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

[Ghost of Podkolzin]

Mavs have Luka, Kyrie and one of the centers as a lock in the starting unit. This means they need a big wing guarding best opposing big wing and a point of attack defender. The more those guys can do on offense the better. 

I like Green, but he is obviously not a big wing and he is imho also a not particularly good point of attack defender, especially when navigating screens. I think both Exum and DJJ are better in that role. Green is a better shooter than DJJ, but his low volume doesn't really bring much of an advantage. 

When we are talking about improving Mavs, it is highly unlikely that Luka, Kyrie or center tandem will be touched. Changing a bench role player or two also doesn't really do much for the team. The only real improvement is upgrading one of the starting positions. One of those that are currently occupied by PJ and DJJ. 

Mavs have currently Exum, DJJ, Green, THJ and Hardy all able to play the "small wing" position. Difficult to give minutes to everyone as it is. Hardy is barely playing and in his season three Mavs will have to make a decision to either give him higher minutes or move on. If you bring in another guy on the position and plan to play him as a starter, there will simply not be enough minutes for two of the guys listed. Guys I have least troubles missing are Green and THJ (I am also not attached to Hardy). Green might also have value as some team might see more in him in a different role. Not that I don't like him, but I don't think Mavs would particularly miss him if an upgrade is in question at the position.

Great post.

Yes, C rotation and Luka/Kyrie is our nucleus.  

I was one of the biggest proponents of seeing Luka as our starting SF/PF, leaving two guard positions in the starting lineup.  I was wrong.  This negates some of the Luka matchup advantages.  Now that I see DJJ as a starting SF, I much prefer this over another guard.

I just don't think Green is a great fit with Luka/Kyrie, said so and wanted to trade him before the extension.  As you said, not a great POA defender.  I prefer Exum in the guard POA role, but obviously isn't a starter.

DJJ is perfect, but isn't a starter on a championship team.  I love him long term, using his flexibility off the bench.

I hope THJ isn't in our long term plans.  I'd much rather ride with Hardy as scoring off the bench *IF* he improves his defense.

I love OMax's size and tenacity, but it's a real question as to if he'll build his skills to break into the rotation.  He could be a bigger Jae Crowder or be an NBA short-timer.

I would say PJ is cemented.  Great upgrade from Grant.  We need to ride with him.

This leaves our real need as a DJJ-like starter.  I've been beating the Tari Eason drum forever now, but I really don't see a better fit.  Ideas: 
Tari Eason
Trey Murphy
GG Jackson
Brandon Clarke
DFS