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

[Chicagojk]

Maybe it is me, but a mid to late first for Najh seems sort of hollow.   Ideally, I would want a prospect too.   Maybe a guy who hasn't popped yet.   Maybe in a tad less tier than Max Christie.   Maybe a contender would jump at that for the now.    For instance, I have not seen Max's brother play, but something like him and a Clippers first.  Unfortunately, the Clippers don't really own their picks.

[mvossman]

Maybe it is me, but a mid to late first for Najh seems sort of hollow.   Ideally, I would want a prospect too.   Maybe a guy who hasn't popped yet.   Maybe in a tad less tier than Max Christie.   Maybe a contender would jump at that for the now.    For instance, I have not seen Max's brother play, but something like him and a Clippers first.  Unfortunately, the Clippers don't really own their picks.

An interesting question, would you do Naji for Risacher?

[Chicagojk]

An interesting question, would you do Naji for Risacher?

I would think I would have to.  This is coming from someone who has very little idea of what he is or what he may become.    I can't see ATl doing that though.  They are already pretty weak on shooting, right?   

Would I trade him for Carter Bryant with the Spurs?  I probably would.  Would Dallas ask for a pick as well?   Although, same as the Hawks...Spurs probably want shooting.  That may be a reason Klay could be a fall back option for them.

[KillerLeft]

An interesting question, would you do Naji for Risacher?

OMG, without even a second's hesitation. There's no chance ATL would do that, I don't think. Their posture has been about refusing to include him for AD, even (not that I believe them), let alone Marshall.

[Chicagojk]

This also sounds rich, but I would move him for Newell and the Cavs pick too.   Would do the same for Gafford.   I would want to include a player back to even out the trade as well.   I only see that happening in a bidding war type of scenario.

[KillerLeft]

This also sounds rich, but I would move him for Newell and the Cavs pick too.   Would do the same for Gafford.   I would want to include a player back to even out the trade as well.   I only see that happening in a bidding war type of scenario.

I'd probably make these deals, too, though I'd want to shop them around first. Newell just doesn't interest me nearly as much as Risacher for a variety of reasons. That's one of the better picks the Mavs have any chance of getting in any deal though, I'd guess.

[mvossman]

OMG, without even a second's hesitation. There's no chance ATL would do that, I don't think. Their posture has been about refusing to include him for AD, even (not that I believe them), let alone Marshall.

Yeah, that is probably too much.  The idea was to get a quality young player for Naji instead of a pick.  That is probably shooting too high, but I would be open to something like that.  This is predicated on getting cap relief somewhere else.  I still think the most reasonable route for that is Gafford and Klay.  Then you pull the trigger on Naji if its something really good.

[omahen]

Maybe it is me, but a mid to late first for Najh seems sort of hollow.   Ideally, I would want a prospect too.   Maybe a guy who hasn't popped yet.   Maybe in a tad less tier than Max Christie.   Maybe a contender would jump at that for the now.    For instance, I have not seen Max's brother play, but something like him and a Clippers first.  Unfortunately, the Clippers don't really own their picks.

Naji is great in some things, especially getting to the paint and efficiency there. But, he is not an elite defender and he is a weak shooter (30 % from 3 is really concerning). His best role on a contending team might actually be a 6th man. Caris Levert (before this season in Detroit) could be a very good comparison for him, although he is a better shooter. LeVert was traded from Indy to Cleveland in 2022 for injured Rubio on expiring contract (never played for Indy), lottery protected FRP and a SRP.

[mvossman]

This also sounds rich, but I would move him for Newell and the Cavs pick too.   Would do the same for Gafford.   I would want to include a player back to even out the trade as well.   I only see that happening in a bidding war type of scenario.

What do we think is more valuable to teams, AD or Gafford + Naji + Klay?  What about Gafford + Naji + Klay for KP + Risacher + CLE 1st?

[KillerLeft]

Naji is great in some things, especially getting to the paint and efficiency there. But, he is not an elite defender and he is a weak shooter (30 % from 3 is really concerning). His best role on a contending team might actually be a 6th man. Caris Levert (before this season in Detroit) could be a very good comparison for him, although he is a better shooter. LeVert was traded from Indy to Cleveland in 2022 for injured Rubio on expiring contract (never played for Indy), lottery protected FRP and a SRP.

This nails it, exactly. 

Marshall is a good player, but his effectiveness takes a nose dive when you play him off ball, and obviously most "good" teams want no part of playing him on ball, so...yeah, he's a 6th man, and even then he's kind of niche one, imo. The things we don't like about his fit with Flagg are going to pop up for a lot of other teams, too.

