Trade & FA 2025-26: Free Agency Starts 5pm CST/6pm EST

[Chicagojk]

I can't tell you how depressing Mavs life would be right now if they didn't hit the lottery and draft Flagg. Can you imagine trying to get excited about signing D-LO (by the way, I need to know how you type his nickname Dlo, DLO, D'LO?) and seeing all the other west teams improving. It would be a dark week (dark decade) for the Mavs. At least they have hope now.

[FireNicoHarrison]

I can't tell you how depressing Mavs life would be right now if they didn't hit the lottery and draft Flagg.  Can you imagine trying to get excited about signing D-LO (by the way, I need to know how you type his nickname Dlo, DLO, D'LO?) and seeing all the other west teams improving.  It would be a dark week (dark decade) for the Mavs.  At least they have hope now.

What? Do you not see the Nico "vision"?

[Chicagojk]

What? Do you not see the Nico "vision"?

It is just so insulting.  He just keeps putting his foot in his mouth.   It just always says the wrong thing.  He was always awkward with the media but got a pass mostly prior to the Luka trade.   It is not easy because the fanbase is going to hate him.   It is PR 101 on how not to create a firestorm every time he talks.   Show some compassion and show some emotion.  Relate to the fan base.   If he can't do it after winning the #1 pick, I don't think it ever happens.

I am certain if Flagg is the real deal and Luka comes back in real great shape and looks MVP level, Nico is going to take credit for that.  Ha.

[Smitty]

I can't tell you how depressing Mavs life would be right now if they didn't hit the lottery and draft Flagg.  Can you imagine trying to get excited about signing D-LO (by the way, I need to know how you type his nickname Dlo, DLO, D'LO?) and seeing all the other west teams improving.  It would be a dark week (dark decade) for the Mavs.  At least they have hope now.

If you put on Nico goggles, he thought this team was a contender last season, with the AD trade. If all he does is add “DLo” and Flagg, he’s gotta believe it even more so.

Russell > Dinwiddie
Flagg > Prosper

And just run it back?

[DallasMaverick]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/cal...d=msedgntp&pc=


Ainge is being called out for the latest trade. LOL

Lots of fickle fans call for a GMs firing when they disagree with him.

Gotta have thick skin.

[DanSchwartzgan]

If Stein is right about DLo and Exum, we basically have 7 guys who have always started.  DLo did lose his starting job during his half season in LA last season, but otherwise, he’s always started.  It makes sense to start him if you are using him as a placeholder for Kyrie.  That way, when Kyrie returns, there isn’t a huge change in playing style or positions.

It makes sense to start Klay to add shooting and to put your biggest names in the lineup announcement (though Klay rarely closed, so I don’t think he’s in your “top 5” even though he may be in your starting five).

It makes sense to start PJ (or at least make that promise)…especially if you want to keep him and get him to sign that extension.  Unlike Klay or DLo, PJ definitely is among your top five players.

But, only two of the three can start if you assume Flagg, AD and a center will occupy the other three spots.  I hope it is Klay that moves  to the bench.  With Gafford and Naji on the bench, the second unit could really use some shooting.  Exum helps, but Christie is unproven at this point.  I have fewer offensive concerns with Lively, AD, PJ, Flagg and DLo as the starters.  Gafford, Naji, Klay, Christie and Exum also make sense to me.  Between BWill (PG), Hardy (Small Wing), Martin (Larger Wing) and Powell (Center), you have someone who can absorb minutes at each position as needed (though, you can absorb most injuries by just giving more minutes to the top 10 guys in your rotation).

With all of that said, if PJ doesn’t extend, I can see him coming off the bench instead of Klay.  I could also see the Mav’s using some of that deep bench payroll ($20mm between Martin, Powell and Hardy) combined with PJ to go after a more natural 2.  None of Flagg, Klay nor PJ really make that much sense as a 2.  Nico makes TDL trades every year, and I could see something happening there with PJ+ if he isn’t locked up at the end of August.  I’m not predicting that.  I like PJ and was encouraged by Nico’s story about PJ at the Flagg workout.  Just pointing out that the PJ thing isn’t locked down yet.

