Should we give Donnie credit?

[reckoner07]

I think it's more unlikely that Giannis will come here, with Luka now as one of the elite NBA players, given Giannis' personality and likely preferences to not super-team.  But the Mavs will keep that possibility alive - and they should. Sure, Giannis to the Mavs is unlikely - but what if, 18 months from now, Giannis decided that's what he wanted to do, play with Luka? This is unchartered territory - Luka is a 20-year old bona-fide Superstar, like a LeBron 20-year old, as far as the kind who can attract other superstars, to win a championship.  Nobody can read Giannis' mind - and even he has no idea how he'll feel 1.5 years from now. He's worried about playing basketball for the Bucks and winning a championship. Solely.

Nobody can say it won't happen.  Anyone can speculate, but it's just guessing, 2 years out, with no idea of how teams in the NBA will look...or who the top 5 or 10 superstars will be 2 years from now... or what it will take to put the team together to topple the other best team.  So... it is prudent of the Mavs to plan for the possibility of being able to create that space, in the event that the dream happens to play out.  A, because the Home Run is what you swing for in the NBA (Cuban 101), and B. because that money can be used in dozens of permutations other than just adding Giannis, if it doesn't work out.  Saying "forget Giannis" is just poor business-decision making.