Trade& Free Agency 2026/2027

[Chicagojk]

I think their future is very bright and relatively easy to manage for long time. 

First move this summer imho they will not pick up team option on Kenrich Williams and perhaps resign him at vet min. Than I think they will either trade Dort and Hartenstein for no salary in return or let them walk (team options both). I also wouldn't be surprised if one of them resigns for much less money. They have so many good guards/wings that they can easily keep on going without Dort. They will need to replace Hartenstein, which I think they will do either through draft or by bringing in a cheap hustling and athletic center. These moves would keep them just below the first apron even after signing their rookies (or they will bring in some other small salary guys). 

Doing this and without any other major changes they are still at the first apron for 2027/2028 season, which gives them plenty of room to resign Wallace and stay below the second apron. They will also have team option on Isiah Joe (11 mil) and they could also easily remain good by letting him walk.

It might be really scary looking back five years from now and seeing what OKC has done.  I may do the unthinkable, if SA advances I may root for them.  I actually like their team.  I just will need to stay away from any chatter with their fans

I think there is a good chance Dort and Hartenstein move on.  Although, nothing would shock me.   Both are good, so even if they move them it wouldn't shock me to see them get a small asset for both (even with their salaries).

We really haven't seen OKC last two first round picks either.   One has had knee and health issues and the other has a knee injury.  Both were liked in the draft circles.   It might be hard for Topic to get a lot of runtime anytime soon.    Sorber has a chance to step in next year and get some minutes.  Speaking of the draft, OKC has a chance to do something ridiculous.    They can go 100 different ways, but if they kept both picks at 12 and 17, they could really beef up their front court while envisioning battles with Wemby every year.  At 12, they could get the best center in the draft.   Mara works, but I think Quaintance would be an awesome gamble.   At 17, they could draft someone like Morez Johnson jr.   They could throw out chet, Sorber, Mara/Quantance, and Johnson in a Wemby series and three of those guys would be on rookie contracts.

[omahen]

Anything with Wallace wouldn't kick in until the summer of 27.  At that point they are paying $170mm to four players (three stars and Caruso) plus whatever rookies they keep this summer.  That's at most $63mm under the second apron with a lot of mouths to feed including two starters and the rest of the bench.  It will also be the last cheap year for Mitchell, McCain and Jaylin Williams.  I agree they don't have to do anything drastic this summer, but they are going to have to churn someone out of there besides Dort and Hartenstein in the not too distant future.

11 players of their current team will be under contract in 2027/2028 too (Dort, Hartenstein, K. Williams can expire this summer with their TOs, Wallace is the only expiring next season). Their cumulative salaries will be roughly 210 mil. If you replace Dort, Hartenstein and K.Williams with rookies and vet minimum salaries, they have space under the second apron to resign Wallace to a reasonable number up to 20 mil. They can get further cushion by declining TO on Isiah Joe and his 11 mil contract. 

I agree they could decide to trade Wallace, but I don't think they are in any way under pressure to do it. If they do trade him, he will imho have a very hefty price to him.

[Winter]

It might be really scary looking back five years from now and seeing what OKC has done.  I may do the unthinkable, if SA advances I may root for them.  I actually like their team.  I just will need to stay away from any chatter with their fans

I think there is a good chance Dort and Hartenstein move on.  Although, nothing would shock me.   Both are good, so even if they move them it wouldn't shock me to see them get a small asset for both (even with their salaries).

We really haven't seen OKC last two first round picks either.   One has had knee and health issues and the other has a knee injury.  Both were liked in the draft circles.   It might be hard for Topic to get a lot of runtime anytime soon.    Sorber has a chance to step in next year and get some minutes.  Speaking of the draft, OKC has a chance to do something ridiculous.    They can go 100 different ways, but if they kept both picks at 12 and 17, they could really beef up their front court while envisioning battles with Wemby every year.  At 12, they could get the best center in the draft.   Mara works, but I think Quaintance would be an awesome gamble.   At 17, they could draft someone like Morez Johnson jr.   They could throw out chet, Sorber, Mara/Quantance, and Johnson in a Wemby series and three of those guys would be on rookie contracts.

Quaintance is the perfect project for OKC. They don't have to rush, and the finished product would be a beast of a defensive center.

[Chicagojk]

I asked this before but what former first rounder would you like to make a low cost bet on?  If any?

Jordan Hawkins- New Orleans
Gradey Dick- Toronto (former Masai Pick)
Cam Whitmore- Washington but will probably be released
Kris Murray- Portland (former Schmitz pick)

I don't think Murray is very good.   Question is very out on the other three.   Hawkins is 24, Whitmore is 21, and Dick is 22.   None have shown much but sometimes new chances with a re-start helps.

[mvossman]

Quaintance is the perfect project for OKC. They don't have to rush, and the finished product would be a beast of a defensive center.

I'm not sure projects make much sense for OKC given their win now mode and need to churn the roster to avoid cost.  I think a ready to go player like Yaxel makes the most sense for them.  He can contribute right away and they will get into his prime on his rookie contract.