[Smitty]

@ShamsCharania
Free agent forward Ziaire Williams intends to sign a two-year, $12 million deal to return to the Brooklyn Nets, sources tell ESPN. Williams averaged 10 points and 4.3 rebounds in 63 games. Nets officials and Aaron Mintz of CAA negotiated the new contract.
The second season is a team option, sources said.

[mvossman]

If you put on Nico goggles, he thought this team was a contender last season, with the AD trade. If all he does is add “DLo” and Flagg, he’s gotta believe it even more so.

Russell > Dinwiddie
Flagg > Prosper

And just run it back?

I think this is exactly what is going to happen.  The roster is a mess.  The top 5 healthy players on the roster are 5s or 4s.  Without significant injuries (which is a real possibility) guys are going to be playing out of position or losing minutes or both.  Eventually guys are going to need to be moved to balance out the roster, and I am worried they are going to lose some value by then.

[F Gump]

If Stein is right about DLo and Exum, we basically have 7 guys who have always started.  DLo did lose his starting job during his half season in LA last season, but otherwise, he’s always started.  It makes sense to start him if you are using him as a placeholder for Kyrie.  That way, when Kyrie returns, there isn’t a huge change in playing style or positions.

It makes sense to start Klay to add shooting and to put your biggest names in the lineup announcement (though Klay rarely closed, so I don’t think he’s in your “top 5” even though he may be in your starting five).

It makes sense to start PJ (or at least make that promise)…especially if you want to keep him and get him to sign that extension.  Unlike Klay or DLo, PJ definitely is among your top five players.

But, only two of the three can start if you assume Flagg, AD and a center will occupy the other three spots.  I hope it is Klay that moves  to the bench.  With Gafford and Naji on the bench, the second unit could really use some shooting.  Exum helps, but Christie is unproven at this point.  I have fewer offensive concerns with Lively, AD, PJ, Flagg and DLo as the starters.  Gafford, Naji, Klay, Christie and Exum also make sense to me.  Between BWill (PG), Hardy (Small Wing), Martin (Larger Wing) and Powell (Center), you have someone who can absorb minutes at each position as needed (though, you can absorb most injuries by just giving more minutes to the top 10 guys in your rotation).

With all of that said, if PJ doesn’t extend, I can see him coming off the bench instead of Klay.  I could also see the Mav’s using some of that deep bench payroll ($20mm between Martin, Powell and Hardy) combined with PJ to go after a more natural 2.  None of Flagg, Klay nor PJ really make that much sense as a 2.  Nico makes TDL trades every year, and I could see something happening there with PJ+ if he isn’t locked up at the end of August.  I’m not predicting that.  I like PJ and was encouraged by Nico’s story about PJ at the Flagg workout.  Just pointing out that the PJ thing isn’t locked down yet.

I get your thinking, but I am not convinced the Mavs would elevate DLo over Klay. 

So -- subject to what we see in SL, which I truly feel has a shot to be VERY good and eye-opening -- my guess is that Flagg and Klay are your starting "guards" on opening day. 

Lively
AD
PJW
Flagg
Klay

[Smitty]

I think this is exactly what is going to happen.  The roster is a mess.  The top 5 healthy players on the roster are 5s or 4s.  Without significant injuries (which is a real possibility) guys are going to be playing out of position or losing minutes or both.  Eventually guys are going to need to be moved to balance out the roster, and I am worried they are going to lose some value by then.

There's something to be said about some continuity for once. Not that the "Top-10" played much together last season. Still, it's refreshing to see less turnover. Like you, I'm worried about the roster construction. I think they have enough talent to be competitive, but it's about having lineups where the 5 players on the floor work well together, not just the most talented 5. Ultimately, I'm excited about seeing how it'll look and holding off until the trade deadline to make another move. First things first, is seeing how Flagg looks with this group, then you can go from there.

[mvossman]

I get your thinking, but I am not convinced the Mavs would elevate DLo over Klay. 

So -- subject to what we see in SL, which I truly feel has a shot to be VERY good and eye-opening -- my guess is that Flagg and Klay are your starting "guards" on opening day. 

Lively
AD
PJW
Flagg
Klay

That would put a lot of pressure on Flagg to run an offense.  I also think they would learn that there are issues playing two 5s, two 4s and a 3 on both sides of the court.

