03-22-2024, 09:52 AM
(03-22-2024, 07:43 AM)F Gump Wrote: Taking things one step further, I don't accept the premise that the Mavs default position for this summer is being under the probable $171.4-ish M tax line. Even without DJJ and Hardy, their salary total is already sitting at that tax line with only 12 players (and having a roster with less than 14 is generally not permitted). And keeping Hardy is a no-brainer anyhow.
While I think THJ gets traded (if they can), it's not likely to be with no salary in return. I can see him traded in a package for close to similar salary (in total), and a target of better fit(s) in return. There's not really room for a trade for higher salary, under the new rules, if they want to use the TxMLE or either of their TPEs.
As for DJJ, is he keepable for the TxMLE? That's the best they can do, and I would think they would try to persuade him to return with a 1 yr + player option deal, which would open the door to "up to early-Bird" money (ie, up to about $12M or so) in 2025. There's value in offering "the most we are allowed to offer."
Their limit? I think their practical limit ends up the 2nd apron. That allows them to make such a swap if they can find it, but still use the taxpayer MLE (about 5.2M), keep Hardy, perhaps use one or both TPE's, and fill the roster, with some room to spare.
I agree with all of this. As for your THJ trade options…I had a random thought last night that maybe Nico tries the SnT route with Paul George. He doesn’t fit the age timeline and has a long injury history but it feels like a Nico move. Does a package of THJ+Green+Maxi+Pick make sense for everyone?
KAI - Exum
Luka - Hardy
PG13 - DJJ
PJW - Omax
Lively - Gafford