The Smoking Cuban
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Should the Dallas Mavericks Ask About Nikola Mirotic?

By Kohl Rast

MILWAUKEE, WI - DECEMBER 26: Nikola Mirotic #44 of the Chicago Bulls takes a shot during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Bradley Center on December 26, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - DECEMBER 26: Nikola Mirotic #44 of the Chicago Bulls takes a shot during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Bradley Center on December 26, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 23: Rick Carlisle of the Dallas Mavericks reacts during the game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on December 23, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 23: Rick Carlisle of the Dallas Mavericks reacts during the game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on December 23, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

The Mavs are Better Off Looking Elsewhere

“Look I actually really like Mirotic, I do. I also think there are very real reasons why we should not be a player for him at the trade deadline. For one, the Bulls are a rebuilding team and are going to want young assets in return for their young asset, Mirotic.

We just simply can’t afford to ship out draft picks like we have in years past because we too are a rebuilding team. Also, does Mirotic really move the needle enough for us to contend for the playoffs this year? He’d have a positive impact for sure, but would it be enough?

He is a free agent at year’s end and we saw how our last midseason trade audition (Noel) has worked out so far. Maybe it is best to just make a play for him this summer in free agency if we have real interest. Because, once again, look at the Noel situation. If he leaves this next year, which appears likely, we will have sacrificed Justin Anderson and two 2nd round picks for nothing.

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I know that doesn’t sound like a lot but young prospects and 2nd rounders do add up over time. If we offered a similar deal, say Yogi and some 2nds, then all of a sudden we’re out of 2nd round picks for the next four seasons and another young player with no guarantee of reaching a deal with Mirotic.

Finally, if there is one thing we know about Rick Carlisle it’s that he doesn’t put up with any nonsense from his players. We saw it with Lamar Odom, Rajon Rondo, and we are now seeing it with Nerlens Noel. If you’re not willing to buy into his system then he won’t play you no matter how talented.

Mirotic has not exactly been praised for his locker room presence since entering the league. Call it a low blow by me but it is worth mentioning he literally drove his teammate Bobby Portis to punching and breaking his face in practice this season. He is also currently requesting a trade despite never having been established as a premier player, that is a red flag of sorts.

Once again, I like Mirotic the player, I do. He could learn under Dirk and seemingly would be a great offensive fit for our system. That being said, I think the risk outweighs the reward at this time in my opinion.”

–Sean Bush

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