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

[SleepingHero]

I think Mavs need to upgrade one wing and one center to come into contender conversations. THJ, one of Powell/Kleber and one of DFS/Bullock are most suitable contracts to get the deals done. Bullock (or perhaps THJ) for Holmes is one very natural possibility for both sides. Problem is, can we convert the rest and the assets into the big wing we need? The good thing is that we can sort of sell the "Robin" position to our targets now since KP is gone.

I only differ from your thoughts in one place. 

First, I think the Mavs should keep both Bullock and DFS. I understand you're trying to consolidate contracts and upgrade performance in other areas, and I agree with you that should be the goal, but Bullock and DFS are good role players for their position and contracts.

Bullock's contract has him ranked 54th highest paid for forwards (Bertans by the way ranks 37th). Right in line with guys like Jae Crowder and Robert Covington. That's the going rate for 3 and D specialists and the Mavs have desperately needed them for a while so we shouldn't be so eager to forego one to upgrade another position. Especially since Bullock+DFS have had excellent net ratings and play positions of need.  

If we are going to consolidate contracts, getting rid of bloat is the first priority. Like you identified: Burke, Brown, and THJ all have to go. Which is about 27 mil right there. Powell needs his salary either greatly reduced to 2-5 mil or be shipped out. That's another 6-8 mil. That accounts for ~34-38 mil that the Mavs need to get rid of and should be split among the starting C, PF, and 7th man. 

Here are the ranks of Mavs as I see the team should be constructed and where current players fit:
Starter 1 Primary creator: Luka
Starter 2 (shooter, secondary creator): Brunson or SD
Starter 3 (3-D wing): Bullock or DFS (but not both)
Starter 4 (big wing, 3-D, secondary creator): none
Starter 5 (center): none
6th man: Brunson or SD
shooting spark: THJ or Bertans (both greatly overpaid for this role)
3rd big: Powell or Kleber (but not both)
4th guard: Green (as long he is on the rookie contract, probably too expensive afterwards)
4th big: Chriss
5th guard/wing: FN or Brown (Brown overpaid for this role)
3rd PG: Burke (overpaid for the role)
deep bench: FN, Brown, Burke, Bobi

When it comes to the 2 guard/6th man debate with JB and SD, I think the Mavs have already cemented those roles with JB getting the nod and SD being the 6th man. At 18 mil, SD is bit overpaid for a 6th man but if he brings 13ppg along with defense and passing it's solid enough. 

Maxi has to be extended at the most for 18mil for 2 years. That's what Serge Ibaka got 2 years ago when he was 31. That's what Maxi is worth. If he wants any more then he needs to be traded this offseason. 

Starter 1: Luka
Starter 2: JB
Starting 3: DFS
Starting 4: ----
Starting 5:----
6th man: SD
7th man (2nd forward): Bullock
8th man(2nd 4): Maxi...? Bertans...? One too limited offensively, the other too limited defensively (and supremely overpaid)
9th man (2nd 5): Powell...? (overpaid at 11mil)
10-15: Burke, Brown, Chriss, Frank, Green, Bobi (with Burke and Brown needing to be replaced with vet min guys)


Some trade thoughts:

You mentioned Holmes for THJ, a framework thrown out by Dan earlier this week. It's one of my favorite ideas. It makes the most sense for both teams and falls right in budget for the 5. 
For the starting 4, everyone here wants/dreams John Collins. But ATL wants defensive wings. Are we willing to give away DFS? Bullock? I'm more inclined for the latter than the former. It becomes less appetizing when we take a step back and realize we need to throw in Maxi along with picks as well. Expensive. It's tough to try and find a 4 because we basically need a combination of Maxi and Bertans in 1 guy. That's a superstar. 

To me there are tiers of guys that are available this summer:

Tier 1 (will never be traded): Luka, Boban. 
Tier 2 (we're listening, but it has to be a really good offer): Brunson, DFS.
Tier 3 (They can be had but it won't be a bargain): Maxi, Bullock
Tier 4 (We got to pay to get rid of these guys so it's probably better to just keep them): SD, Powell, Bertans
Tier 5 (We don't need these guys, please get rid of them for us): THJ, Burke, Brown
Tier 6 (The afterthoughts): Frank, Green, Chriss,