Sefko: Don't count on Mavs to make a big move before deadline, but they'll shoot for the moon again this summer

Jennifer Stewart/Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sport
Dec 21, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Monta Ellis (11) and guard Jose Calderon (8) react on the court in the second half of the game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. The Suns won 123-108. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports


Question: Donnie and Mark said it over and over how much they like the backcourt with José and Monta. But honestly, José can't be the answer as a starter on a team that wants to contend next year. You name Lance Stephenson as a guy they should really look after. Do you think they will try to upgrade in the backcourt even when they like what they see from José?

Sefko: That's a fair question. But this is and always will be an upgrade business. The idea is to add talent wherever you can and try to get better at each spot on the floor. The Mavericks have plenty of options this summer. Calderon and Ellis will be valuable trade chips because their contracts are palatable and they are having solid seasons. But to be honest with you, it's going to be interesting to see how the backcourt plays out the rest of this season with Devin Harris back and Shane Larkin proving that he deserves a few minutes, too. The one thing I'd like to see is Monta Ellis' minutes go down to about 33 per game instead of th 37 he's averaging. That would help come playoff time.

Question: Is it possible that Dallas lifts the restriction on the first rounder 2014 just to be able to trade the 2016 first rounder?

Sefko: That's an interesting scenario. This is a pretty deep draft coming up, so I don't think the Mavericks want to give away that pick if it's protected. I could see them being good enough next season if the chips fall right for them that the 2015 pick would go to Oklahoma City no matter what. But that still doesn't help them use future No. 1s in any trade scenarios. I think if they do anything before the deadline, it's going to involve players and/or 2nd round picks. And I don't think they have any major moves on the horizon, by the way.

Question: Hearing Sanders is on the trade block. Is Dallas interested? Would he be an upgrade or a problem in the locker room?

Sefko: Well, he's had a few issues this season, so I'm not sure what kind of impact he would have in the locker room. He's a good player, but not so good that the Mavericks can't live without him. When a team is trying to jettison a good, young player, there's usually a reason. Think Thomas Robinson, who's been with three teams in less than two seasons.

Question: I recall Cuban speaking of a two-year plan. Do you know about this plan? What is left to do in this two-year plan?

Sefko: I think this might be year three of the two-year plan. But for the most part, it was about stocking the roster with younger, more attractive talent. Nobody knows if Monta Ellis and/or Jose Calderon will be here next season. They probably will be. But if a prime free agent decides Dallas is his first choice, then a sign-and-trade might be required and the Mavericks still would have cap room to pursue somebody else. The goal is to find a high-tone free agent and there are lots of them available this summer. Doesn't mean it will happen, but they at least are in the conversation.

Question: You mentioned Stephenson: How will it work cap wise? Dallas will have 30 M in cap space. Stephenson max will be 14 M, Dirk resign will be about 10 so you have 6 M for a upgrade at center, a starting SF and a backup PF? Not so easy I guess...

Sefko: It's like a jigsaw puzzle. The pieces will come together and sometimes you end up with a puzzle that has a piece or two that fell on the floor and got sucked up by the vaccuum cleaner. Just know that the Mavericks will shoot for the moon this summer. They'll try to grab the best of the best free agents and if that doesn't work, they'll work their way down the list. It'll be entertaining, but it's like every summer -- it comes with no guarantees.

Question: Last week you said Dallas should go after Lance Stephenson: Who is going to the bench? Ellis or Calderon if that happens?

Sefko: You could see a smaller lineup with all three of those guys playing at the same time. And by the way, I'm not sold that the Mavericks actually will go after Stephenson, who still has to prove he can handle his ascent up the profile ladder. He's got to show he's emotionally able to handle it as well as being able to be counted on as a No. 2 or 3 option for a good team. Right now, he's behind Paul George, David West and Roy Hibbert with the Pacers. Having that much talent alongside any player helps.


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