07-26-2021, 09:25 PM
(07-26-2021, 06:51 PM)mvossman Wrote: While I agree with most of this, that group is not garbage. KP and THJ are quality starters (and KP might be more) and Powell, Brunson and Maxi are all quality rotational pieces. I would value that group at roughly 60 mil in value (AAV) and they currently cost around 70 mil. That is not terrible and the reality is we will likely be overpaying free agents as an alternative. The biggest issue with most of these guys is fit, so the goal is to get better fitting pieces.
As for Maxi, I think he got miscast a bit as a starting 4, and is much better as a backup stretch 5 who can also play the 4. I think he is more important to us than we will be able to get in trade, so he probably makes more sense staying. I understand it was suggested that we offered him to Atlanta for Collins, and the prevailing thought is that he would be a good fit with Capella, but honestly I think he would be an even better fit with Collins.
I'll be surprised if KP is a regularly playable playoff player for whatever franchise ends up with him. If his 2021-22 defense bears any resemblance to his 2020-21 defense, he won't be. As for THJ, I'll say it again - he's fine for any other team, but he cannot be a starter on a Luka-led team. It would be nuts of the Mavs to pay him starter money, and it would probably be nuts of him to stay here for less when likely at least one team out there is willing to pay more.