After a season that culminated in a thrilling run to the Western Conference Finals, the Dallas Mavericks took a step forward by trading for Christian Wood, but then took another step back by losing Jalen Brunson to New York. Knicks in free agency.
ADVERTISEMENT
While it appeared the Knicks would simply sign Brunson into their cap space, there’s still a chance it could turn into a sign-and-trade situation…which would be music to the Mavs’ ears.
After all, get Something it’s better than nothing, right?
And the potential some things are numerous and interesting.
The Knicks, after trading Kemba Walker to the Detroit Pistons to free up cap space, initially agreed to another trade with the Pistons that would essentially result in lost wages for Alec Burks and Nerlens Noel. Given that this deal has not yet been finalized, coupled with the fact that Brunson’s signing was not made official on Wednesday despite the lifting of the NBA moratorium, this informs us that the Mavs are working with both the Pistons. and the Knicks to enter on a three-team sign-and-trade deal — or perhaps a four-team deal that allows for the Nets’ involvement. …and brings up the idea of acquiring Kyrie Irving or Ben Simmons.
Here are some results we might see happening:
Exchange 1 — The bare minimum
Knicks receive: Jalen Brunson
Pistons receive: Alec Burks, Nerlens Noel, NYK second-round picks
Mavs awarded: $12 million Traded Player Exception (TPE)
This route benefits all parties, as Dallas gets a TPE that can be used later if an opportunity arises, New York can operate as an over-the-cap team, and Detroit would still have around $8 million of space left. ceiling remaining after. However, the parties involved could be a little more creative here, and that might explain why official announcements of these deals take a little longer than others.
Swap 2 – Swap Coins
Scroll to continue
Knicks receive: Jalen Brunson
Pistons receive: Tim Hardaway Jr.
The Mavs receive: Alec Burks, Nerlens Noel
Different parts can be swapped here, but you get the idea. Detroit reportedly had an interest in Hardaway last summer. Would they still be interested now? Would the Mavs like someone like Detroit’s Saben Lee? Should the Mavs want TPE vs. Hardaway trading after a year of decline? If so, how about trying to make this TPE even bigger to expand the possibilities?
How about really big?
Profession 3 — The TPE profession, plus a few
This idea is pretty much the same as Trade 1, but with the Mavs sending in more salary (like Josh Green, for example), to bring the TPE closer to $15 million. Such a decision would open the possibility of welcoming a player like Patrick Beverley, Garry Harris or Malik Beasley, to name a few.
Shall we name more? The TPE move allows flexibility, and allows the Mavs to involve Brooklyn, and in its efforts to get away from Irving or Simmons, there can be a game here. …how far we are at Trade Idea 4, 5, 6…
By the way, a 2-for-1 trade could explain why Dallas didn’t have room to add Goran Dragic. It’s a basic wrinkle. But moving forward? Adding Josh Green to the pile could potentially match a Harrison Barnes, Bogdon Bogdanovic, Jae Crowder or Myles Turner.
Keep pushing? The 125% rule means a way to trade coins that even “trade” with Irving or Simmons. Yeah, we’re aware of the rumors that Dallas doesn’t like Irving’s idea. But do the Mavs love him more than getting nothing for Brunson’s departure?
What’s being explored is a matter of flexibility, for the Knicks and Mavs (and more teams, if they choose). Somehow a team may have room to take pay without actually matching. Essentially, multi-team signing and trading gives everyone involved leeway to expand their ability to operate in the trade market, for big and small names alike.
Whether the Mavs end up getting anything out of Brunson’s New York outing or not, it’s obvious general manager Nico Harrison is trying to make the best of a crummy situation – the more talent, the more there is. has flexibility, the better.
