NBA TRADE TALK: TDL over

[cow]

I think in the sense of NY (and what seems to be Det) getting ready to fight for him in the offseason, you can (there is always inevitably some other team that will figure out a way to be in the mix as well...Bos through strong SnT offer?). I agree Toppin's contract helps his situation, but his on court play doesn't, once the pick is made and games are played, it becomes about realistic upside and the risk/reward of him realizing that potential. Him sitting behind Randle/Zion, he will for sure not reach a very high level.

Keyword though is offseason.  Jalen is free to do whatever he wants in the offseason so other teams aren't going to give you what he's worth on the court when they can just pay him that once the offseason is upon us.  I don't think the Mavs will or should give him a starting salary at 20+ million and god bless the team that does.  Bird rights don't help a ton as he isn't going to get a max offer.  The benefit for trading for him now is that it is easier to resign him into your current cap limitations if he is on your roster.  I'd love to get a massive return for Jalen but I just don't think that's realistic.