[Chicagojk]

I think this is exactly what is going to happen.  The roster is a mess.  The top 5 healthy players on the roster are 5s or 4s.  Without significant injuries (which is a real possibility) guys are going to be playing out of position or losing minutes or both.  Eventually guys are going to need to be moved to balance out the roster, and I am worried they are going to lose some value by then.

I get what you are saying.  The roster is uneven with a lot of moving parts.  I would not call it a mess though.  I view it as a roster with good players on mostly good/decent contracts.   I think it gives them flexibility after they see how Flagg fits.   I agree that I have difficulty seeing how they keep everyone happy and not overwhelming Cooper into a role that he isn't quite ready for.   PJ did post a picture of him in a Mavs jersey on Instagram, so maybe there is something there.

[Smitty]

If Stein is right about DLo and Exum, we basically have 7 guys who have always started.  DLo did lose his starting job during his half season in LA last season, but otherwise, he’s always started.  It makes sense to start him if you are using him as a placeholder for Kyrie.  That way, when Kyrie returns, there isn’t a huge change in playing style or positions.

It makes sense to start Klay to add shooting and to put your biggest names in the lineup announcement (though Klay rarely closed, so I don’t think he’s in your “top 5” even though he may be in your starting five).

It makes sense to start PJ (or at least make that promise)…especially if you want to keep him and get him to sign that extension.  Unlike Klay or DLo, PJ definitely is among your top five players.

But, only two of the three can start if you assume Flagg, AD and a center will occupy the other three spots.  I hope it is Klay that moves  to the bench.  With Gafford and Naji on the bench, the second unit could really use some shooting.  Exum helps, but Christie is unproven at this point.  I have fewer offensive concerns with Lively, AD, PJ, Flagg and DLo as the starters.  Gafford, Naji, Klay, Christie and Exum also make sense to me.  Between BWill (PG), Hardy (Small Wing), Martin (Larger Wing) and Powell (Center), you have someone who can absorb minutes at each position as needed (though, you can absorb most injuries by just giving more minutes to the top 10 guys in your rotation).

With all of that said, if PJ doesn’t extend, I can see him coming off the bench instead of Klay.  I could also see the Mav’s using some of that deep bench payroll ($20mm between Martin, Powell and Hardy) combined with PJ to go after a more natural 2.  None of Flagg, Klay nor PJ really make that much sense as a 2.  Nico makes TDL trades every year, and I could see something happening there with PJ+ if he isn’t locked up at the end of August.  I’m not predicting that.  I like PJ and was encouraged by Nico’s story about PJ at the Flagg workout.  Just pointing out that the PJ thing isn’t locked down yet.

You and I are aligned here. I just have a hard time believing THEY will bring Klay off the bench, especially to start the year. If I had to put money on the opening day starting 5: Flagg - Klay - PJ - AD - Gafford

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

And there is the Lakers C. Magically it all comes together again for the Lakers. LOL.

Ayton is trash. It all comes together? Lol

[DallasMaverick]

I get what you are saying.  The roster is uneven with a lot of moving parts.  I would not call it a mess though.  I view it as a roster with good players on mostly good/decent contracts.   I think it gives them flexibility after they see how Flagg fits.   I agree that I have difficulty seeing how they keep everyone happy and not overwhelming Cooper into a role that he isn't quite ready for.   PJ did post a picture of him in a Mavs jersey on Instagram, so maybe there is something there.

Winning.

By winning.

[Chicagojk]

If Stein is right about DLo and Exum, we basically have 7 guys who have always started.  DLo did lose his starting job during his half season in LA last season, but otherwise, he’s always started.  It makes sense to start him if you are using him as a placeholder for Kyrie.  That way, when Kyrie returns, there isn’t a huge change in playing style or positions.

It makes sense to start Klay to add shooting and to put your biggest names in the lineup announcement (though Klay rarely closed, so I don’t think he’s in your “top 5” even though he may be in your starting five).

It makes sense to start PJ (or at least make that promise)…especially if you want to keep him and get him to sign that extension.  Unlike Klay or DLo, PJ definitely is among your top five players.

