We’re only just getting started.
While the initial shock has worn off, now comes the good stuff.
For the Lakers, it was a masterclass in gaslighting, leverage, and front office manipulation.
For the Mavs, every single update we get is more insane and more embarrassing than the last.
Give credit where credit is due, this man played the Mavs and Nico Harrison like a fiddle.
Think about what we are being told.
It was one of those trade packages that when you saw it, none of it made sense.
How on earth could Rob Pelinka pull something like that off?
How does Nico Harrison not walk away with anything more than 1 first round pick and AD?
Not even a couple 2nds?
It all made no sense.
Well, there’s your explanation.
Somehow, Nico Harrison took the bait.
Think of that for a second.
This is the strategy we’ve all dealt with 1000 times playing fantasy football.
If your offer is better than the player you are getting, why are you making it?
It’s literally Day 1 stuff.
But here we have Nico Harrison essentially responding with
“You know what, you’re right!
He does love beer!
His conditioning is actually awful.
You shouldn’t have to pay closer to market price for that.
Thank you for saving me and my franchise!!”
I can’t even lie, that is a masterclass performance by Rob Pelinka.
How does that thought process not take place in a trade of this magnitude?
And to make matters worse, he got played by a conference rival for their franchise player?
So what was it?
Was he so blinded by his personal relationship with Rob Pelinka that he couldn’t think rationally?
That’s the only thing I can think of and frankly, that makes it even worse.
As I said yesterday, at the end of the day I feel for Mavs fans.
