(05-27-2021, 09:23 PM)StepBackJay Wrote: I am still stuck on Dragic bc I think he will be available, a fit on the court and sort of a Dirk-like mentor to Luka. Heat are going to get swept so they will definitely be going all in on Lowry. The Dragic connection is just too perfect to ignore. So if you get Dragic then you need a wing and you are good to go. The offseason could really be that simple. Mavs have a good group and will benefit from continuity. J Rich is a wildcard, maybe you get something back from him, maybe you don't but you can still add 2 rotation players either way.
The only way I'd consider Dragic would be if J-Rich opts in (which I expect will happen), Dragic wants to sign with Dallas for about $10M or less, and then the Heat will agree to do a sign and trade of Dragic for J-Rich.
You can't afford to pay much for Dragic in salary, or in a trade, because his career arc (on his way downhill, near the end) doesn't fit where the Mavs are. And the Mavs' MLE needs to be spent elsewhere (and may only be the taxpayers MLE).
But if you can turn J-Rich at 11M into Dragic on a modest-sized deal for 2-3 years, that makes sense. If you pencil in THJ at his current salary or so, the Mavs are going to need to find some good $10M-or-less players, and Dragic has multiple ways he can help.