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[DanSchwartzgan]

 
Speaking of Denver, Gordon was really acquired by a first round pick.  Same for Grant in Portland.  I wonder if instead of looking for that one star, if it would look better to get two of the Gordon and Grant players?

The most recent Grant trade was Portland's 2025 pick (top 4 protected).   The Gordon trade was in 2021 and was for a 2025 pick (top 5 protected).  Gary Harris and RJ Hampton were involved for salary matching purposes.  Harris had fallen out of favor.  Hampton at the time was a recent draft pick at #24.  He hasn't turned out to be much.  In fact, Orlando didn't pick up his option for 23/24.  But, at the time he was probably similar value to Jaden Hardy.

Gordon was expiring at the time he was traded.  Orlando didn't want to pay him star money.  Denver already had its star and wanted to put a complimentary piece next to him.  Grant was also traded as an expiring contract (full season instead of half season at the TDL).  Portland was also looking for a compliment to its star player and Grant didn't fit Detroit's timeline.

The point I'm trying to make is Dallas is in a similar situation.  Neither player moved for a 'near' pick and both players were/are about to be paid and their current team didn't/doesn't want to be the one that does it.  The question is who currently fits this situation and is worthy of a pick?  UFA: Turner, Vuc, Grant (again), LeVert, Wood (so we essentially did this already), Crowder, Poeltl, Lonnie Walker.  RFA: Rui, Cam Johnson, PJ Washington, Grant Williams.  PO:  Draymond, FVV, Bogdan, Trent, Kuzma, 

I don't know about doing it twice.  2027 is a long ways away.  I'd do it once (like Portland and Denver did) for the right guy.  But, who is the right guy?  Some of the best players here are centers or play for contenders.  It would scare me to give up a 2025 first for a UFA guy or someone I can't extend now (if memory serves, Gordon was RFA when he was signed in Denver).  That's why I've brought up P J Washington either for Bullock or THJ/Powell for Washington/Hayward.  He's not at the same level as Gordon or Grant.  That's why I'm trying to avoid giving up a first.  If I do, it is probably a fake first that is highly protected and converts to two seconds the next season.

FWIW, I’m all in on an Anunoby deal (have been since his draft when I pointed out repeatedly he was an Indiana guy and a Schwartz guy…what else did Cuban want?).  Two unprotected firsts, pick swaps, THJ and even Hardy.  To me, that is the contending move.  Wood, DFS, OG, Green and Luka with Powell/Maxi/Bullock/Dinwiddie as your nine man.  Sign me up.