Wouldn't the Mavs be a good trading partner?

[TheRev72]

The Mavs currently have five quality players on the team (Calderon, Monta, Vince, Marion, and Dirk) but not much else. They actually seem like they could be competitive with some depth.

Wouldn't some combination of Humphries and/or Bass and/or Lee work pretty well on their roster? They have cap space so the Celtics could basically shed a salary like Bass's (who's played there before) for spare change(2nd round pick, etc.). And the Mavs salaries after next year get even lower so they might not even be averse to taking on some contracts(Wallace? Okay, I'm pushing it there...).

It just seems like the Celtics need to shed players/salary while the Mavs have cap space and could be competitive with more depth. Looks like a match to me.

[kozlodoev]

I don't see why they'll need Humphries and Bass, who play Nowitzki/Marion's position. They also have Brandan Wright, who showed some flashes last season, and can play alongside their PFs efficiently.

I don't see why they'll need Lee, when they have Crowder and Larkin (and even Ledo). It's easier for them to just retain Mike James or Anthony Morrow.

So the short answer is, not really.

[droopdog7]

Cap space is gold in today's NBA.  You don't trade gold for the guys we are trying to unload.

Period.  Point blank.  End of discussion.

[action781]

Cap space is gold in today's NBA.  You don't trade gold for the guys we are trying to unload.

Period.  Point blank.  End of discussion.

Not exactly.  If the free agent market has dried up and you're trying to be competitive, then it might very well be in your interest to make a trade like that.  Cap space is useless if there's nobody of quality to spend it on.

Unless you are talking about saving cap space for next offseason, when they already are freeing up a lot of space by Dirk and Marion's contracts expiring.  In that sense, yes they may want to have some free cap space.

[PhoSita]

Looks like what they need most is a proven backup point guard and a quality starting center.

Unfortunately you could say the same thing about our team right now.

So no, not really.

[connor]

I could see them being interested in Kris Humprhies. Expiring deal so he won't affect their 2014 free agent pursuit. Doesn't really fill their need at center, but they still need to fill out their front court anyway and Humprhies is overpaid but more than serviceable.

Cuban would probably revel in the attention that Mr. Kardashian brings anyway since the Mavs failed to make any high profile additions.

I just don't know what they'd be willing to give up for a 1 year rental when they know they aren't going anywhere. 

[moylana25]

I don't see why they'll need Humphries and Bass, who play Nowitzki/Marion's position. They also have Brandan Wright, who showed some flashes last season, and can play alongside their PFs efficiently.

I don't see why they'll need Lee, when they have Crowder and Larkin (and even Ledo). It's easier for them to just retain Mike James or Anthony Morrow.

So the short answer is, not really.

Your point is valid but missing the Mavs recent moves. Morrow is gone to Nola, Larkin is out 2-3 months with a broken ankle, and Wright has yet to be resigned. I believe he's a UFA.

[droopdog7]

Cap space is gold in today's NBA.  You don't trade gold for the guys we are trying to unload.

Period.  Point blank.  End of discussion.

Not exactly.  If the free agent market has dried up and you're trying to be competitive, then it might very well be in your interest to make a trade like that.  Cap space is useless if there's nobody of quality to spend it on.

Unless you are talking about saving cap space for next offseason, when they already are freeing up a lot of space by Dirk and Marion's contracts expiring.  In that sense, yes they may want to have some free cap space.

You're right.  But the only thing you can do to make it worse is by using cap space on guys that are not worth it.  And yes, better to save for another shot next year than to waste on JAGs (Just Another Guy). 

And, does anyone think the Mavs can seriously contend next year, expecially by adding our leftovers?  Heck no!  So basically, they are better off being worse (just like us) so that they may get better draft picks.