Trade & FA 2023-24: Sexton On the Market? | ORL Likes Hartenstein?

[Smitty]

Green is one of my favorite Mavs players. Can reach DFS status even. I can’t understand why Mavs fans dislike him. He’s DFS lite and just turned 23. DFS was 23 his first season as a Mav. Anyway, talking about trading anyone in the 8-man rotation while we’re in the Finals just feels wrong to me is all.

[KillerLeft]

Green is one of my favorite Mavs players. Can reach DFS status even. I can’t understand why Mavs fans dislike him. He’s DFS lite and just turned 23. DFS was 23 his first season as a Mav. Anyway, talking about trading anyone in the 8-man rotation while we’re in the Finals just feels wrong to me is all.

I agree that your team being in the NBA finals is a strange time to discuss the off season, but learned long ago that I'm in the minority of fans for whom player movement isn't the most interesting part of the sport. This place doesn't stop dreaming of trades or wondering how to improve the roster. It is what it is.

As for Green, I like him, too, but it's more and more frustrating to me that he can't seem to find a toehold on the team. On one hand, he has emerged from the swamp of THJ/Exum as the most useful backup wing on the team this season, but on the other, I'm not seeing a clear, difference making role for him, and while yes, he's 23, he has been here a WHILE. It's just tiring.

I like his shooting, but he goes through stretches where he won't shoot. I like his playmaking, but he goes through stretches when he plays totally out of control (I actually think we're watching Hardy pass him in that category in these playoffs, right before our eyes, with much less experience). I like his hustle and energy, and at times, his defense, but the impact of all of that seems to come and go, from my perspective, and we're going on months of a sample size of DJJ being far, far superior as a defender you can depend on. 

I have no burning desire to give up on Green yet, and I'm not super annoyed by his extension price yet, either. But, the tax ramifications are what they are, and something is gonna have to give in the near future. Just like I said on "Gafford Day" last week, I expect THJ to be the thing that gives, but if they want to re-sign DJJ AND add another piece, the idea of using Green (or Gafford) as a means of doing that kind of must be at least considered, right? Gotta give something up to get something, after all, and to me it doesn't even feel like Green is playing that many minutes in this postseason, despite being the only bench wing getting consistent burn. That tells me quite a bit about what Jason Kidd thinks of him. He's also one of only three remaining rotation players, along with Luka and Kleber, who were not brought in by Harrison's team. I would put him squarely in 3rd on that list in terms of impact, personally, though it's reasonable if some disagree. I know Kleber's availability is a huge concern for some and that's a legitimate point. 

For the record, and this isn't even contingent on anything that happens during this next series, my goal would be to do juuuuuuust enough (dumping Hardaway, probably) to re-sign DJJ (whom I officially do not believe is this year's Al Farouq Amino, but actually an integral piece of this team) and RUN IT BACK. I think the improvement for next season comes from Washington, DJJ, Lively, Gafford, Hardy, O-Max and YES - even Green, who is still only 23. All I'm saying is that if you back me into a corner and tell me they can't get the DJJ thing done by using Hardaway, alone, logic dictates that Gafford or Green are next on that list possibilities, because they're the least essential of anyone making real money. Between those two, I'm more sold on keeping Gafford than Green. But man, I hope they don't have to move either of them - just cannot, ABSOLUTELY CANNOT let DJJ get away.

[KillerLeft]

Wasn’t a response to you. Just the general conversation.

Sorry if I jumped to a conclusion there. I just thought I was the only one who used the words "trade" and "Green" in the same post, and Gafford day has me feeling hypersensitive to getting misinterpreted.

[Jason Terry]

Regardless of finals outcome we’ve found the recipe for success. It’s all set up for this to be the formula for 2 more years (everyone but DJj under contract 2 more years):

Superstars providing the offensive engine:
Luka
Kyrie

Perimeter defenders:
DJJ
PJ

Paint defenders:
Gafford
Lively

This is not broken and doesn’t need to be fixed. Everyone else is in a supporting role to these 6 players. The roster is already set up to cover these guys weaknesses

Change of pace 5 out big:
Maxi

Speedy 3pt shooting energy defender:
Green

Playmaking bench scorer with upside:
Hardy

Big versatile 3 and D bench wing:
O max

Guard/wing depth:
Exum and Lawson

Veteran towel wavers:
Powell and Morris

Kyrie and Maxi are the only players over 27. Pretty much everyone is 25 and under and has real potential to become better next year and beyond. And Kyrie and Maxi might be 2 of the hardest guys to replace. Only a handful of guys in the league can even do what they do. No need to mess up any chemistry. This whole thing turned once everyone moved into these clear roles

What is the weakness in this roster?

