(04-12-2020, 09:16 AM)aguiar95 Wrote: What roster would you REALISTICALLY have for us next season
Huh, that is a tough one, because there are so many options. Out of the 11 players left, we definitely have one good PG too many as neither Brunson or Wright deserve to be a third string PG, however neither can play a good SG. So I would definitiely seek for an adjustment here. There are also a lot of MLE or lower players that could be intriguing and it is difficult to predict whether they would demand a full MLE or just part of it on the market. Players I like in this range are: J. Hernangomez, Valentine, D. Jones Jr., Saric, Dunn, J. Holiday. All of them could perform very well when given the correct role. I dream of snatching both Hernangomez and Valentine (each for half of MLE), but it might be too low. So I go with the first. I doubt experienced veterans like Milsap, Ibaka or Gasol will drop to MLE level. If it happens, I am certain it would only be with their current team. If there is mutual love between Mavs and either Gallo, Fournier or Harrell, Mavs should find a way to either clear cap space or create SnT. If we keep the pick, I would definitely aim for best 3-D SF or SG - based on the scouting reports, there seem to be a lot of options out there. I would give Reeves a chance. And I would trade THJ/Wright+JJ (to match salaries) for Richardson/Horford. Despite what some may think about his contract, his impact on the team would go far beyond stat numbers. Luka and KP need this kind of mentor.
Oh, one last thing. I don't give a rats ass about 2021 cap space. I believe this team is ready to compete now and holds enough assets to remain competitive over some time.
Luka, Brunson, Barea (or another vet min)
Richardson, Curry, Reeves
DFS, Hernangomez, #18
Horford, Kleber, Powell
KP, Hernangomez, Boban
Capwise, this team gets us to some 130 mil in 2020, which is probably below luxury tax, unless cap is reduced drastically. I doubt it will, because it is of no one interest - I guess they will distribute this year losses over next couple of years so that cap will not rise some time once things get back to normal.
In 2021 we basicall need to resign Richardson, which will, together with other higher salaries, add some 10 mil to the cap figure. At this point, Powell is totally redundant, so I would explore shipping him away. Our roster will allow a lot of possibilities in trades, as the team is very deep. When Luka extension kicks in in 2022, we will be deep in the tax. But I guess that is a price if you want to contend. We could explore shipping Horford for a cheaper option.