[Chicagojk]

Dallas can do a lot this offseason or do little.   They can be patient if needed.  

Although lets talk Gafford.  His value is low after a injury plagued season and starting a new extension.   What type of deals are out there for him if the mavs decide to move him?

If ATL takes a guard at 8, would a Gafford for Rischacher trade work for both sides?  Seems light for ATL, but not sure where the minutes come with Richacher and what value he could bring back.

Gafford to Toronto?  What could he return?   Quickly for Gafford and salary match Mavs?

Charlotte if they don't draft a center?

Anything else?  I would guess he is back next year, but I am sure they will be listening to offers.

[Winter]

I'm not sure projects make much sense for OKC given their win now mode and need to churn the roster to avoid cost.  I think a ready to go player like Yaxel makes the most sense for them.  He can contribute right away and they will get into his prime on his rookie contract.

I just have a hard time finding minutes for any rookie player on their roster.

[mvossman]

Dallas can do a lot this offseason or do little.   They can be patient if needed.  

Although lets talk Gafford.  His value is low after a injury plagued season and starting a new extension.   What type of deals are out there for him if the mavs decide to move him?

If ATL takes a guard at 8, would a Gafford for Rischacher trade work for both sides?  Seems light for ATL, but not sure where the minutes come with Richacher and what value he could bring back.

Gafford to Toronto?  What could he return?   Quickly for Gafford and salary match Mavs?

Charlotte if they don't draft a center?

Anything else?  I would guess he is back next year, but I am sure they will be listening to offers.

I like Gafford for Risacher but I doubt Atlanta does it.  These conversations are difficult until we know what everyone drafts.

[Winter]

Dallas can do a lot this offseason or do little.   They can be patient if needed.  

Although lets talk Gafford.  His value is low after a injury plagued season and starting a new extension.   What type of deals are out there for him if the mavs decide to move him?

If ATL takes a guard at 8, would a Gafford for Rischacher trade work for both sides?  Seems light for ATL, but not sure where the minutes come with Richacher and what value he could bring back.

Gafford to Toronto?  What could he return?   Quickly for Gafford and salary match Mavs?

Charlotte if they don't draft a center?

Anything else?  I would guess he is back next year, but I am sure they will be listening to offers.

Risacher just doesn't do anything for me. I'd love to get a second-round pick in some trade, but it's hard to visualize.

[mvossman]

I just have a hard time finding minutes for any rookie player on their roster.

Depends on who they are clearing out for cost savings.

[DallasMaverick]

Depends on who they are clearing out for cost savings.

If they win a championship this year, it becomes even more difficult.

Everyone on the team wants to get paid like a champion, and outside bidders place a premium on players who have won a championship.

A little like Dallas in 2011.

[RasheedsBigWhiteSpot]

Are we sleeping on Luka possibly returning next off-season?

I just don't see a way for the Lakers to appreciably improve this year. And as everyone is stating in this thread, it's going to take something seismic to break the OKC and SA juggernauts.

Masai could go the route of clearing cap room for next off-season by trading Gafford for something shorter. I also feel like Masai being here somewhat clears the stench of Nico and could open a reconciliation between Luka a Dumont.

Can you imagine the insanity of a Luka boomerang where the Mavs have a Doncic, Flagg, Mara trio where the Mavs would still have the Lakers' 2029 1st?

Yeah, this seems improbable, but we also live in a world where Lebron went back to Cleveland.

[JamesConway816]

Are we sleeping on Luka possibly returning next off-season?

I just don't see a way for the Lakers to appreciably improve this year. And as everyone is stating in this thread, it's going to take something seismic to break the OKC and SA juggernauts.

Masai could go the route of clearing cap room for next off-season by trading Gafford for something shorter.  I also feel like Masai being here somewhat clears the stench of Nico and could open a reconciliation between Luka a Dumont.

Can you imagine the insanity of a Luka boomerang where the Mavs have a Doncic, Flagg, Mara trio where the Mavs would still have the Lakers' 2029 1st?

Yeah, this seems improbable, but we also live in a world where Lebron went back to Cleveland.

Post of the day. Luka coming back here would be the ultimate feel good story. It would also turn this back into a legitimate contender.

I think it’s very possible but they’d probably need to move on from Kidd. While he has done a solid to good job here in general Imo he appears to have played a role in the trade & flushing this organization down the toilet. That’s unforgivable Imo. 

Even if you disagree about that I also think that him & Masai are not compatible at all and expext them to drift apart sooner than later.

[cow]

Are we sleeping on Luka possibly returning next off-season?

I just don't see a way for the Lakers to appreciably improve this year. And as everyone is stating in this thread, it's going to take something seismic to break the OKC and SA juggernauts.

Masai could go the route of clearing cap room for next off-season by trading Gafford for something shorter.  I also feel like Masai being here somewhat clears the stench of Nico and could open a reconciliation between Luka a Dumont.