[Mapka]

Regardless of finals outcome we’ve found the recipe for success. It’s all set up for this to be the formula for 2 more years (everyone but DJj under contract 2 more years):

Superstars providing the offensive engine:
Luka
Kyrie

Perimeter defenders:
DJJ
PJ

Paint defenders:
Gafford
Lively

This is not broken and doesn’t need to be fixed. Everyone else is in a supporting role to these 6 players. The roster is already set up to cover these guys weaknesses

Change of pace 5 out big:
Maxi

Speedy 3pt shooting energy defender:
Green

Playmaking bench scorer with upside:
Hardy

Big versatile 3 and D bench wing:
O max

Guard/wing depth:
Exum and Lawson

Veteran towel wavers:
Powell and Morris

Kyrie and Maxi are the only players over 27. Pretty much everyone is 25 and under and has real potential to become better next year and beyond. And Kyrie and Maxi might be 2 of the hardest guys to replace. Only a handful of guys in the league can even do what they do. No need to mess up any chemistry. This whole thing turned once everyone moved into these clear roles

What is the weakness in this roster?

Maybe another veteran PG.

[OBX Maverick]

Regardless of finals outcome we’ve found the recipe for success. It’s all set up for this to be the formula for 2 more years (everyone but DJj under contract 2 more years):

Superstars providing the offensive engine:
Luka
Kyrie

Perimeter defenders:
DJJ
PJ

Paint defenders:
Gafford
Lively

This is not broken and doesn’t need to be fixed. Everyone else is in a supporting role to these 6 players. The roster is already set up to cover these guys weaknesses

Change of pace 5 out big:
Maxi

Speedy 3pt shooting energy defender:
Green

Playmaking bench scorer with upside:
Hardy

Big versatile 3 and D bench wing:
O max

Guard/wing depth:
Exum and Lawson

Veteran towel wavers:
Powell and Morris

Kyrie and Maxi are the only players over 27. Pretty much everyone is 25 and under and has real potential to become better next year and beyond. And Kyrie and Maxi might be 2 of the hardest guys to replace. Only a handful of guys in the league can even do what they do. No need to mess up any chemistry. This whole thing turned once everyone moved into these clear roles

What is the weakness in this roster?

You forgot the aging shooting guard who can’t defend and no longer can shoot….

[Jason Terry]

The best way to extend the window would be to avoid the tax for two more years. Freeing up the ability to go way over for a few years at the tail end of the window years 3-4-5 from now. All while maintaining the assets to add a new robin and transition out Kyrie and any role players who lose their effectiveness

[mvossman]

The best way to extend the window would be to avoid the tax for two more years. Freeing up the ability to go way over for a few years at the tail end of the window years 3-4-5 from now. All while maintaining the assets to add a new robin and transition out Kyrie and any role players who lose their effectiveness

I agree in general with your overall premise (standing pat), but I think there is a good chance that in order to hold onto DJJ you will both have to spend an asset and go into the tax.  Transitioning Kyrie is going to be difficult.

[surfpuckmd]

Regardless of finals outcome we’ve found the recipe for success. It’s all set up for this to be the formula for 2 more years (everyone but DJj under contract 2 more years):

Superstars providing the offensive engine:
Luka
Kyrie

Perimeter defenders:
DJJ
PJ

Paint defenders:
Gafford
Lively

This is not broken and doesn’t need to be fixed. Everyone else is in a supporting role to these 6 players. The roster is already set up to cover these guys weaknesses

Change of pace 5 out big:
Maxi

Speedy 3pt shooting energy defender:
Green

Playmaking bench scorer with upside:
Hardy

Big versatile 3 and D bench wing:
O max

Guard/wing depth:
Exum and Lawson

Veteran towel wavers:
Powell and Morris

Kyrie and Maxi are the only players over 27. Pretty much everyone is 25 and under and has real potential to become better next year and beyond. And Kyrie and Maxi might be 2 of the hardest guys to replace. Only a handful of guys in the league can even do what they do. No need to mess up any chemistry. This whole thing turned once everyone moved into these clear roles

What is the weakness in this roster?

The weakness is the 6th-man scorer role.  We're hopeful that Jaden Hardy becomes that player.  He can definitely score but he hasn't been very efficient this season and doesn't make very calculated decisions.  He's pretty reckless.  Hopefully, he develops into a more cerebral and efficient player.   His defense has become less bad this season.  

I think we're now well-positioned to grab ring-chasers in free agency.  Not only are we now a proven contender but I think Kyrie is a big draw.  Kidd's status as a hall-of-fame player now coach will attract NBA veterans as well.  Hopefully, we can fill whatever deficiencies develop with solid NBA veterans who want to compete for a championship.  

I think we project as a top-4 NBA roster next season-  along with Boston, OKC and Denver.  I believe NBA vets would rather play in Dallas than OKC or Denver.

[mvossman]

The weakness is the 6th-man scorer role.  We're hopeful that Jaden Hardy becomes that player.  He can definitely score but he hasn't been very efficient this season and doesn't make very calculated decisions.  He's pretty reckless.  Hopefully, he develops into a more cerebral and efficient player.   His defense has become less bad this season.  

I think we're now well-positioned to grab ring-chasers in free agency.  Not only are we now a proven contender but I think Kyrie is a big draw.  Kidd's status as a hall-of-fame player now coach will attract NBA veterans as well.  Hopefully, we can fill whatever deficiencies develop with solid NBA veterans who want to compete for a championship.  

