2020-2021 ROSTER TALK: Archived

[cjeter24]

Seems like you would be dumping legit assets for air as well as involving multiple teams, all for the right to overpay THJ to be a backup shooting guard.  Also, I try to lean towards simplicity when thinking possible free agency ideas.  It is already unlikely that we outbid everyone for Conley's services, adding in the complexity of a three team deal that does not involve us giving away too many assets moves us into highly unlikely territory.

I think if we are going to hang on to KP, yet still go after a free agent "star" then I think most basic scenarios they will operate under the cap and sign the star and have a little over MLE money to sign a second quality starter (and the room to beef up the bench).  That means THJ is most likely gone.  If I were to make a prediction, it would be the following (in order of likelihood):

Sign DeRozan to 4/100 and spend rest on 3&D wing/guard (Green?)

Sign Conley to 3/72 and spend rest on a 4 (Batum?)

Sign Lowry to 2/50 and spend rest on a 4 (Batum?)

Trade Brunson/asset for Ball at 4/100 and spend rest on a 4 (Batum?)

Trade Maxi+ for Collins at Max and spend rest on a reasonable priced play maker (Jackson?)

I think DeRozan is by far the most likely, and I agree with others that would be a disaster defensively and would prefer to send KP to the Spurs and build a defense around Luka/DeRozan with cap space, but that has a lot more moving parts and I'm not convinced yet that the Mavs are ready to move him yet (especially for air).

I get why people are interested in Derozan despite me hating the idea of him on the Mavs. I will be absolutely shocked if the Mavs are in on Derozan at all. He just doesn't fit what the Mavs have been trying to build around Luka. Shooters and guys who can defend. Derozan is neither. I realize the FO has changed and things may change... But Mark is still in charge and the general theme still seems to be its all about Luka. And Derozan will not make life easier for Luka at all when they are on the floor together. 

I think the most likely is resign THJ, Richardson opts in and you go after a guard and forward via trade and MLE. 
Next likely is Richardson opts in and you exchange THJ for someone else like Conley or Powell that can shoot and playmake/defend better than THJ and you somehow make the cap work via trade. Essentially the THJ upgrade route or THJ leaves route. Perhaps you bring in Dragic as the 6th man. 
Least likely, Richardson opts out and you use all your cap space on one guy.