I think Mavs would love to have THJ here long term. But I wouldn't discount the possibility of the Mavs wanting to upgrade him actually. I don't think the Mavs have any plans to extend him this summer.
While THJ has been really good his best case scenario has been this year. 15ppg with over 40% shooting from 3 and meh defense. Pure jump shooter too. That is incredibly solid. But you can do better. At least at his salary.
But most importantly I'd suspect the Mavs still want to pair Luka with another guard that is a great defender.
We talk about Giannis in 2021 but I can't help but keep seeing Jrue is an UFA as well. Oladipo was mentioned and that makes a ton of sense too if he's healthy.
Also don't discount the Mavs moving THJ during the offseason/before next year's deadline if he has any value and doesn't opt out. Assuming a deal where Wright is also sent out, you are a Powell dump away from having a near double max situation (You definitely may be able to. I'll leave the math to Dan).
I'm not saying take double max cap space into the year. Just pointing out how much cap space you could have. Because I think the Mavs will be trying to make a big move this summer/before trade deadline to eat into that 2021 cap space. Maybe it's AG. Maybe it's Lavine. Or maybe they find some miraculous way to get into the Beal sweepstakes if he decides he wants out. Or maybe they trade for Jrue or Oladipo before free agency.
TLDR; trade for one major piece next season, sign another major piece in 2021. You never sacrifice talent for future cap space. You just got better and used your big money contracts for cap matching.
Mavs also could use that big 2nd salary to split between THJ and another player. Maybe Aaron Gordon? Only making 16 mill in 2021.
While THJ has been really good his best case scenario has been this year. 15ppg with over 40% shooting from 3 and meh defense. Pure jump shooter too. That is incredibly solid. But you can do better. At least at his salary.
But most importantly I'd suspect the Mavs still want to pair Luka with another guard that is a great defender.
We talk about Giannis in 2021 but I can't help but keep seeing Jrue is an UFA as well. Oladipo was mentioned and that makes a ton of sense too if he's healthy.
Also don't discount the Mavs moving THJ during the offseason/before next year's deadline if he has any value and doesn't opt out. Assuming a deal where Wright is also sent out, you are a Powell dump away from having a near double max situation (You definitely may be able to. I'll leave the math to Dan).
I'm not saying take double max cap space into the year. Just pointing out how much cap space you could have. Because I think the Mavs will be trying to make a big move this summer/before trade deadline to eat into that 2021 cap space. Maybe it's AG. Maybe it's Lavine. Or maybe they find some miraculous way to get into the Beal sweepstakes if he decides he wants out. Or maybe they trade for Jrue or Oladipo before free agency.
TLDR; trade for one major piece next season, sign another major piece in 2021. You never sacrifice talent for future cap space. You just got better and used your big money contracts for cap matching.
Mavs also could use that big 2nd salary to split between THJ and another player. Maybe Aaron Gordon? Only making 16 mill in 2021.