I’m a DLo guy. I admit that before I make this statement.
I doubt he gets a max next year, assuming he doesn’t have an all-star season and/or kills in the playoffs.
If Wolves are committed to Ant/KAT/Gobert/McDaniels for 3 years, which seems likely, only one they won’t be is McDaniels and that’s if he doesn’t live up to expectations. They could have cap space in the summer. But unless as trade materializes, not sure you can do better than DLo.
PG is the only position they have a need. Because with KAT/Gobert. Ant and McDaniels have to play the 2/3. And even with staggered lineups, it’d be silly to throw money at anyone other than guards.
Just looking at potential guards here’s who are FAs:
Tyler Herro
Jordan Poole (restricted)
Lonnie Walker
Malik Beasley
Matisse Thybulle
Bruce Brown
Shake Milton
RJ Barrett
Dillon Brooks
Caris LeVert
Josh Richardson
Those are the guys under 32 that can play as one of the two guard Spots.
DLo is the obvious choice there. So unless a trade exists where they can get a PG plus other role players, and I’m not convinced it’s there unless DLo has another 2018-19 Nets season, and at that point doesn’t make sense to move on.
They should really start looking at the idea of just locking him up. And saying for 4 years we need to be a huge tax team to try and shape the franchise trajectory for a long time. Even if it means they cap as a second round or WCF team.