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

[omahen]

Agree with both of the above statements.

Although...I'm leaving room for the idea that Kyrie is more helpful here than I anticipate (he has been, so far) and that at some point soon they get SO good that I'm won over to the "one move away" crowd. But yeah, I'd be open to moving him next summer (possibly in that one move, even) for sure. I just need to see this a while longer before I decide which direction to go, if I'm in charge, that's all. 

I definitely agree with the second statement above, I'm just not 100% sure a move MUST be made for this thing to keep moving forward at a brisker-than-expected pace, and I'm low-key aware at the same time that the WRONG move can grind this whole movement to a halt. Look at the damage of last year done by some combination of Wood/McGee entering the locker room and Brunson leaving it. Tough to quantify, but the mix of people in your locker room...the opportunity/competition quotient...these things seem to matter quite a bit.

Personally, I think Mavs will not make anything bigger this TDL. Their window for a trade for that "remaining piece of the puzzle" will be imho next summer. 

I also wouldn't spend any assets on a mediocre solution, doesn't matter the position. My target would be an elite 2-way wing (especially defensively) and I wouldn't spend assets unless that possibility opens. I also want to keep the core of this team and expendable salaries are THJ, Holmes and Kleber. Since it is unlikely for that trade to happen this TDL, I would expect from FO to make it happen in the summer. They have almost a year to convince one of the guys to want to be here. That is why I am out on all discussions regarding players like Caruso, for example. Great player and it would be nice to have him, but I don't think he raises our ceiling enough while certainly taking valuable assets.

Of course we have very little idea about how any player is regarding the team chemistry and locker room stuff. I am assuming Mavs know this and go after guys that fits also regarding this criteria.