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

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First of all, I would just like to make a disclaimer, that I don't think Siakam would cost 2 FRP to get. Sure there are teams that can (theoretically) make better offers, but who says they will actually make them. Toronto is facing a real threat that Siakam walks in the summer. Any team trading for him will also take this risk that Siakam might just walk in the summer and no one will imho risk a bunch of assets because of that. 

Secondly - lifting protection from NY pick doesn't enable Mavs to offer additional pick. Even with lifted protection, Mavs still can't trade 2025 pick because of the Stepien rule (2024 being still owed to NY) and can't trade both 2026 and 2027 picks because of the same rule. 

Leaving all of that aside, even if Mavs would be able to trade two picks by lifting protection from NY pick, I wouldn't call that as an all in move. Mavs all in move was imho Kyrie. Because of his age they basically declared their short-term strategy, which is "win now". Mavs are not rebuilding, they want to win. From here on it is just about using that realistic window and trying to create a contender putting right pieces next to Luka and Kyrie. Siakam is imho a huge proven talent and while he might not be perfect (which player is???), it would be on the three stars and coaching staff to make it work on both ends on the floor. Having three such players would put a pressure from the front office to players and coaching staff for the first time in Luka era.

2024 is owed to NY by past actions. A whole bunch of stuff would have to go wrong if Mavs traded for Siakam and still finished in bottom 10 of the league. Even Luka injury would still leave enough talent on the team and they should be able to finish better than bottom 10. I think it is certain that Siakam makes this team better, the question is only, if he makes them good enough to contend. 

Personally, I don't think Mavs are just one "Gordon" or "White" trade away from contending. I think they need more of the top end talent.

Sure.  We're all just speculating.  I do think Toronto will get 2 first rounders or a first-rounder and a talented young player for Siakam.  I think Siakam is better than Anunoby and will have more value around the league.

I think Gordon and White are both top-40 players.  I think Siakam is also a top-40 player.  The difference is Gordon and White are great defensive players and are merely good on offense.  Siakam is an excellent offensive player and mediocre on defense.  Excellent offensive players are much more expensive in terms of trade value but also contracts.  I think Luka Doncic is so brilliant an offensive player that we don't need to add much offensive firepower.  I think we just need better defensive players and better rebounding.