Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[Scott41theMavs]

I can't imagine that Jrue is even remotely being considered by the Mavs. In his best version, he's a great solution, but you don't get that for very long (if you get it at all). And acquiring Jrue means you no longer have significant minutes for DeLarrea (and perhaps Ishchenko) to grow into their potential as quickly as possible. So instead of Jrue, I think they are far more likely to invest those minutes (and whatever it would have cost to acquire Jrue) in working at growing their own Jrue, so to speak.

See, I thought you were the architect of the "structure" and teach-Coop-and-the-other-kids-to-win idea, and that was why you don't trade Kyrie. In terms of strict adherence to the talent quotient factor, I think it's clear that they would move him at the trade deadline, 1) after showing  he's healthy and can still contribute to a winning structure, and 2) prior to any decline in player (as opposed to contract) value due to age and father time. If not at the TDL, then next off-season. 

Once again, re: Jrue, it's structure vs. development. Sergio has two major holes in his game that will mean he hurts as much as he helps at first - 1) strength, which will take years unless they give him roids, and, far more importantly, 2) that hideous handle. If he had to play major minutes (say, 20) against NBA competition as a backup point guard, he might average 10 assists and 15 turnovers. It's one of the worst handles I have seen from a professional player in my entire life, much less a point guard. It really is hard to overstate how bad it is. Does he have those Coop-like Neo qualities that he can fix such a major aspect of his game and do it quickly? If he looks like a completely different player in those terms by training camp, great. Overwise, giving him thrown-to-the-wolves minutes from the beginning ***will*** engender losses. And we don't have our pick. Whereas if you give him 20 mpg - or even more - as an off-guard, he is so good at other aspects of his game that he is a plus player, and can probably create opportunities for others by passing (his uber-elite skill) without dribbling. 

I like a Kyrie-Sergio starting pairing, or a Sasser-Sergio pairing off the bench. I think a Sergio-Max pairing is a recipe for unwanted losses, unless he miraculously fixes that abominable handle by training camp. I really believe they need another guard. Scoot would be fantastic.