Trade & FA 2023-24: HOU Targeting Mikal Bridges again!| Mitchell is LAL #1 Target

[KillerLeft]

I mean I can't equivocate what the Mavs can do in 4 years given I have no idea what the roster will look like. Sure we can debate the usefulness on the pick in future deals and what supposed value it could bring, but those deals don't exist yet. 

But I do know that Luka's patience is running thin. The Mavs have been faffing around for the better part of 4 years never been doing enough. They were too liberal with their pick usage that led us to never having enough for a true big fish. Now I don't think they can afford to wait and stockpile assets for the next big guy (nor do I think that's what you're implying). Capela for all his warts does make a lot of sense. He's still really good. His history with a guy like Harden, who's playstyle is similar to Luka only emboldens that to me.

I can't imagine a better deal right now where the Mavs can use the 2027 pick, obtain a starting caliber center, shed off of McGee, and potentially get a young forward like Griffin in 1 swoop. The deals for massive difference maker stars like Siakam are too expensive. The Mavs can only get to that kind of package is if they wait till 2026 where, should they wait, would have 26, 31, 33 to trade with pick swaps in 2027 and 28. But that's 3 years down the line and again, like Nico said when they traded for Kyrie, he was more afraid of what would have happened if they didn't make that deal. 

Time is ticking.

This has been a great off season, and for my money, it has been great specifically because the moves made don’t overtly reek of the thinking above. The above mentality has dictated all of the mistakes of the past few years, but this summer feels different to me.

And, I’m not even opposed to that thinking…for a team close enough to make it count. I think the Mavs recognized that they needed to fill the cupboard up again. I don’t think there’s an imminent flight risk from Luka. I think we’re three years from that worry, easily.

After watching this smart string of moves, how good do you think this situation can be for him in three years?! Much, much better than it is now, and probably better than any of the alternatives, if they play this smart enough.

But at the end of the day, I don’t throw that 1st in because I don’t think this deal is worth it, regardless of where you fall on the team’s timeline. Straight up. No, Griffin’s inclusion doesn’t move the needle, either.

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Capela is not the final piece.  He is a better stopgap than Holmes/Powell.  Its not about being afraid to send out that first.  Its about getting good value from that pick.  Capela is not it.

This, said 1,000x more succinctly than I could. Bravo.