I think we project as a top-4 NBA roster next season-  along with Boston, OKC and Denver.  I believe NBA vets would rather play in Dallas than OKC or Denver.

I'm still holding out hope that Exum can help fill out that 6th man role.  I'm willing to ride with Hardy/Exum for that role and maybe pickup a veteran PG.

[Chicagojk]

I'm still holding out hope that Exum can help fill out that 6th man role.  I'm willing to ride with Hardy/Exum for that role and maybe pickup a veteran PG.

I think Exum has definately earned a spot back next year.  I still think he is going to be needed against the Celtics.   In theory, he should be a solid 12-15 minute guy to match up to White.   White is a much better player, but they sort of play similar in ways.   

I do think we need to add a cheap guard insurance option.   Ideally it would be someone with size.  I won't be picky though.   I think it is going to be important to manage Luka and Kyrie minutes early next year and Exum has not proven he can stay healthy.    Someone like Dennis Smith may be a little above what we need.   Monte Morris type player?   It is a tough role to fill for a guy who will not be in your regular rotation but needs to be ready to fill in for 20-25 minutes with injuries.

[mvossman]

I think Exum has definately earned a spot back next year.  I still think he is going to be needed against the Celtics.   In theory, he should be a solid 12-15 minute guy to match up to White.   White is a much better player, but they sort of play similar in ways.   

I do think we need to add a cheap guard insurance option.   Ideally it would be someone with size.  I won't be picky though.   I think it is going to be important to manage Luka and Kyrie minutes early next year and Exum has not proven he can stay healthy.    Someone like Dennis Smith may be a little above what we need.   Monte Morris type player?   It is a tough role to fill for a guy who will not be in your regular rotation but needs to be ready to fill in for 20-25 minutes with injuries.

Morris would be a good fit.  Dump Timmy contract and sign DJJ for MLE and Morris for BAE.  Done.

[Jason Terry]

Score first bench guard is the easiest position to fill in the NBA. If Hardy isn’t up to the task there’s options at the minimum or for 2nds at the TDL

Spending real assets for incremental increases in production seems like it would only shorten our window

[RGP1981]

If the Mavs FO are adding scorers to the bench, I want Iso Joe. He'd be brilliant in those moments when one of Luke or Kyrie are off the court. So many people under-estimated the value of a rim-protecting + rim-rolling big man (who can also help on perimeter D) in a Luka-led team, favoring the 5-out instead. Don't under-estimate the value of a high level shooter with lots of off-ball movement next to Luka either (or even next to Kyrie).

The Mavericks don't really have one of this type. THJ doesn't qualify. Joe is to THJ, what Lively/Gafford is to Powell.

[HoosierDaddyKidd]

If the Mavs FO are adding scorers to the bench, I want Iso Joe. He'd be brilliant in those moments when one of Luke or Kyrie are off the court. So many people under-estimated the value of a rim-protecting + rim-rolling big man (who can also help on perimeter D) in a Luka-led team, favoring the 5-out instead. Don't under-estimate the value of a high level shooter with lots of off-ball movement next to Luka either (or even next to Kyrie).

The Mavericks don't really have one of this type. THJ doesn't qualify. Joe is to THJ, what Lively/Gafford is to Powell.

Iso Joe?  You couldn't be talking about Joe Johnson?  That's the only Iso Joe I know.  He's been out of the league for a while now.

[RGP1981]

Iso Joe?  You couldn't be talking about Joe Johnson?  That's the only Iso Joe I know.  He's been out of the league for a while now.

Isaiah Joe.

[SleepingHero]

Isaiah Joe.

I know you keep bringing him up but you haven't made a compelling case as to why OKC would be willing to let go one of their best 3pt shooters who is under contract for at least another year (with RFA rights). He's making under 3 mil and was near the top of the league when it came to 3pt shooting.

So why are they interested in yet another 1st or THJ?

[RGP1981]

I know you keep bringing him up but you haven't made a compelling case as to why OKC would be willing to let go one of their best 3pt shooters who is under contract for at least another year (with RFA rights). He's making under 3 mil and was near the top of the league when it came to 3pt shooting.

So why are they interested in yet another 1st or THJ?

I don't have all the answers. All I'm saying is that I'd like Isaiah Joe on the team.

Maybe Nico can tap him up, and get him to force his way out of OKC with the promise of more money and bigger role than he has at the Thunder. "Force his way out", as in, request them kindly not to exercise their Team Option which pays him a measly $2,164,993... to do right by him, mans gotta eat, feed the family, etc.

Tapping Up (Noun) - The illicit practice of attempting to recruit a player while he or she is still bound by contract to another team.

[audiosway]

You forgot the aging shooting guard who can’t defend and no longer can shoot….

I have a feeling he gets moved in the offseason to clear up room to re-sign DJJ. That will likely be the offseason priority.

[OBX Maverick]

I have a feeling he gets moved in the offseason to clear up room to re-sign DJJ. That will likely be the offseason priority.

We can only hope. Unfortunately, it will likely require a draft pick or one of our young guys unless Nico can work some majic.