2021-2022 MAVS NEWS: 4th in West | WCF loss [ARCHIVED]

[Arioch]

We all know who has the most leverage, and it ain’t the new Nike guy.

I don't understand this. The Mavs might want Dragic, but they don't actually need him. If a deal doesn't get done, they just move on. Toronto, on the other hand, actually has to pay Dragic (which they seemingly would prefer not to do). Therefore, all the leverage is on the Dallas side--unless there's an unidentified 3rd team looking to pick up Dragic, but in that case it's Dallas and the other team splitting the leverage. Toronto still has none (other than to pull out of any deal entirely and decide to live with Dragic taking up a roster and budget spot).

Now, if Luka were to tell Nico "You *must* get this done", I agree, that would change the dynamic somewhat, but there's no indication that's the case. There's every reason to believe Luka would *like* the Mavs to bring in Dragic, but there's a big difference between preference and demand.