ROSTER TALK: Mavs favs for Vogel if no HC job exists. Kyrie handshake deal?

[DanSchwartzgan]

I'm going to assume that Dorian just had a bad couple of months as opposed to starting some huge decline.  In that world he makes more sense than Maxi in the starting lineup, especially in the regular season when Maxi needs his minutes managed.  I also think SD is a classic 6th man, which is generally considered just as important as a 4th or 5th starter.  So if we are talking about long term lineups with Timmy outgoing and what is needed, I see:

Luka     Green            DFS/???     DFS/???   Wood

SD        Frank/Hardy   Bullock      Maxi        Powell

I would argue what this team needs more than anything is a big wing that is a plus defender, can space the floor, rebound, and ideally create for themselves or others.  Depending on that players skillset, we may also need to get a legit backup point guard at a higher level than Wright.  I also think if you are sending Timmy out, you could easily add Bullock to him if you need a big salary match.

If you look at the options for that big wing, both Siakam and Anunoby make a ton of sense.  I think either would be worth a massive asset expenditure to land.  

I'm struggling to find a really good fit after those two.  I don't know that there is anyone out there that fits that need and has any hint of being on the block that would be worth significant draft capital.  I am also struggling with a straight up trade involving Timmy that makes sense.  

Of course, this is all predicated on the Mavs extending Wood.  One crazy thought is some kind of a trade involving Wood for Turner.  That completely changes the roster construction situation.

I think your grid is a reasonable way to look at things with regard to Maxi and Dorian.  SD is going to finish games.  He’s just too clutch.  He’s our second largest salary and third best player (at least by the rating system for all-star selection used by NBA math).  I really don’t see a world where he isn’t starting near term.

I’m not intending to ‘slight’ Dorian, but I don’t like the fit with Wood.  I’d rather have a bigger body and some more shot blocking on the floor when Wood starts and finishes halves.  DFS can be the three (probably moving Green to the bench), can come off the bench or might have to be included in the deal if you are trading for one of the big name guys.

Your term of ‘big wing who is a plus defender’ kind of applies to Maxi and Dorian, but neither is ideal in my mind.  Maybe someone who is stronger and longer than Dorian and healthier than Maxi.  If you could find the ideal guy to start at the four, Dorian can start at the three and Maxi come off the bench.  I’m not sure Collins or Kuzma fit the bill defensively.  I like longer guys like Vanderbilt or McDaniels (the Minnesota version).  If Vanderbilt is available, I’d love to be in on that.  He’s not in the top 100 from NBA math, but if you hope to get someone without giving up a first, you will need to identify someone who can grow into the spot.  I LOVE the idea of Green and Vandy wreaking havoc alongside three guys who are primarily scorers for several years to come.

THJ and Frank are a salary match for Vanderbilt and Conley.  If you assume Conley’s big money next year is negative value, maybe you trade THJ to one of the teams that reportedly wants him and send Frank and the third team’s trade match to Utah.