2020-2021 ROSTER TALK: Archived

[loki]

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).

You're only involving a 3rd team if they don't want Richardson. If Conley agrees to a deal with Dallas, it will be Utah on the phone asking for a S&T to at least get a trade exception out of it. The opportunity will be there to work something out. If the Mavs have done their homework beforehand they should have a good feel for the JRich market. If there are no takers they don't have to waste any time. I don't see that as being overly complicated.

There's also no requirement to overpay THJ in this scenario. I would advocate a 64/4 declining contract so he's a trade asset in a year or two. Much better than letting talent walk for nothing. But even if you lose him to a team like Miami, the S&T still preserves the full MLE. If they sign a player into cap space they'll have to renounce the MLE/BAE and will only have the room exception available at about $5m. I'm skeptical you can find a starter for that amount.