But, only two of the three can start if you assume Flagg, AD and a center will occupy the other three spots.  I hope it is Klay that moves  to the bench.  With Gafford and Naji on the bench, the second unit could really use some shooting.  Exum helps, but Christie is unproven at this point.  I have fewer offensive concerns with Lively, AD, PJ, Flagg and DLo as the starters.  Gafford, Naji, Klay, Christie and Exum also make sense to me.  Between BWill (PG), Hardy (Small Wing), Martin (Larger Wing) and Powell (Center), you have someone who can absorb minutes at each position as needed (though, you can absorb most injuries by just giving more minutes to the top 10 guys in your rotation).

With all of that said, if PJ doesn’t extend, I can see him coming off the bench instead of Klay.  I could also see the Mav’s using some of that deep bench payroll ($20mm between Martin, Powell and Hardy) combined with PJ to go after a more natural 2.  None of Flagg, Klay nor PJ really make that much sense as a 2.  Nico makes TDL trades every year, and I could see something happening there with PJ+ if he isn’t locked up at the end of August.  I’m not predicting that.  I like PJ and was encouraged by Nico’s story about PJ at the Flagg workout.  Just pointing out that the PJ thing isn’t locked down yet.

It is real tricky lineup but it does give them flexibility.  IMO, if you wanted to keep Klay around for the next few years, he would be better suited as a SF.   That would mean backup here.    Although that creates more logjam because PJ is slotted to play SF even though he is a natural PF.   Marshall and Martin are also fighting or SF minutes.    

Personally, a guy like Derrick White or Trey Murphy would look great at SG.  Murphy could play there right?   Max backs up the starter and you look for a fourth guard behind Kyrie.   That would be ideal.  Mavs don't have the assets for either player now, but that would help even out the roster greatly.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

I get your thinking, but I am not convinced the Mavs would elevate DLo over Klay. 

So -- subject to what we see in SL, which I truly feel has a shot to be VERY good and eye-opening -- my guess is that Flagg and Klay are your starting "guards" on opening day. 

Lively
AD
PJW
Flagg
Klay

I guess we are tanking this year? I don’t see how anyone that has followed basketball sees this is a viable lineup for a team trying to win games.

I am really confused. Do people think Cooper Flagg is Luka Doncic? I guess they’re both white and around the same height.

[Winter]

I get your thinking, but I am not convinced the Mavs would elevate DLo over Klay. 

So -- subject to what we see in SL, which I truly feel has a shot to be VERY good and eye-opening -- my guess is that Flagg and Klay are your starting "guards" on opening day. 

Lively
AD
PJW
Flagg
Klay

I get everyone's thinking on this (Dan's too), but I'm guessing after pre-season, Flagg is playing SF and PJ is one the bench. I just find it difficult to believe he's ready to be a guard of any kind. I think other options are a bit of square peg in a round hole-kind of thing. Flagg may be capable of it, but I have hard time imagining this in the start of his rookie season. I think it's too easy to set him up for failure by playing him as a guard.

Their minutes will likely be equal, but if you're going to hurt someone's feelings I think it's probably PJs. Klay may need to go to the bench at some point, but I doubt it's at the start of the season

Also, it's possible some injury makes this a nothing burger, but that's not something you hope for.

[StrandedOnBeauboisHill]

I like PJ and was encouraged by Nico’s story about PJ at the Flagg workout.

I missed this, can someone fill me in?

[Mavs2021]

The fact that Stein specifically mentioned Omax as the trade option, suggests to me that they will not actively try to move PJ or even Hardy/Martin/Powell for now. If a good trade comes along, they´ll llook into it, but they certainly will not want to create another Delon Wright situation, where you overpay in assets just to dump some minor salaries. Now is the time for Kidd to give Hardy an extended run at SG with a simplified "catch and shoot, one escape dribble pull up" move set. I believe he can only improve his trade value. Of course if they give him the ball again to play PG, they might as well waive him right now.

I think they´ll start with this rotation

Russell/ Hardy+ Williams
Flagg/Christie
Klay/Marshall
AD/Washington
Lively/Gafford

Klay to add some shooting to the starters. Williams will play the classic PG-orientated back-up role, while Hardy will play more of a SG-orientated role to provide 3pt shooting and Marshall/Washington will handle the play-making in these situations.