Can you imagine the insanity of a Luka boomerang where the Mavs have a Doncic, Flagg, Mara trio where the Mavs would still have the Lakers' 2029 1st?

Yeah, this seems improbable, but we also live in a world where Lebron went back to Cleveland.

Step 1 - Hire Mosley

[Scott41theMavs]

Step 1 - Hire Mosley

I'd do that if the objective were tanking, but we don't have our picks, so absolutely not.

[RasheedsBigWhiteSpot]

I'm cool with Moseley as a D coordinator, but definitely not as a head coach.

I'd definitely like the second coming of God and helping Cooper work on his handle.

[DallasMaverick]

Are we sleeping on Luka possibly returning next off-season?

I just don't see a way for the Lakers to appreciably improve this year. And as everyone is stating in this thread, it's going to take something seismic to break the OKC and SA juggernauts.

Masai could go the route of clearing cap room for next off-season by trading Gafford for something shorter.  I also feel like Masai being here somewhat clears the stench of Nico and could open a reconciliation between Luka a Dumont.

Can you imagine the insanity of a Luka boomerang where the Mavs have a Doncic, Flagg, Mara trio where the Mavs would still have the Lakers' 2029 1st?

Yeah, this seems improbable, but we also live in a world where Lebron went back to Cleveland.

So…

Which team is better?

Mavericks before the Luka trade? Or Lakers now?

I’d say Mavs before Luka trade.

So Nico did a better job assembling a supporting cast around him than Pelinka has.

To be fair, Pelinka was saddled with LeBron, which seriously limited his flexibility. A truer picture will emerge with his dollars off their books.

I’d also argue that it’s really difficult to assemble a championship team with Luka.

[cow]

I'd do that if the objective were tanking, but we don't have our picks, so absolutely not.

He's not getting another head coaching gig, so I'm sure he'd be fine with being an assistant again.  I'd say the odds of Luka returning to Dallas are incredibly slim.  The trade  broke his heart and I'm sure he holds a grudge for those involved that are still with the organization including the ownership group. I could see Luka bailing on the Lakers though, maybe he and Jokic can figure out a way to link up.

I'm cool with Moseley as a D coordinator, but definitely not as a head coach.

I'd definitely like the second coming of God and helping Cooper work on his handle.

I miss Shammgod too.

[omahen]

So who will be tanking next season? I think only Chicago, Sacramento and probably Memphis are in this category. Brooklyn will probably suck, but they don't control their pick. Indiana, Washington and Utah will try to be competitive next season. Everyone else will imho try to improve.

Chicago already mostly offloaded who they wanted to offload. Okoro, Smith and Tre Jones could be on the market, but they are just rotation players at best.

Sacramento only has trash contracts of Monk, Sabonis, DeRozan and LaVine they would already offload if anyone actually wanted them. They will continue trying to dump them, but other than perhaps Sabonis, the market will be probably very weak.

Memphis will try to dump Morant and will probably not receive anything of serious value in return. They would probably also like to trade KCP, but he is significantly overpaid. Ty Jerome has a good value contract as a bench rotation piece. Rest of the team is probably there as a core to put next to a star they will be looking for through draft.

[Chicagojk]

So who will be tanking next season? I think only Chicago, Sacramento and probably Memphis are in this category. Brooklyn will probably suck, but they don't control their pick. Indiana, Washington and Utah will try to be competitive next season. Everyone else will imho try to improve.

Chicago already mostly offloaded who they wanted to offload. Okoro, Smith and Tre Jones could be on the market, but they are just rotation players at best.

Sacramento only has trash contracts of Monk, Sabonis, DeRozan and LaVine they would already offload if anyone actually wanted them. They will continue trying to dump them, but other than perhaps Sabonis, the market will be probably very weak.

Memphis will try to dump Morant and will probably not receive anything of serious value in return. They would probably also like to trade KCP, but he is significantly overpaid. Ty Jerome has a good value contract as a bench rotation piece. Rest of the team is probably there as a core to put next to a star they will be looking for through draft.

I don't see nearly as much tanking as this year. It is too bad three franchises saw their fortunes drastically altered by not playing most of last year.   I actually think Memphis may be near the Mavs level.   I think Boozer is below Cooper as a prospect, but he impacts winning too.  They have an interesting group of players...pretty deep team.  They also have a ton of picks.   Maybe they are not a playin team, but I could see them being very competitive.

I feel so bad for Sacramento.   To finish 7th is a punch in the gut.   Although until ownership gets a clue or improves, they seem stuck in being the franchise everyone laughs at (when they are not laughing at Nico).

Chicago is a good one.  Although that ownership group tends to target the playin.  Maybe the new GM can change that.   

New Orleans?   That team needs to be blown up and start over.  It doesn't appear they are ready yet, but reality should set in next year.  

If the Bucks could get their picks back they would be a candidate.  Although getting picks back in weak drafts don't seem like the best haul for Giannis.