(05-08-2023, 02:43 PM)omahen Wrote: Ayton is not worth the max, but that is exactly the reason why he might be available. I said I have concerns about his commitment, but I can't know if that is possible to correct by changing scenery. But Mavs seem to think so, if that is worth anything.
Ayton will not be primary offensive option. But it is important that he could punish smaller players with a very simple reason. It will require the opponent to have a center in and Luka feasts against centers in the PnR. In case of Gobert (for example), who has very limited moves, the opponent can simply put in a smaller line-up, switch everything while launching threes on the other side of the court. Exposed in playoffs everytime.
Phoenix was hesitant to give him his max. But they did gave it to him. Keeping the same team for Mavs is not an option. Something has to be done. I don't understand your conclusion. Obviously we have no knowledge if Ayton is the first or last deal that comes along.
First, the cost of misappropriated contracts in this new CBA will come at a greater cost to team building. That will likely make long high dollar deals, like Aytons much harder to trade and require giving up more assets to rid yourself of. Also this is likely to raise the value of expiring contracts as teams will be looking to reset their cap ledger to meet the new demands of the CBA.
Having said that, I have difficulty believing that a change of scenery is going to automatically change everything for Ayton. Who was the last player that the Mavs acquired who did so after being acquired?
Also what makes you believe that Ayton can punish smaller players on the offensive end in the playoffs. Did he do it to Powell or Maxi? When has he showed you that he can? He has little to no back to the basket game. His offense consists of face up mid range game and pull ups without having the required quickness, ball handling or footwork to blow by defenders if they contest. Nor does he have the discipline and work ethic to develop this kind of game. This doesnt exactly give me confidence that Ayton will be a changed player in a new environment. Ayton is who he is. He has a lot of maturing to do. I question if Ayton loves the game or it is just his chosen profession.
PHX was hesitant to give him the max and only did so not to lose a potential assest for nothing. Unlike the Mavs, they saw his work ethic, skills development and lockerroom presence every day for four years and didn't think he was worth the max. That should tell the Mavs something.
As the sun is most likely to rise tomorrow I can guarantee you with as much certainty that Ayton won't be the first or last player traded in the NBA.