry and Powell, I'd do it.
Luka, Lowry, JRich, Maxi, KP with Powell, Burke, DFS, WCS/Powell as main bench guys would be a very good rotation. Bring a decent PF with MLE in the summer and here we go. J.Green or Portis would be interesting options.
I would hate to give up Brunson but I think you would have to include Powell as well. I don't see how you get to salary matching Lowry without JJ + one of THJ, Rich, Powell. I am definitely not giving up THJ or Rich. Shedding Powell's money would help with salary obligations bc you would likely be extending Lowry as part of the trade.
Rich + JJ for Lowry would be an interesting move if you think the Mavs like Lowry more than Rich. I would consider it but you could argue that it's sort of a lateral move. You give up some defense and outside shooting for a more all-around player in Lowry. Lowry is a good defender and actually rebounds surprisingly well in addition to giving you much better playmaking. I don't think Mavs are looking to move Rich but I would consider a Lowry swap.