MAVS NEWS: Luka Is Hurt, But is Trudging On | DLive's Mom Passes Away| Maxi OUT

[F Gump]

While I understand that as Mavs fans we've been burned a ton in the past having false hopes in offseasons I would definitely say that there's clearly pieces that do not fit on this roster and still GIANT shoes to drop this offseason so I don't understand why it feels like a dream or hallucination to think that there is still a deal to be done.  I'm doing my best to not get my hopes up but all signs certainly point to this roster not being complete.  I know that we have reports of "end of August" but I'm trying not to judge this roster until we're going into the playoffs next year because I personally feel Hardaway is one of those pieces that don't fit and we may have to play his value up a little bit to make a deal that makes sense.

You may be right in thinking that they are postponing their Big Trade until after THJ has been given a chance to resuscitate his value. If he's in demand, then a THJ + filler package might be able to pull in a much-needed return.

But for me, that still doesn't answer the question of where they will fill the hole for the first 2/3 of the season of the 3rd creator/offense starter to rotate with Luka/SD. They told Dragic to go away, instead of giving him the job? Doesn't make sense. They don't think they need such a guy? Also doesn't make sense, in light of last season, and this season's starting lineup plans (with both Luka and SD on the floor to start games), and what Kidd says is important to making Luka more effective. They clearly need that 3rd guy right up front, not later.

In looking at THIS set of players, the only conclusion is that (a) they have a trade coming soon (which I just don't expect to happen), or (b) some combo of THJ, Green, Franky, and Hardy will be auditioned to handle that task of 3rd creator, until they finally get a trade done, which doesn't give me confidence. And trades rarely wait very long - if it doesn't happen now, other teams can swoop in and grab the deal instead, or the trade partner can get cold feet. The longer the wait, the smaller the chances it ever gets done at all.