John Collins...Our Third Star

[StepBackJay]

I agree with @"DanSchwartzgan" and @"omahen", disagree with @"F Gump". There's enough linkage with Collins to think he is the top target, even if we could argue Mavs would be better served going in a different direction.

I am not worried ab J Rich's opt-in putting the Mavs in any kind of bind. He is a good enough player (flaws and all) that he can get MLE or traded for space.

Maxi to me has to be outgoing to make the numbers work that would allow Mavs to retain THJ and give ATL a reason not to match. Even if ATL doesn't want Maxi (altho he would fit well next to Capela), I am sure a third team would send them a pick. Maxi has a great contract and plays a valuable role

We have kicked around a lot of ideas for guards and just none of them are that appealing. Collins is 23 and an exciting offensive player. Mavs brass will sell him as a third "star."

I disagree with Dan that Miami has any interest in Collins at all. I am pretty confident that they are all-in on Lowry and I expect him to wind up there.

For Mavs there are other options just none of the "sexy" ones are all that realistic. If Mavs whiff on Collins (though I think they will go very far to get him) then I am not even sure what they can do that would excite anybody. I know ppl like Holmes but I don't think they value Holmes the way this board does or the way the market will pay him.

So put me in the Collins or bust camp. Mavs will use a combination of overpay (up to max) + Maxi (the carrot) and I think will put even more assets on the table if they have to just bc I don't see a lot of great backup plans.

Rotation would be something like:

Luka/Brunson/vet min guard
THJ/Burke/Terry
DFS/Green/wing or guard for BAE
Collins/Powell/Melli vet min?
KP/WCS (rMLE)/Bobi (vet min)