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

[SleepingHero]

Great list and I will assume this as an indicator of best defenders. Many of them match the eye test. Looking at who might be available and Mavs don't win it all with this team, this would be my preferences:
- dream target Paul George. He still didn't resign with Clippers, which indicates he demands more than they are willing to pay. Any deal would require Clippers to play along (trade or SnT) either taking some of our guys (unlikely) or third team would be needed to take our contracts. George would provide the offense we are looking for in THJ now, combined with very good defense we are looking for with guys like Exum, DJJ or Green. Downside is that he is getting old and his contract will likely be an albatross and he would still cost assets to get. But as a way of optimizing the Kyrie window, there is likely not much better you can get. Mavs would enter a true contender status if they manage to get him. Probably a pipedream, but not totally impossible. George is a player that has the status to demand where he wants to be
- realistic target: Caruso. Elite defender who can move the ball and shoot. Basically a better version of DJJ, Exum or Green. He is not that much better though and not sure how much better the team would be with him. 
- Thybulle. Mavs wanted him in the past. Elite defender, but problem offensively. I would rather keep DJJ and only think about Thybulle if Mavs are unable to resign him.

Really well thought out post. Love the suggestions.

Obviously PG13 is the pipedream. As a 3rd option saying he'd be fantastic here seems like an understatement. He's been on a hot streak of 29ppg on 55/45/90 the last 2 weeks. Mavs barely need him to do half of that here with Kyrie and Luka. But having that kind of talent at the 3 is what makes it so tantalizing. A consistent 18ppg scorer as a 3rd option takes this team from really good to mega contention. But getting him here is the real hurdle. 

Its curious to me the Clippers haven't extended him like they did Kawhi. I don't think money is an issue because Balmer has never had an issue throwing crazy contracts around. With a brand new stadium looming, I find it hard to believe that Balmer wouldn't do everything he can to keep George so he can have headliners.

Is the 2nd apron really that punitive that even Balmer, a guy who really could buy every single NBA team and still be fine, shy away from his 2nd best player this summer? I'm doubtful.

A SnT between the Mavs and Clips doesn't really make sense unless we're willing to part with PJ+Green+and probably 1 of Hardy or OMax. I'm making up this package and it seems incredibly pricey but I can't imagine the Clippers let him go for nothing in a SnT and we have to match contracts here. So many doubts plus we have to contend with PHI who can outright sign him makes me think there really isn't an avenue for George. And that's before getting to his health issues. 

To me, the real prize on that list is Thybulle. The fact the Mavs already attempted to sign him is the biggest piece of evidence to me that Nico will try again. Not only is he  cheap enough where can be grabbed for a reasonable package, but he pretty much fills the role we want from Josh Green right now currently. Green is a better player offensively, don't get me wrong. He's one of the most efficient guards in the league. I love Green and have recouped my land I leased out. But Thybulle's defense is a game changer even if he can't score properly. 

The only package that makes sense to me is based around a Thybulle and Green swap, but that feels extremely pricey for the Mavs. If POR gave up maybe GSW 1st that's protected top 4 this year then that really evens out the deal. Not sure why'd they do that though unless they were really high on Green.