The Low Post Podcast - July 3rd

Free Agency Updates

LeBron James and Bronny James Deals

• LeBron James signs a 1+1 max contract with no pay cut.
• Bronny James signs a 3+1 rookie deal with the Lakers.

Donovan Mitchell Extension

• Donovan Mitchell extends with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Golden State Contracts and Moves

• The Warriors have some interesting contract signings.
• Klay Thompson leaving the Warriors, joining the Dallas Mavericks for 3 years, $50 million in a sign-and-trade deal for Josh Green (who goes to Charlotte).
• Thompson’s departure signifies the end of an era.

Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks

Fit and Impact on Mavs

• The Mavericks lacked three-point shooting in the NBA Finals.
• Klay Thompson is expected to improve their three-point volume and efficiency.
• Concerns about defensive downgrades, particularly if Klay plays small forward.
• Optimistic view: the upgrade in shooting justifies defensive risks.

Mavs Roster Adjustments

• Departures: Josh Green, Derrik Jones Jr., Tim Hardaway Jr.
• Additions: Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall, Quinton Grimes.
• Potential starting five: Kyrie, Luca, Klay, Washington, and a center (possibly Lively).
• Rotation depth: Naji Marshall, Quinton Grimes, Exum, Procser, Hardy, and Kaba.
• Defensive challenges with Thompson at the small forward.

Western Conference Overview

Playoff Teams and Competitive Landscape

• 13 teams with legitimate postseason hopes, excluding tankers Portland and Utah.
• Concerns about overcrowding at the bottom due to tanking strategies.
• Key middle-tier teams include Memphis, Phoenix, Pelicans, Lakers, Kings, Clippers, Warriors, Rockets, and Spurs.

Potential Trades and Moves

• Warriors are exploring potential trades for Lowry Markkanen.
• Unlikely to win 55 games, more realistic to be in the good but non-top tier teams.
• Comparison with other teams in the West like Denver, Oklahoma City, Dallas, and Minnesota as potential top four.

Mavericks Post-Trade Analysis

Offensive and Defensive Considerations

• Klay Thompson’s shooting expected to be a huge asset for Mavericks' spacing and strategy.
• Need to figure out defensive liabilities, especially in crunch time situations.
• Playing scenarios where one of the centers might be benched for defensive flexibility.

Bench Contributions and Player Roles

• Importance of Josh Green’s absence and how new additions like Naji Marshall can fill in the gaps.
• Optimistic yet realistic view: an incremental upgrade, not a huge leap.

Depth Chart and Lineup Configurations

• Bench: one of the two stars (Luka/Kyrie), Naji Marshall, backup center (Lively/Gafford), Grimes, Exum, Procser, Hardy, and Kaba.
• Key observation: maintenance of depth and flexibility, managing injuries throughout the season.

Additional Commentary on Klay’s Emotional Departure

• Thompson’s struggle and emotional adaptation to a reduced role in the Warriors last season.
• Balanced view on him: adept shooting but not the same player physically and mentally.
• Acknowledge the human aspect of his challenges.

Conclusion

• Final thoughts on the Mavericks' improved but not dramatically altered playoff chances post-Thompson trade.