A Serious remake of the Mavs for 2007-2008

[SeriousSummer]

The mission: Address the three main weaknesses of last year's Mavs without destroying the core of the team (that's Dirk, Howard & Harris IMHO).

Step 1:

Trade the trade exception received for Anthony Johnson plus a 2nd round pick for Sarunas Jasikevicius. Jasikevicius hasn't and won't play in Golden State, so this deal saves Golden State a little money and offers them some value in a 2nd round pick, either this year or next year.

Dallas gets an experienced point guard that knows how to run a team to back up Devin Harris, because Jason Terry is going out in the next trade and Harris is the point guard.

Step 2:

Trade with Portland: Dampier, Terry & Ager plus either the 2007 2nd round pick from Atlanta or the 2008 pick for Zach Randolph, Przybilla (or a resigned Magloire) and Martell Webster. Portland stacks up another draft pick and young prospect to go with what they've already got. Portland gets rid of Randolph, who doesn't fit in their system and one of its extra centers. Dampier helps protect Aldridge from the heavy work at center while he grows up and Terry provides a steadying influence and consistent outside shooting (or would if they don't send him to Seattle in a deal to get Rashard Lewis after 60 days).

Dallas gets a post threat; a back up center for Diop to play when it can't play Dirk and Randolph together and a young spot up shooter to help spread the court.

Step 3:

Sign the best available small forward or shooting guard with the MLE. Luke Walton; Desmond Mason; Eddie Jones; James Posey; Morris Peterson; Grant Hill. My choices would be, in order, Walton, Mason, Hill, Peterson, Jones Posey.

Step 4:

Resign Jerry Stackhouse. Let Croshere walk. Draft Petteri Kaponen and Brad Newley with the remaining second round picks (because I like anybody who plays for the Honka Playboys and because we haven't had an Australian for a while--in any event, draft big point guards or shooting guards or small forwards)

Team line up:

C: Diop, Przybilla or Magloire, Mbenga
PF: Dirk, Zach,
SF: Luke Walton, Buckner, Webster
SG: Howard, Stackhouse
PG: Harris, Jasikevicius

Remaining three or maybe keep only two go to the best of J.J. Barea, Pops, 2nd round draft picks, and any free agents invited to camp. Ideally, at least one point guard.

Dirk and Zach play together whenever you can get away with it defensively--maybe playing some zone when they both play with a center. Harris gets his chance to run the team. Walton and Jasikevicius help with passing and ball movement, and Dallas keeps at least four scorers and a decent sized backcourt on the floor at all times.