First off I want to start by saying that I'm not saying that the Mavs should make these moves, but simply just that in order to put themselves in the best position to win the championship next season, these moves would be the best they could do. (in my opinion).
What Mavericks give: As much as I love PJ and Gaff, one of them will have to move, and if you want to go all in next season, then you would probably have too move them both. I am also using our draft capital: our 2031 first and a Laker 2029 first. I am in real life a fan of keeping our draft capital, after winning the lottery this year. Because we will need them in the future for Cooper. But again this is an all in move too win the chip next year so they will be involved. Also Caleb Martin will be moved for salary, I am actually a big believer in him. He's an elite defender on a solid contract, I think his hip injury made all the MFFL's give up on him, but he's a good player. But in order for salary too work, he has to go, along side Hardy.
What the Mavericks get: The Mavs get an elite guard in Coby White, who can shoot, score and playmake at high levels. With Kyrie out in the beginning of the season he will be the guard to fill in his shoes. Coby white also has the size to start along side Kyrie, when he comes back. They together would make one of the best scoring backcourts in the league. In the Bulls trade you also get Jalen Smith on a good contract to replace Gafford as the back up big. Smith is a solid backup center, that has some potential spacing upside. The Mavs then get Herb Jones from the Pelicans, an elite elite perimeter defender, one of the best in the league, to be their POA perimeter defender. Their main guy, who picks up the other teams best guard/wing. He would add immense perimeter defense to, what I think is the best frontcourt defense in the league. Pushing them to be the potential best defense team in the league, along side OKC. The Mavericks also pick up Chris Paul to bolster their guard depth. Bringing in even more experience, and playmaking.
Reasons for the moves:
Pelicans just reported that they are willing to trade anyone on their roster, which doesn't surprise me with the position that they are in. Getting a still young center which they need, and some draft capital for Herb is a good move. The question would be if there would be better offers from other teams. I think this would be the best or close to the best they could get for Herb.
The Bulls will likely look to move Coby White, before they have to extend him to too much money or loose him, so they don't get another Zach Lavine problem. Getting PJ Washington a great role-player at the beginning of his prime years, to grow there and trade down the line for assets. Caleb Martin, a solid role-player, that can be traded for picks. Plus a 1st round pick, is a good move for the future of the team. A move that helps them transition into the rebuild, that they will probably begin. (they give J. Smith to get more, the Mavs want him).
Maybe you don't think Chris Paul would ever sign here, or for this little money. You are probably right lol, but it's not insane to think. He would be doing it, to play for the (likely) the favorites to win the championships next year. Plus he gets to join some friends, Kyrie and Ad. It's not a bad move for a soon to be retired player. I know he wants to get a ring, so I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility. But if he doesn't come, you just sign some other Pg, probably Dante Exum, which would be good pick up.
The depth chart: Guards: Kyrie, Coby White, Chris Paul, B. Will. Wings: Herb Jones, Naji Marshall, Klay, Max Christie. Forwards: Anthony Davies, Cooper Flagg. Center: Lively, Jalen Smith, D. Powell.
Some starting lineups (nasty): Kyrie - White - Cooper - AD - Lively. Most likely Kyrie - White - Herb - Cooper - AD. Probably the best; closing lineup. Kyrie - Herb - Cooper - AD - Lively. Omg the defense
Bench lineup or some rotation lineups (ridiculously deep): Chris Paul - Klay - Herb - Naji - Jalen Smith. noice. Chris Paul - Christie - Klay - Naji - Lively. really even lineup. B. Will - White - Klay - Naji - Jalen Smith. mid defense, great offense. B. Will - Christie - Naji - O-Max - D. Powell. blowout, lol.
Final thoughts. Even though I said this is an all in move for win now. This isn't terrible for the future. Herb Jones is only 26 on a solid contract next 2 years. Coby White is 25, and if the Mavs are trading him, there would probably be an extension incoming. 4 year 25 mill or something. Maybe the financial is tough there, but not up to me too find out lol. Also Jalen Smith is 25 and a solid center. Those guys, with Lively (21), Max Christie (22), pairing with Cooper Flagg, an 18 year old future MVP. That is a solid team for the future. So maybe this would be the best move overall, win now and the future. Even though you are giving 2 future picks. Something to think about.
Starting lineup 2030 finals: Coby White (30) - Christie (27) - Herb (31) - Cooper Flagg (23 lol) - Lively (26).
Coby white is one of the best scoring guards in the league, averaging 22 pts, 3 reb, 6 ast on great efficiency.
Max Christie has turned into an elite 3&D, averaging 14 pts, 4 reb, 1.5 stl. shooting 40% from 3.
Herb Jones has been one of the best perimeter defenders in the league last years, with versatile scoring at 6.8, averaging 13 pts, 5 reb, 2 stl, 1 blk.
Cooper Flagg has grown to become an all NBA 1st team player, leading the Mavericks and winning MVP, averaging 26 pts, 10 reb, 7 ast, 1.5 stl, 2 blk.
Derrick Lively has become one of the best starting centers in the league and best rim protector, averaging 15 pts, 11 reb, 4 ast, 1 stl, 2 blk.
Herb, Flagg & Lively are all 1st team defense, lol.
What dreams are made of