One man’s trash is another man’s three-year, $8 million treasure.

Mike D’Antoni leaves himself vulnerable to criticism in some areas, mainly defensive philosophy and advanced scouting, but he merits credit for his decisiveness.

In D’Antoni’s roster evaluation world, you are either The Beatles’ White Album, or you are The Black Album by Jay-Z. Players of The Grey Album tendency, whether they have upside talent or not, do not find themselves on the floor in his system.

Because wing players are so strongly encouraged to take as many open jumpers as possible in SSoL, this is an especially dangerous proposition for a player like Corey Brewer, who has never been accused of being a bashful shooter.

The Knicks acquired Brewer in the Carmelo Anthony deal for trade approval purposes and presumably with the hope that they could flip him in the final hours before the deadline for a better fitting asset. After no team bit, the Knicks waived him in order to create a roster spot for a retread in Jared Jeffries. In terms of big picture talent, it looks like a big net loss, but the system is the system.

Brewer received calls from at least a dozen different teams, including a who’s who collection of contenders before deciding upon the Mavericks.

Dallas has a system that works extremely well for Brewer’s skill-set offensively as an athletic wing with great length that will slash his way to high efficiency buckets and hopefully leave the jumpers to Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry and Peja Stojakovic.

But the defensive system is where Brewer has shown his ability to be extremely capable as an on-ball ball stopper and where he holds his true value to Rick Carlisle. Looking at the Dallas depth chart, the need for a player that fits Brewer’s profile was obvious. Stojakovic can’t guard anyone and the minutes at the two-spot are split between Rodrigue Beaubois and Terry, two small scoring guards. This left Shawn Marion, who is in his thirties and better served playing in the 20-25 minute range, and DeShawn Stevenson, who has had his minutes reduced of late during a prolonged scoring slump (even by his standards).

The Mavericks must assume Caron Butler will not be back for the playoffs, regardless of how hard he tries and how badly he wants it, so the insurance Brewer brings this season is unquestionably invaluable.

Dallas has had plenty of other title opportunities over the past nine seasons, but this one truly has ‘perfect storm’ possibility given where the Lakers are currently, the possibility of San Antonio running out of gas and Oklahoma City still not being quite ready. If they make it to the Finals, the Celtics have undergone a major change and the version of the Heat and Bulls we see this season surely won’t be their peak edition of powers.

Whether it is guarding Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant or any of those big scorers from the East, Brewer will be a vital playoff component.

Financially, there isn’t much not to like about the terms. Dallas is essentially extending Brewer’s rookie scale contract at a length that is manageable.

Grade for Mavericks: A- 

If I were a young, former lottery pick on a bad team (Minnesota) flooded with wings of similar quality about to become a restricted free agent in a summer of labor uncertainty, the past few days are a complete godsend.

Brewer went from the Wolves to New York (without his clothes) and was subsequently waived, leaving him to pick his spot amid a small-scale bidding war involving the NBA’s best teams. The fact that Brewer gets a three-year deal will allow him to enjoy a potential lockout in a state of financial calm.

Grade for Brewer: A