Trade & FA 2023-24: Vezenkov+Kings Are Done

[mvossman]

Phrasing it differently. If the Mavs need to create space for DJJ. Who would you prefer to let go? I want to have it all isn't an option.

1) THJ + 2025 1st (+Hardy)
2) Green
3) Gafford
4) Kleber
5) Don't resign DJJ

For me this would the order. I think THJ + 2025 is the best option because the Mavs should be trying to improve but I can understand that some people would prefer to use his contract at the deadline because it is going to be more valuable (no matter how he performs). It's hard to tell what a package of THJ, Hardy and pick can get in return but it should at the very least be an improvement.

Green is solid all around and only two years younger than Gafford. More versatile and probably a 20 minutes per game player no matter how the Mavs construct the roster. On the other hand it shouldn't be all that difficult to replace him. Mavs already have Exum on a cheap deal and the list SG/SF sized 3&D players is longer than the list of playable bigs.

Gafford has been more impactful than Green since he arrived and is a great fit in a 1a-1b scenario next to Lively. But Lively is already better and has more upside. Should be starting sooner than later.  As long as his durability is questionable it still wouldn't hurt to have a backup that can also play starter minutes when Lively is out.
He is also the most valuable asset among the mentioned names. Opening opportunties to add assets for a bigger THJ deal at the deadline (or even in the same offseason).

I don't think Kleber has real trade value. Just not playing enough due to never ending injury issues. But when he is playing he has the most on court value. Also difficult to replace because his skillset is unique. But it might be the best longterm solution because the Mavs need more than the on paper version. They need a reliable stretch five that is actually available in the playoffs. Just not sure if the best time is this summer. With limited picks available and no salary space to work with.

On the Timmy options, would you prefer:

Send heavily protected first
Send Hardy
Stretch waive (would be a little over 5 mil for 3 years which should leave enough for DJJ)
Send unprotected first for Grimes

EDIT: I guess I misunderstood your Tim solution. You are not dumping him into space. You are looking to trade. The problem is that does not get you to MLE money unless you trade with a cap space team. About the only player of value on a cap space team that would make sense and get us to the right number is Grimes.