[Chicagojk]

Just one quote, but if true it means Dallas can hold unless they are blown away.   

From the Athletic:

While Davis’ market is tepid because of his contract status and injury history, other Mavericks players are drawing interest from rival teams. Mavericks forward Naji Marshall, in particular, is a player in demand.
“I think half the league is interested in him,” one scout with a Western Conference team said.
The Mavericks are signaling they’d like to hold onto Marshall and that it would take something extraordinary to consider moving the 28-year-old, who is in the midst of a career year.

[KillerLeft]

Yeah, that is probably too much.  The idea was to get a quality young player for Naji instead of a pick.  That is probably shooting too high, but I would be open to something like that.  This is predicated on getting cap relief somewhere else.  I still think the most reasonable route for that is Gafford and Klay.  Then you pull the trigger on Naji if its something really good.

This is what's got me stuck, I think...

1) We don't even know that salary relief is a primary goal, at the moment. I suppose we'll find out very soon.

2) Your statement that "the most reasonable route for that is Gafford and (Thompson)"...not sure I agree. I get that you're making that statement with the confident feeling that they don't want to give AD away (or maybe even that they can't), but IF salary reduction is a priority, I'm not sure it makes sense to do gymnastics with the good players on fairly valuable deals, rather than focus on doing something with the oft-injured old guy on a max contract. 

I'm so torn, because I'm not nearly as down on AD, the player, as most around here. I think he's quite valuable, in fact. But, I also think things might improve dramatically for this team in some key ways if there was a way of simply erasing his contract from the books, even if you don't get an ounce of value outside of salary relief. I'm sort of simultaneously at both ends of the spectrum with him, I guess.

[Chicagojk]

Just one quote, but if true it means Dallas can hold unless they are blown away.   

From the Athletic:

While Davis’ market is tepid because of his contract status and injury history, other Mavericks players are drawing interest from rival teams. Mavericks forward Naji Marshall, in particular, is a player in demand.
“I think half the league is interested in him,” one scout with a Western Conference team said.
The Mavericks are signaling they’d like to hold onto Marshall and that it would take something extraordinary to consider moving the 28-year-old, who is in the midst of a career year.

comment from a reddit poster with this thread.

drjisftw
•1h ago

 Pacers
 Top 1% Commenter


Pacers have a much more pressing need at center, but do you think the Mavs would entertain a Naji-Mathurin swap?

[KillerLeft]

comment from a reddit poster with this thread.

drjisftw
•1h ago

 Pacers
 Top 1% Commenter


Pacers have a much more pressing need at center, but do you think the Mavs would entertain a Naji-Mathurin swap?

I'm in favor of turning Marshall into (almost) anyone who can shoot, and while that's not Mahthurin's primary utility, either, he'd help with spacing much more than Marshall, I think, so sure. I'd do it. 

I personally think Gafford is a better fit for them, however, and makes more sense from Dallas' POV, given the unknowns involved with Mathruin's next contract.

[mvossman]

This is what's got me stuck, I think...

1) We don't even know that salary relief is a primary goal, at the moment. I suppose we'll find out very soon.

2) Your statement that "the most reasonable route for that is Gafford and (Thompson)"...not sure I agree. I get that you're making that statement with the confident feeling that they don't want to give AD away (or maybe even that they can't), but IF salary reduction is a priority, I'm not sure it makes sense to do gymnastics with the good players on fairly valuable deals, rather than focus on doing something with the oft-injured old guy on a max contract. 

I'm so torn, because I'm not nearly as down on AD, the player, as most around here. I think he's quite valuable, in fact. But, I also think things might improve dramatically for this team in some key ways if there was a way of simply erasing his contract from the books, even if you don't get an ounce of value outside of salary relief. I'm sort of simultaneously at both ends of the spectrum with him, I guess.

The thing with trading Gafford and Klay is not just about cap relief.  The idea is that you are also getting assets back.  Gump was willing to give up a late first to clear 17 mil now (assuming clearing the repeater tax was a goal).  How much will it cost to clear 27 in the offseason?

Gafford is a poor fit on this roster right now with no P&R PG and two other starting centers.  Klay is going to turn 37 next season.  I think the hit to losing those guys is relatively small in the short term, and near zero in the long.

I don't think this organization is ready to dump AD for cap relief.  Not only would the optics be terrible, but it would be truly selling low.  You know I am skeptical that they will ever be able to sell high on AD, but I understand not pulling that trigger now.

