(02-17-2024, 10:49 AM)surfpuckmd Wrote: I hope we make no more major trades for at least one year. I'd rather let the roster develop together. Any major change should be a new head coach depending on what we do in the playoffs.
I also don't think we really need to target a 3rd-best player. Lively already is our 3rd-best player and will be only continue to improve.
If we target a 4th-best player, it should be an elite defensive player who is decent offensively. Those players are less expensive to trade for and have smaller contracts than offensive stars.
My strong preference though is to wait a year and watch how Hardy, Green, PJ Washington and OMax develop. We also need to see if Exum can return and play at the same level as before the plantar fasciitis. Each of those players might be the solutions to our roster. We just need to see which ones improve with experience.
A third best player on this team doesn't have to be an offensive star, so not really what we need anyway.
While I'd be fine not making any major moves in the off season, if PJ in particular works out well, I legit think we are one high level defensive wing away from fighting for the 1 seed the following season and one of the clear favorites for the chip. IMO the only player on our roster with the attributes that really fits the ideal wing partner for PJ in the starting unit on a true contender is probably Omax (not saying others couldn't be good starters in that position), and dude is minimum 2 years away IMO, and that's assuming he puts it together, which is never a guarantee.
I'm happy to watch guys develop too, but if you are genuinely at a stage where you might be just 1 piece away, I think the temptation is far too great, and I'd be fine if they pulled the trigger if a guy with the right skillset became available. Given the position though, and corresponding value across the league, that type of player is likely not going to be particularly cheap. Like what would Herb Jones cost? Probably a lot, but that style and level of player could be the final piece for contention, and if the Mavs believe he is, I don't see how you don't pull the trigger even if you end up maybe overpaying for it.