Trade & FA 2023-24: Lavine Market Barely There| NOP Want Trae or Murray

[omahen]

Another thing I’m struggling with in some of the proposals that ship out THJ for air is we are making a trade to stand still (retain Jones).  Teams in our position tend to use outgoing assets to upgrade somewhere, not stand still.  It feels like THJ and something should be used to maximize the roster as opposed to creating space to just keep DJJ.

I think DJJ the way he has played so far in the playoffs is a crucial piece of the puzzle. Might be an all defense team candidate next season and is good enough offensively. I can easily see Mavs defense fall apart without him taking the point of attack. Based on this I think it is a must for Mavs to resign him and it is probably much cheaper to dump THJ to keep DJJ than trading THJ contract and assets to bring in a guy that might be as good or worse than DJJ. I think the starting five is great and I maintain Mavs problem is lack of a third creator (who can be decent on defense). Mavs offense in playoffs drop to alarmingly low levels anytime Luka or Irving sit. Exum is always a luxury we can keep and he can earn back his minutes, but I would not bet my next season on him.

I know you hate the idea, but as I said in one of the previous posts, my move would actually be to move Green into someones capspace for assets, if the option is available. If of course DJJ is willing to sign for the money this move would free. Than I look for trades using THJ deal as a basis. 

Or alternatively, THJ+Green (and assets) for useful player on a much lower salary.