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

[mvossman]

As I said in one of previous posts, Mavs might look to upgrade either the point of attack defender spot or the big wing spot. The need of course depends on how well they perform in the playoffs. Mavs need to cash in on the Kyrie window, which is probably around two years, before it becomes very likely that age will start impacting his performances. It is also obvious Mavs are all-in for this period and the moves to expect will be to maximize this window, not build for years later.

It is also obvious that Mavs prefer guys who can defend (Exum, DJJ, Green) to guys that can shoot for the point of attack defender position. Trading THJ is not really about replacing THJ. It is about the starter on the point of attack defender position, pushing current starter down the rotation (if he is willing to accept the role and money). THJ role is reduced to some 15 minutes when most of the guys are healthy. This is a role that can be either taken by Hardy or by some vet min player. If Hardy is not capable of taking the role, it is probably best to find someone willing to give up a second rounder for him and move on. Offense only guys are not valued highly around the league currently (unless they are true stars). As an example - Oubre averaged over 20 ppg last season but didn't get more than vet min this one. Spending THJ salary for that role is a waste of cap space - dead money that could be used elsewhere on the roster. You can probably easily get a guy like McDermott for vet min next season, if you feel like moving on from Hardy.

A guy who can both shoot and defend would be ideal, but those guys are stars. Mavs don't have assets to trade for a star, unless it is an aging star that will probably be overpaid for his age and decline that will eventually come. Our choice is basically role players that have their limitations or overpaid good players.

My opinion on some names that were mentioned.

Jerami Grant. Always liked him and he has proven in the past he can be excellent defender: Much better shooter than PJ. Of course we are just guessing what he wants in his career and you only go after him if he wants to take the PJ role. You are not bringing him in for a role he has in Portland. We can't know, but Mavs should know what he wants. Grant would be a PJ replacement. If you go after him, he is a starter and he will cost assets. I am affraid PJ wouldn't be satisfied if he would be reduced to a bench role. I think it would take a horrible playoff performance for Mavs to consider replacing PJ.

Cam Johnson. Not sure why he gets mentioned so often. BKN just signed him to an extension and obviously wants to have him. Heck, they demanded 2 FRP for a wing like DFS, so no idea why we would dream about younger and better player. It seems like they want to keep this core of wings as a selling point to any star that becomes available. One could see this team become very competitive if they can add a star guard. Certain someone seems to want out of Cleveland, for example.

I don't think any low minute guy (despite the teoretical potential) would be considered to fill the starter point of attack defender role. If Mavs make a move, it will be for a proven player imho.

Im not sure what evidence there is that the Mavs are all in for Kyrie two year window?  They just drafted two players and their most recent big acquisitions are both 25.  They seem more long term focused than short term to me.

Guys who can both shoot and defend are not stars.  Guys that can create and defend are stars.  

I agree with your assessment that it is very unlikely they are going to try to replace PJ.  That leaves POA defender as the place to upgrade.  The most obvious choice given fit and availability is Caruso, but there may be others.