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

[omahen]

I think you either focus on next season, meaning pouring your assets into established vets (less ifs) or focusing long term (at least next 3 years) meaning you pour your assets into young pieces (more ifs).  It seems the FO believes the best way to keep Luka is going the second route.  I tend to agree assuming they can pull it off effectively, and so far I like what they have done.  That does not mean we can't short term upgrade the center position, but with the focus being 2-3 years I think its more a luxury than a necessity.

I think Mavs would like to do a bit of both. They did need to put some cheap developing players with potential high ceiling on the roster, that will help maintaining the contention window. But that window has to start more now than 3 years from now. I don't think Mavs can afford to have another bad season as they just did. I am not sure current roster is good enough to ensure that. I do think they should get a vet or two to safely have them in that top6 place in the west. Than you build from there the next summer and build a serious contender. 

On the other hand, I agree with the ones saying Mavs are not just one piece away. That is why trading good asset as the 2027 pick for (one) role player is a no go. Their main problem is that they don't have any expiring deals and no one really values THJ, Holmes or McGee. They will all be expiring next season and moving them than will be much easier. But, Mavs are still pressured to improve now and 2027 is the only asset to improve the team now. That is why we didn't see them do anything, imho. Will they risk it with the current team or balk a bit and pay a bit more than they are comfortable doing? Even if Mavs trade 2027, they will have 2 FRP next summer for hopefully final moves.