It’s becoming very apparent that we’re still incredibly deficient defensively. Lively is a bright spot, but we need someone who can stop guards and contest shooters reliably. Edwards, Fox, and Shai are going to eat us alive in the West, and we’re not even talking about rebounding yet.
I ran this trade through Fanspo, and it works even with the Josh poison pill:
To Spurs: Josh Green
To Raptors: Richaun Holmes, Doug McDermott, Jaden Hardy, OMax Prosper, DAL 2027 FRP (Unprotected), TOR 2024 FRP (from Poeltl trade)
To Mavs: OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa
This is obviously assuming the Raps blow it up at the deadline and move both Siakam and OG. Masai Ujiri is well known for driving a tough bargain and valuing young players over picks. This deal satisfies both conditions. They also get their 2024 Top6 Protected FRP back, which their fan base really hates that they moved, and will be very valuable if they decide to tank this year. Our unprotected 2027 pick is also extremely high value.
This trade instantly takes us over the hump to rub shoulders with the top contenders, but the cost is potentially enormous. Would you do it?
The Trade
Kyle Kuzma to the Dallas Mavericks for Richaun Holmes, Maxi Kleber, Olivier Maxence-Prosper, a 2027 first-round pick (top-three protected) and a 2028 first-round pick swap
Dallas had eyes on Kuzma this offseason, and it could wind up seeing him as the final piece to complete its starting five. Journeyman Derrick Jones Jr. is the clear weak link in that group, and Kuzma would be an enormous upgrade. He could shine as a third scoring option, and he’s made big strides with his defense and distributing.
Washington started a youth movement this offseason, but it can (and should) lean further into that direction. The Wizards would pounce on this package for the pick and swap, both of which intrigue given some questions about Luka Dončić’s long-term future in Dallas. Maxence-Prosper, this summer’s 24th pick, could find a fit in the District. Holmes and Kleber would merely make the financial math work. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10098315-nba-trade-block-big-board-realistic-deals-for-top-rumored-players
What’s the logic behind adding Kuzma, who doesn’t do much for our defense or rebounding, when we already have one of the best offenses in the league?
He’s not particularly noteworthy as an off-ball player, which is what he’d be behind Luka & Kyrie.
How does he help roster cohesion? Do you think he’s a good culture fit with Luka, Kyrie, and Grant?
Winning builds culture and in todays NBA you better be able to score the basketball and for the MAvs ,as long as you have Luka and Kyrie as the backbone of the team add to their best skillz. Kuzma has what Luka wants a championship ring ,so he knows how to fit in with a winning team and is a triple threat with the basketball . Another thing youre not beating Denver with a Maverick defense but by outscoring them 4 games out of 7 .
Stopping Jokic is near impossible, but we don’t even have someone to deal with Jamal.
If we can keep OMax, I could get on board but Kuzma’s defense isn’t sufficient to cover our PoA needs. Green could still be that but will see.