05-09-2023, 04:38 AM
(05-08-2023, 11:28 PM)Luka77 Wrote: 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.
We are just circling around same thing
I admit, he is not worth the max. Never said otherwise. But, if he would be, Mavs would have no way to get him, as their assets are really limited. Mavs have like 50 mil of bad salaries on their roster. Replacing that with 30 mil of bad salary is an actual improvement. Once you get into contending territory, you are always overpaying some players, if you want to stay competitive. Mavs problem is, they are overpaying players that are not good enough to make them a contender.While he is not worth his max deal, it is also not like he is a vet min guy. Overpaid, yes, but still good center. Even if Ayton has his limitations, he is still miles better than Mavs centers. Are there better centers in the league? Of course. Can Mavs actually get one of those? Who knows.
Mavs have to become better. Mavs have clearly decided they are in win now window. They want to become an instant contender. We could debate if that is sound strategy or not, but it won't change the fact that this is their strategy. Please show me the way, how will they become an instant contender. It is very easy to say, they need to evaluate players correctly and find bargain deals. I am all for that. But I find it pretty impossible that a team can fill the huge holes they have using the rMLE (or MLE) and #10 pick while trying to become a contender now. Other than the two stars, Green and Hardy, no player on Mavs roster has a positive trade value and they mostly don't fill the needs Mavs have around Luka and Kyrie.
Ayton might not be the first choice I would make. There are better theoretical options out there. But, we don't know who is or who is not available. And if the decision is between doing nothing (by nothing I also count bringing in rMLE center) or trading some of the bad contracts and assets for Ayton, I choose the latter option. Depending of course on the price. If I would be able to trade for him while keeping Hardy and Green, using #10 pick and getting some minor asset(s) back, I am for this move. If the price is higher, than not.
Ayton has three years left on his deal, which alligns nicely with Luka contract. It means you basically have a 2 year window.