[BigDirk41]

Maybe it is me, but a mid to late first for Najh seems sort of hollow.   Ideally, I would want a prospect too.   Maybe a guy who hasn't popped yet.   Maybe in a tad less tier than Max Christie.   Maybe a contender would jump at that for the now.    For instance, I have not seen Max's brother play, but something like him and a Clippers first.  Unfortunately, the Clippers don't really own their picks.

I think it's one or the other for Naji. I don't see the Mavs getting a mid to late first and a prospect for Naji. Maybe if Naji shot 37% from 3, but he doesn't. I realize he's a quality player and I'm a Naji fan, but this seems to ambitious to me. I'd be surprised if they get a mid first for Naji. I could see something in the 20s for Naji. I would be thrilled for you to be right on this one though so hopefully you are!

[KillerLeft]

The thing with trading Gafford and Klay is not just about cap relief.  The idea is that you are also getting assets back.  Gump was willing to give up a late first to clear 17 mil now (assuming clearing the repeater tax was a goal).  How much will it cost to clear 27 in the offseason?

Gafford is a poor fit on this roster right now with no P&R PG and two other starting centers.  Klay is going to turn 37 next season.  I think the hit to losing those guys is relatively small in the short term, and near zero in the long.

I don't think this organization is ready to dump AD for cap relief.  Not only would the optics be terrible, but it would be truly selling low.  You know I am skeptical that they will ever be able to sell high on AD, but I understand not pulling that trigger now.

Agree about Gafford's lack of fit here now. I've written often about that. I just wouldn't expect significant cap relief AND "getting assets back." That's my worry. I think whatever method they choose to acquire cap relief, said cap relief will be viewed by all parties as part of the return value, and perhaps a significant part. In other words, I worry you'd be significantly lowering your talent in the exchange, not just your team's age and salary. Maybe you'd get a small something else, but not nearly as much, I don't think, as you would if you were willing to take salary back that extends past this summer. Under those circumstances, you could get better young player(s)...better pick(s), whatever. 

With an AD trade for mostly expirings, all your financial issues just disappear with one, quick nose-pinch of a stinky bite. I don't love that, either, and to be clear I'm not sure it's the way to go, but I do think I'd be considering it if the decision was mine to make. If nothing else, it would concretely clear the way for Gafford/Marshall/PJW/Thompson, whomever, to be dealt for on court basketball reasons, exclusively.

[Nowitzki Way]

Just one quote, but if true it means Dallas can hold unless they are blown away.   

From the Athletic:

While Davis’ market is tepid because of his contract status and injury history, other Mavericks players are drawing interest from rival teams. Mavericks forward Naji Marshall, in particular, is a player in demand.
“I think half the league is interested in him,” one scout with a Western Conference team said.
The Mavericks are signaling they’d like to hold onto Marshall and that it would take something extraordinary to consider moving the 28-year-old, who is in the midst of a career year.

Naji's value will never be higher.  He's playing the best ball of his career.  If we can start a small bidding war and get some real value for him, you trade him. Love the guy but now may be the time. 

He's 28. Not a great shooter and next year is a contract year. His long term fit. Well there doesn't seem to be one. 

Almost every contender can use a Naji Marshall type. He's not a superstar but his value is a 6th, 7th guy on a playoff rotation. A defensive wing who will play hard and play solid D.  And surprisingly score when needed. Every championship team has a Naji type.  He can have similar impact as Dort for OKC. Or Bruce Brown for the Nuggets when they won. Think DeShawn Stevenson for our 2011 championship team.  

If you're a contender this year like Detroit, Boston, Houston, San Antonio.  You'd want to be the team acquiring a guy like that and not by someone you'll have to play in the playoffs.

[omahen]

I'm in favor of turning Marshall into (almost) anyone who can shoot, and while that's not Mahthurin's primary utility, either, he'd help with spacing much more than Marshall, I think, so sure. I'd do it. 

I personally think Gafford is a better fit for them, however, and makes more sense from Dallas' POV, given the unknowns involved with Mathruin's next contract.

Mathurin will require a significant raise in the summer. Likely in the 20 per range, if not more. It only makes sense for Mavs to trade for him, if they get rid of other salaries (trade others for expiring deals and similar).

[KillerLeft]

Mathurin will require a significant raise in the summer. Likely in the 20 per range, if not more. It only makes sense for Mavs to trade for him, if they get rid of other salaries (trade others for expiring deals and similar).

Yeah...that's kind of what I meant. That's why I don't think Marshall for Mathruin really works from the Mavs POV.