Bertans contract is horrific. Kleber is actually seen as a good asset, or was: big guy who can run, shoot, and defend. He's been so injured that idk if he can be counted on going forward. Bertans, THJ, and McGee are the contracts they really want out of. Those are seen as net-negatives.
If Kyrie leaves then you essentially just start over after a year. Maybe tie expirings and THJ to 1sts to acquire solid player(s), then pray for Free Agency in a year - because that's worked so well for them in the past.
The Kyrie thing on one hand I laud him for the shit he did earlier in the year, for essentially not backing down, but he'll absolutely quit on you. Mavs don't really have a choice at this point. I kinda hope they magically land a Top 6 pick at this point.
Kyrie is re-signing in Dallas. They can offer him $273mil/5yrs and the best anyone else can do is $201mil/4yrs. Their PPP in pick & rolls is off the charts and their offensive rating together is top of the league. If Luka gives it his blessing, Kai will remain a Maverick (for another year at least)
Everyone knows the Mavs roster deficiencies, and I’m sure the FO is in close contact with both Irving and Doncic about plans going forward. Getting Kyrie for Dinwiddie and Finney-Smith, two middling players on the wrong side of their prime, plus a distant FRP, was a no brainer that they had to pull the trigger on. Dallas was never going to add a top 10 scorer in free agency, and they had few draft assets but many holes to fill. Capitalizing on the Nets situation was both the necessary and correct move.
So now they need a top-notch rebounding starting Center who can set a decent screen and rolls hard, and a starting power forward with some lateral quickness to slow down drives to the paint and help bully the glass, and has to be respected on the perimeter.
I’d love Siakam too but since they traded that 2029 pick, they don’t have the assets to compete for him. IMO their best move(s) this off-season:
1. Execute a sign & trade with Charlotte for PJ Washington. Start him at Power Forward next to Reggie Bullock. My ideal situation is matching with Christian Wood and sweetening with a 2RP or two, but I guess that depends how stupid the Hornets FO is.
2. Use the 2027 FRP and 2x swaps to try and pry Capela from the Hawks. They have Okongwu waiting in the wings and they desperately need floor spacing. Capela has proven to be a great PNR partner next to Trae and is an excellent rebounder who always boxes out. Best thing is he doesn’t need the ball to succeed. Send them Tim Hardaway Jr. + McGee and everybody wins.
3. Use the MLE to sign some bench shooting depth at Small Forward to replace THJ. I’m partial to my boy Yuta Watanabe. Loved him on the Raptors and he’s such a positive locker room guy. Not afraid to contest even if he’s gonna get absolutely annihilated by a dunker. Raptors alum with their defensive mentality.
4. Sign Boban for Luka.
Since it’s become clear that the 2023 pick will not convey this year, use it to sign a defensive forward with some shooting upside. Obviously get Wembanyama if you luck into first.
6. Re-sign Dwight Powell at his current rate or lower.
Depth chart 2023-24:
PG: Doncic-Hardy
SG: Irving-Green-Wright
SF: Bullock-Watanabe-Rookie
PF: Washington-Kleber-Bertans
C: Capela-Powell-Boban
You’re welcome Nico. Cuban call me up.