2020-2021 ROSTER TALK: Archived

[omahen]

A better exercise might be to start with the 2022 hard cap ($146.7mm) and subtract Luka's extension (~$29mm).  Let's call that $117mm as you have to leave yourself some space.  While it is possible for them to go higher than this if they avoid specific behaviors in 2022, it is probably a pretty good guide.

There is currently $62mm committed to KP, DP, Maxi, Burke (PO), Green and Terry.  You might as well round to $64mm and include Bey.  Brunson and DFS are free in 22, so you either have to pay them or replace them.  What do you think?  $8mm each (remember, this is actual salary, not their cap hold since we are dealing with the apron, not cap space).  That leaves $37mm and here is what you have:

KP/Powell
Maxi/Bey
DFS/
Green/Burke
Luka/Brunson/Terry

Where do you want to spend your $37mm?  This probably isn't enough for Max Collins and THJ or JRich.  It probably isn't enough for JRich, THJ and Full MLE.  I get that everyone outside of Luka and KP is fungible.  But none of them are making big money.  If you subtract someone (other than MAYBE Powell), you'll pay just as much to replace them.  BTW, this is taking us up to the apron.  If you don't believe Cuban will pay the tax, reduce all numbers by $6 million.  Now, that is sobering.

Let us dream, man  I was assuming Mavs are way into tax in 2022, of course. I don't think there is any other way if one wants to seriously contend. As you said, hard cap can be avoided so 146 mil is not a limit. Look at competition - BKN at 165 mil, Philly 145 mil, Lakers and Clippers will be both likely well over 150 next season. If Cuban is not willing to compete with that, it doesn't really makes a lot of sense to dream.

Powell has to go if we want to have a serious upgrade. He is going out in all my scenarios. I don't think Collins and MLE for THJ and JRich is an upgrade. Collins, MLE and one of those two is. In any case, Mavs have to strip the roster of dead money represented by WCS, Burke, Powell and Bobi. If you pay this kind of guys more than vet min, you have to get way more from them. Just a final note - substracting Burke and similar to the likes of OKC shouldn't cost more than a second rounder.