2020-2021 ROSTER TALK: Archived

[Tyler]

OPj, WCj, Markkanen and a first would be fair for KP + DP

As far as hypothetical KP deals go, that's pretty good. Let's go a step further and make a few assumptions at the end of the season:

OPJ is let go. Dallas keeps Brunson at the low rate for another year. And they keep the reasonable cap holds on Markkanen and JRich before working new contracts.

By my quick calculations, I think Dallas could still clear room for a max contract if they let THJ go (also Trill depending on who they're targeting). And if they keep him, they can sign him for less than his hold and still have more than the MLE to add depth. They might even consider applying that money to Brunson to lock him up or keeping OPJ at a reduced rate. So that's not a bad deal both in terms of adding young talent and increasing cap flexibility this summer. Which could potentially power a larger roster-building strategy before Luka's max deal kicks in.

But cap mechanics aside, you still have to like the talent on the court. I do like Markkanen and WCj, but I'm never all that comfortable giving up the best player in the deal.