2020-2021 ROSTER TALK: Archived

[mvossman]

So this is an interesting article because it seems to put LM in a cheaper tier of FA than I would have expected. I figured LM would at least get "starter" money based on decent production, upside and age.

Seeing some trade ideas:
https://pippenainteasy.com/2021/05/22/bu...-dallas/2/

I really like the JR/LM swap idea the best. Bulls do not want to let LM walk for nothing after drafting him so high. If they get JR or a player of that tier who is a good fit and potential starter, then it will not be a total disaster.

For Mavs getting LM for JR would be great imo, especially if he understands he is not guaranteed a starting spot. That would mean Mavs get the MLE they could use for Dragic and maybe save the BAE for a rainy day.

Rotation could be something like:

Luka/Dragic
THJ/Brunson
DFS/Green
Powell/WCS
KP/Markkanen/Maxi

The question is which bigs to play together and whether or not one of the bigs becomes disposable. KP, LM, Maxi all sort of play the 4 spot. KP only plays 4 on offense really. I think Maxi and LM could play together off the bench if Mavs want to play 5 out or you could start Maxi and play LM, Powell together. LM + KP would probably be the most awkward pairing. LM might be wasted a little bit if he is only a catch and shoot guy with the starting lineup and on defense he isn't going to be as good with rotations as a Maxi.

To me I like LM like I like Gallo which is you forward shooter off the bench. If you are able to get him and Dragic I think that would be a pretty good offseason bc you have a very solid 9 man rotation at a minimum when everyone is healthy. Mavs would have a lot of bigs but LM would help offset KP rest days to provide you quality there. Dragic is not a guy you need to overuse during the regular season. Green still has a chance to get steady rotation minutes with the loss of J Rich.

That's the same starting lineup as last year.  Great offensively, but barely average defensively.  The FO recognized the need for improved defense and several moves have been made with that in mind (JRich trade, Green and Bey picks, Maxi to starting lineup).  Maybe they have decided to move away from a focus on defense, but I would surprised (and disappointed) if our big moves were offense only backup players.