With the win tonight the Celtics gentleman sweep the Mavs!
Let's see how the offseason is looking for the Mavs:
Cap Space
Contracts
Draft Picks
1st Rounders
2nd Rounders
Outlook
A great run to the finals was ended quickly tonight with the Mavericks losing tonight 106-88 in game 5. The Mavericks looked like a completely different team after the trade deadline with the additions of Washington and Gafford. They were able to continue that momentum all the way to the finals but unfortunately didn't have enough to get passed the Celtics.
They'll enter the offseason over the cap due to everyone on the roster being signed for at least 1 more season. After this season Kyrie has a PO, both sides will likely look to workout terms for a longer term deal given the success of this season. They'll be a bit limited on what they can do for moves since they also have very little in terms of 1st rounders to trade (only control 1 future pick of their own) given the recent trades as well as the trade to bring Kyrie to Dallas. They do have a decent amount of 2nd which should allow some upgrades around the edges.
While disappointed, Mavericks fans will definitely see this season as a success given the issues they initially had with the Luka/Kyrie pairing. The additions of Washington and Gafford made a big impact and Lively was a good steal in the draft. They'll look to use the offseason and next year to build more chemistry with this core as well as push for some additional upgrades to take another shot at the title next year.
The obvious answer is yes. That ship sailed when they traded for Kyrie. Kyrie and Luka's defense improved tremendously this year. So the answer is Luka has to improve his conditioning and defense. IF he can move his feet a bit quicker he can be that much better on defense.