05-19-2023, 09:06 AM
(This post was last modified: 05-19-2023, 09:11 AM by DanSchwartzgan.)
(05-19-2023, 07:52 AM)Chicagojk Wrote: I think if the Mavs do move the pick, they will try names they have been attached to previously. Myles Turner. I am just not sure Indy will move him for a lottery pick. They have three first round picks this year (one of them in front of Dallas). They may very well view themselves as a young playoff team next year with a good offseason. I think Ayton will be a target. The tricky part is trying to find a fit for PHX. They are looking to win a championship next year. They are a front office who cares less about the draft than Dallas...but they have a new owner now.
I was playing around with things that send Turner/THJ to Phoenix with Ayton coming to Dallas. I kind of like that for both teams. #10 and some salary would go to Indy and maybe Phoenix gets a late first from Indy. As you say, the trick is figuring out how Indy fills their center spot. They have cap room, but the crop of centers in free agency isn't exactly inspiring other than maybe Poeltl.
There may be some picks available toward the top of the draft where they could consolidate and get a second star. Or, maybe they like someone at 10 and would be willing to trade 7 back to someone.
One thought on trading back would be Claxton. The issue with Claxton is Brooklyn has to wait until unrestricted free agency next summer to know if he will sign or not. Even with a 40% raise, Claxton won't get near his market value by extending. Indy could trade for him and extend him using cap room (like they did with Turner...in fact the agent is the same). In fact, Indy HAS to use its room prior to the start of the season under the new rules.
So, I see a couple of paths that get Indy the center they need and allows them to make good use of our #10 pick.
(05-19-2023, 09:06 AM)DanSchwartzgan Wrote: I was playing around with things that send Turner/THJ to Phoenix with Ayton coming to Dallas.
BTW, combining this with the post I did earlier in the day and assuming Reggie is the other outgoing salary and you use the MLE on DD, here is where you are:
Ayton Powell
Luka Maxi
Green THJ
DiVincenzo Hardy
Irving
I think Green and DD disrupting things on the perimeter with Ayton waiting in the lane would be a nightmare for opponents. And, if they have a bigger wing that Green can't guard, then Maxi to the rescue.