The Mavericks will look to keep their 15th roster spot open as the season approaches for a variety of reasons, as Callie Caplan of the Dallas Morning News explains.
Dallas doesn’t have the assets or interest to pursue trades for either Kevin Durant or Kyrie Irving, but could sign a role player waived after other teams make a significant deal. The Mavericks will also maintain the flexibility to bring in a player in a trade without having to cut someone on a guaranteed contract.
We have more from the Southwest Division:
- With Jaren Jackson Jr. out an estimated four-to-six months with a foot injury, the Grizzlies will have to mull a number of starting options at power forward until he returns. The Memphis Commercial Appeal’s Damichael Cole breaks down the pros and cons of using Brandon Clarke, Xavier Tillman, Jake LaRavia, Santi Aldama and David Roddy in the starting five.
- The Rockets and guard Kevin Porter Jr. have mutual interest in a contract extension before the start of the season, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. Last week, Kelly Iko of The Athletic opined in a mailbag post that he’d be surprised if the Rockets gave an early extension to Porter, believing they’d rather stay flexible and allow him to enter restricted free agency.
- In case you missed it, the Mavericks signed Tyler Dorsey to a two-way contract. Get the details here.
Grizzlies don’t need Anderson and Melton
They have top tier 3 guard rotation
Morant
Bane
Jones
And Brooks, Williams,
Can Roddy replace Jackson?
No, Silly man.
But Brandon Clarke and Tillman can.
Please don’t reward that type of behavior, Houston. KPJ does NOT deserve any sort of contract extension. Frankly, he isn’t talented enough for any team to put up with the type of toxic attitude and personality concerns Kevin has consistently displayed throughout his “professional” career.
I’d prefer the Mavs nab a SF/PF on the free agent market for the minimum over a potential salary dump. Ben McLemore would be a solid add as on outside shooter. Eric Paschall if they want physicality at the PF. Melo if they want volume scoring in the 2nd unit. Bazemore is a solid vet to fill a 15th roster spot that gives a little bit of everything. Any of those guys are going to be better than what the Raptors, Celtics or Wizards dump off the end of their roster in a Durant trade — Celtics have a wealth of roster space anyway. Just going off teams that will need to cut players by opening day, if Houston cuts ties with KJ Martin, absolutely sign him. Otherwise go for a free agent.
@trog:
Bazemore is washed. The question is who are the Mavs starting in place of Brunson this season?
I agree that Bazemore is at the tail end of his career. As a 15th man who provides leadership and spot minutes, I believe he’s a decent flyer.
As for Brunson, the local DFW media is reporting that the Mavs plan to slide Hardaway back into the rotation now that he is fully healthy. Luka, Dinwiddie and Hardaway are essentially the three man guard rotation. Two of those three will start with Ntilikina the next man up off the bench. Jaden Hardy, the guy they just drafted, is way too raw and will spend the season in the G league.
The depth chart currently looks like this with some interchangeable parts (ex: THJ and Green can both play SF, Dodo and Bullock can both play PF in small lineups, Kleber can play PF/C):
PG: Luka, Dinwiddie, Ntilikina, Hardy
SG: Hardaway, J. Green, Pinson, Dorsey
SF: Dodo, Bullock
PF: Wood, Bertans
C: McGee, Kleber, Powell
Paschall is a good fit for Dallas. They need high motor guys. Liked him in GS. Look at Utah. There is no way they keep or trade all these bodies. Malik Beasley would be good for Dallas. They let Brunson go but IMO Dinwiddie skill set is great next to Luka
Utah is currently at 14 standard contracts, so they have a roster spot to spare at the moment.
To your point, if the Jazz make a fire sale and trade the vets. I don’t believe Dallas has the assets to acquire anyone of significance. Perhaps Utah sees value in Dwight Powell’s expiring $11M contract as a playing time bridge to Walker Kessler during his rookie year. Maybe Pat Beverley + a future 2nd for Powell works? If Bogdanovic goes, I believe Beasley would slide into the starting lineup for Utah. He’s the kind of player the Jazz would want during a tank season … a youngish player that could take his game to the next level with extended playing time.
Assets for Kyrie just include matching his contract. They will not get a player in return that makes KD say ‘oh no I want to stay’ so the return is like DinWiddie or THJ as long as it’s not Bertans you’ll have a convo. Just need to beat Brick.