(11-14-2023, 10:59 AM)ItsGoTime Wrote: I don’t think LAC would get the packages they need to pull the trigger on a firesale. I think with the price they just paid for Harden, PG is the odd man out and they try to get a decent package for him at some point this year.

(11-14-2023, 11:15 AM)omahen Wrote: I agree Clippers will not go into firesale. But, all their "stars" are expiring. And if one (or more) makes it clear he has no intention to resign, they don't have much choice but trade him. As I said - George and Kawhi tend to get where they want to.

(11-14-2023, 03:19 AM)omahen Wrote: In my opinion this core with even more improved Lively (every year of experience) and very good (if not elite) 2-way wing is a contender. I think that one player would put many guys in the correct role and perhaps create even better impact from certain players. But, he has to be the right fit for this team. I can't imagine how could you put much better rotation players on the bench, other than perhaps just tinkering around the edges for perfect players for specific roles. Mavs problem in all Luka years has always been just lack of top end talent. Too many decent players instead of a couple of great ones and a little lower number of decent ones. Mavs finally have an opportunity to nicely close a top end of the roster with imho just one correct move.

In any case, Mavs have imho about 2-year window with Kyrie. If one doesn't believe they can build a contender in this window, than he should start making plans about how a contender without Irving (or Irving in a reduced capacity and role) would look like. We would be suddenly dealing with a whole different puzzle to solve. 2-way wings are always good to have, but we would need to bring in another star to replace Kyrie. And these tend to be way more difficult to get.

(11-14-2023, 12:29 PM)ItsGoTime Wrote: I don’t see a reason to forgo the TDL in favor of next offseason. Getting fitting players on the team should be a year-round activity.

(11-14-2023, 01:41 PM)Jakeospikez Wrote: I think it's possible OG might be available this TDL if everything falls into place somehow. Raptors would have to be struggling and he would have to tell them they have to trade him because he's not taking the PO and also not resigning under any circumstance, stuff like that. If the Mavs at that point are in win-now mode and the west looks weak, I wonder if they'd be willing to do something like OMax + Green + THJ for salary matching + 2027 1st for OG + Filler. Would need to free up some cap to resign OG at his new big deal next year as well I think. Imo Hardy+Exum can take over THJ's vacated minutes. Hardy has a similar quick trigger to THJ so I don't think much would be lost.

If the Raps are struggling even a little, don't see how Siakam isn't moved. They're probably trying to inflate his value right now. I wouldn't give up those assets for Siakam personally though, just OG. Although maybe if they planned on Siakam has a frequent small ball 5, maybe that would be worth it.

(11-14-2023, 03:19 AM)omahen Wrote: In any case, Mavs have imho about 2-year window with Kyrie. If one doesn't believe they can build a contender in this window, than he should start making plans about how a contender without Irving (or Irving in a reduced capacity and role) would look like. We would be suddenly dealing with a whole different puzzle to solve. 2-way wings are always good to have, but we would need to bring in another star to replace Kyrie. And these tend to be way more difficult to get.

(11-15-2023, 01:06 AM)SleepingHero Wrote: @ShamsCharania
Developing: NBA teams are probing the availability of Bulls two-time All-Star Zach LaVine and there is increased openness from both sides about exploring a trade, sources say.

https://streamable.com/ct7jci
Shams says here that the Lakers, 76ers, and Miami Heat are expected to consider a trade for LaVine. 

Bulls beat writer also said this:

@DarnellMayberry
One league source told me this week the Bulls won't have the same roster in a month. Change feels imminent in Chicago.

(11-15-2023, 03:09 AM)DanSchwartzgan Wrote: Confirmed.  Duffy client and fellow Balkan Boy, Nicola Vucevic coming to Dallas.

(11-15-2023, 06:44 AM)JamesConway912 Wrote: Depends on the role.

Hardaway would be going out and be replaced internally.  

(11-15-2023, 08:15 AM)Mavs2021 Wrote:  

DeRozan Negatives:

- Lots of mileage
- Position of need, but not necessarily skills of need (aka defense)

Take Vucevic.

He´s basically the center version of DeRozan (age, games played, strengths and weaknesses). Only difference is that with his age and Lively´s level of play, it would be a designated bench role coming at 60/3 deal, that is pretty hefty for that specific assignment and could hamper your future roster building. Interior bench scoring/rebounding are positional needs. Yet you still have a lack of defense.

One positive from the Grant Williams interview was the takeaway that the Mavs had finally (?) started to work on a deal with Duffy for months before the S&T materialized and I´m pretty confident the same is the case here. They´ll have very good info on Vucevic. Maybe they were happy to gamble on Lively starting, and temporarily keeping Holmes, because they already knew Vucevic was going to become an option and the Mavs were a preferred destination.