Trade & FA 2023-24: Stein-Ingram Trade Inevitable| LAL Want Lebron Back On Any Terms

[SleepingHero]

It's not really a choice between Bertans and Ayton, since PHX will be expecting far more (whether worth it or not). But the 80M in difference between the 2, when NEITHER is the guy you want in a playoff run, is a really big deal because of how limiting it is going to be, when you are trying to add talent you need.

I think Gobert, who is a similar type center on max deal, is a good comp. He looks attractive by stats, so entices a trade chase, but then it's the same playoff limitations. And then you are stuck with him -- as in, no way Minn can flip Gobert for good value.

I don't want to be Minny.

It's the same crossroads as with THJ -- the question is framed as "we don't have anyone better" but the problem is, you are aiming to be stuck with a limiting bad contract, rather than getting good value and a player who can make a difference for you in a title chase. The Mavs have to (1) get OUT OF bad contracts, rather than make that problem even worse, and (2) spend on players who might make a difference, rather than settle for those who you already know are incapable.

Mr. Gump, I hope you know how much I do adore your ideas, but you're painting a catch-22 here. 

How do the Mavs do (1) getting out of bad contracts while simultaneously doing (2) getting players who make a difference.  They have to spend assets to do (1) while also spending assets bringing in (2). The Mavs asset cupboard is on life support. Sure they can bide their time and hope to hit on a pick, but with Kyrie here the doomsday clock is ticking. We've seen it time and again. They need to act fast. 

However, I agree with your logic. Your thoughts are sound and a path to contention, but tangibly where are these difference makers that are readily available? I don't see many. And those I do see aren't available for the assets the Mavs currently have, save maybe 1 giant all in trade where we throw in Green+Hardy+FRPs. But in that scenario are the Mavs truly better off?

That's why I'm at the point where the Mavs have to stomach some bad money if it raises the overall talent floor. ESPECIALLY if the players they're bringing in can ideally grow into a larger role (*cough* Ayton). 

Speaking of, I really think you're overestimating Ayton's perceived value currently. I don't see many teams vying for his services, solely because the teams that would get the maximal value of Ayton are those in contention, and most of them already have a center (and most of those are what we deem already overpaid). 

We need to raise the level of talent on this team by any means necessary. There is no time. Kyrie Doomsday will occur, and when it does there has to be a solid foundation of talent to convince Luka that even sans Kyrie the Mavs are still the place to be. Ayton is such a player that fits the mold, given his age and talent level. Ayton might not be worth his 30+mil price tag currently, and there is little evidence thus far that he will add to his game given his static production since he's entered the league. But I don't discount the Luka effect. And Ayton has shown the skills that are amplified playing next to Luka. 

We can point to him getting played off the floor (though I'll try later on to protest just how often he gets played off the court) sure, that's the life of a center and the cost of doing business in today's NBA. But when Ayton can be used he can be a series defining player. Ask the Suns against the Pelicans last year where Ayton averaged 20/10 on 70% shooting playing 35mpg and led them to a series win without Devin Booker. Or the season where he averaged 37mpg over 22 games when PHX went to the finals and held up against AD, Jokic, and Zubac on the way there. 

Further, he hasn't even been played off the floor this year. He's played 33mpg this playoffs and was benched 1 game due to foul trouble (and an off night which happens to literally everyone).

I'm not trying to paint Ayton as some infallible asset. He isn't perfect by any means. But I'm failing to see another player that matches or exceeds all of the above vs. Ayton: A: Luka's timeline. B: Overall talent level. C: Projected growth in role. D: Theoretical cost of acquisition. 

If you can point me to these impact players you're correctly pointing out the Mavs need that can also be had with what the Mavs currently have asset wise, I'm more than ready to hitch my wagon to the FGump school of thought train. I just don't see it.