Dallas has completely fallen apart after going all in for Irving at the deadline. Just how bad have things gotten? It might be time for the Mavs to cut their losses and try to salvage the future.
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Mavericks are absolutely in shambles. Irving hasn't been the cause of any insane locker-room breakdowns or anything (if anything, players have loved him there so far), but losing Dorian Finney-Smith who was the Mavs only "big" long wing, has been a massive loss. Originally I would've thought that tanking the rest of the year, and attempting a Top 9 or 10 pick would've been absolutely insane (because you want to convey the '23 1st owed to the Knicks so that you can use the '25 & '27 1sts for trades) but, with recent trades requiring two or three 1sts for just "good" players, has made this really bleak. It probably makes sense to try and keep your pick, because this team isn't doing shit in the postseason even if they make it, plus Luka has been practically playing for over a year straight with the Olympics.
Shitty position to be in, when you land an absolutely legendary potential player with Luka. Also not giving Brunson a 4 year, $55 million extension back at the beginning of '22 was just absolute retard shit.
A) You're tied to Irving now. Whether it's the rumored Irving-for-Anthony Davis Sign & trade (doubtful the Lakers do this, unless LeBron is just completely over AD, which he might be), or re-signing Irving, you don't really have a choice.
Re-sign Kyrie Irving to as favorable of a deal as possible.
B) You must use the
'25, '27 1sts, the '24 & '26 pick swaps and the Mid-Level Exception to find a defensive Center, and a bigger wing - who could preferably score a bit. With current assets, it takes to make these trades? Not looking so good.
Sad times ahead. I'm gearing myself up for the future Denver Nuggets Jokic & Doncic super team, because I'm getting blackpilled on how the Mavs survive this.