Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[HoosierDaddyKid]

During the 2026/27 league year, only one NBA player will have a formal no-trade clause in his contract. That player is Damian Lillard, who negotiated a no-trade clause into his deal with the Trail Blazers last summer. LeBron James and Bradley Beal had no-trade clauses in their respective contracts in recent years, but Beal gave his up when he agreed to a buyout with the Suns during the 2025 offseason, and James no longer has one after his contract with the Lakers expired this summer. LeBron would have been eligible for a no-trade clause if he had rejoined the Cavaliers or Heat in free agency, but since he hasn’t played for Philadelphia before, he couldn’t add one to his new contract with the Sixers.

Hoops Rumors

[Chicagojk]

That is a tough one for me... Seva and Poulakidas provide 2 completely different things for this team, if either are in the long-term plans. One is an elite movement shooter, that doesn't provide much else so far. The other a ballhandler, jack of all trades -- master of none type.

For all the hype (rightfully so) of Tarik being added as an elite shooter (much needed). How is it that we're so quick to dismiss Poulakidas?

He's 6'6 -- SG/SF size. 23 years old and shot 40% on 6 threes/gm in just 20 minutes per in the actual NBA last season. He's bulked up a ton and has been mentioned more than once in press conferences. He checks every box the guys they brought in do...
In the G-League last year he shot 46% from 3PT on nearly 9 attempts per game. 31 mpg.

For comparison, Tarik is a career 42.3% 3PT shooter on 3.5 3PA/g. His last 3 seasons have been incredible though! In 172 international games he's shot 43.6% on 777 attempts. That's 4.5 3PA/g, in just 19 mpg.

True.  New coaching staff and hopefully the games this year mean something, but Poulakidas was able to jump in and learn the system on the fly and be productive.  As a two way, he will need to fight to keep that roster spot every day but he made a good impression last year.   I almost think at least two of the two way spots are not developmental spots.    They are guys who just missed out on a numbers game of making the 15 man roster but can be productive when their number is called during the long NBA season.    I don't think the two way spots are best for development.    Teams are looking for more mature players with these two way spots who can help NBA teams now.

[Smitty]

True.  New coaching staff and hopefully the games this year mean something, but Poulakidas was able to jump in and learn the system on the fly and be productive.  As a two way, he will need to fight to keep that roster spot every day but he made a good impression last year.   I almost think at least two of the two way spots are not developmental spots.    They are guys who just missed out on a numbers game of making the 15 man roster but can be productive when their number is called during the long NBA season.    I don't think the two way spots are best for development.    Teams are looking for more mature players with these two way spots who can help NBA teams now.

I agree for the most part. And my earlier shooting 'comparison' isn't meant to be a catch all. There's obviously a lot more context that needs to be included. How much of the shooting profile is CnS, Corner-3, Above the break, pull-up, off screen, wide open, contested, gravity, etc., etc... I don't know enough about Tarik's game, or JP for that matter, to have some bold opinion. I don't know if either can be an elite shooter in the NBA like Klay for example. I just know that JP is someone I like. Intrigued. Not so eager to just waive him into the abyss...

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Maverick Carter: We are NOT doing anything like the “last dance.” LeBron doesn’t even know when his last season is

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I guess ya can't believe everything you hear.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Josh Lewenberg: Given the recent discourse and the length of the investigation, I can understand the skepticism, but the reality is that the likelihood of Kawhi becoming a Raptor hasn't changed. Would still incur a massive penalty (voiding the contract or a max suspension) to jeopardize the trade. Possible but don't see it. Voiding the contract would punish the league as much as it would punish Kawhi, and the only players who have ever been suspended 30+ games either punched a fan or brought guns into the locker room. NBA would need to build one hell of a case against Kawhi to drop the hammer on him. As I noted yesterday, Raptors wouldn't necessarily need to wait on arbitration for the trade to be completed. If they're comfortable inheriting whatever Kawhi discipline the league hands down, they could theoretically sign off on the deal (or renegotiate) before appeals are heard.

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[Scott41theMavs]

Josh Lewenberg: Given the recent discourse and the length of the investigation, I can understand the skepticism, but the reality is that the likelihood of Kawhi becoming a Raptor hasn't changed. Would still incur a massive penalty (voiding the contract or a max suspension) to jeopardize the trade. Possible but don't see it. Voiding the contract would punish the league as much as it would punish Kawhi, and the only players who have ever been suspended 30+ games either punched a fan or brought guns into the locker room. NBA would need to build one hell of a case against Kawhi to drop the hammer on him. As I noted yesterday, Raptors wouldn't necessarily need to wait on arbitration for the trade to be completed. If they're comfortable inheriting whatever Kawhi discipline the league hands down, they could theoretically sign off on the deal (or renegotiate) before appeals are heard.

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As egregious as those examples are, circumventing the salary cap by many millions of dollars isn't great for the league either. 

What a mess. And more than Mr. Lewenberg is making it out to be.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

This is the time of year, with a few exceptions, where fanbases all like their teams.    Most team fanbases are positive right now.    Enjoy it while it lasts.

I am very much indifferent about this offseason.

1. The biggest move they made is drafting Morez Johnson over Burries.  That is a complete 50/50 tossup if we're being generous. 
2. They traded a bunch of picks for Santi Adalma. Uh okk not complaining but not exactly a no brainer win.
The rest of the moves are pretty insignificant and also TBD.  

Lots of talk about how genius Masai and Schmidt are.  I wanna see some positive results before I anoint them. The roster isn't much further along than it was a year ago. Other than Kyrie being healthy.

[windjc]

I am very much indifferent about this offseason.

1. The biggest move they made is drafting Morez Johnson over Burries.  That is a complete 50/50 tossup if we're being generous. 
2.  They traded a bunch of picks for Santi Adalma.  Uh okk not complaining but not exactly a no brainer win.
The rest of the moves are pretty insignificant and also TBD.  

Lots of talk about how genius Masai and Schmidt are.  I wanna see some positive results before I anoint them.  The roster isn't much further along than it was a year ago.  Other than Kyrie being healthy.

We have a much better coach. And a much better plan. But you do negative you, whatever makes you feel more you.

[mvossman]

I am very much indifferent about this offseason.

1. The biggest move they made is drafting Morez Johnson over Burries.  That is a complete 50/50 tossup if we're being generous. 
2.  They traded a bunch of picks for Santi Adalma.  Uh okk not complaining but not exactly a no brainer win.
The rest of the moves are pretty insignificant and also TBD.  

Lots of talk about how genius Masai and Schmidt are.  I wanna see some positive results before I anoint them.  The roster isn't much further along than it was a year ago.  Other than Kyrie being healthy.

This seems a little harsh.

They traded a couple of second round picks for Aldama, Sasser, and Tarik.

I think you are underrating the Larry draft pick.  We will see how it turns out, but I am very high on that one.

[Scott41theMavs]

I am very much indifferent about this offseason.

1. The biggest move they made is drafting Morez Johnson over Burries.  That is a complete 50/50 tossup if we're being generous. 
2.  They traded a bunch of picks for Santi Adalma.  Uh okk not complaining but not exactly a no brainer win.
The rest of the moves are pretty insignificant and also TBD.  

Lots of talk about how genius Masai and Schmidt are.  I wanna see some positive results before I anoint them.  The roster isn't much further along than it was a year ago.  Other than Kyrie being healthy.

(scoff) These are guys who, unlike every GM in Mavs history except Nellie, have major skins on the wall.

Presuming that their moves weren't good is a Hot Sports Opinion, tbqh.

[F Gump]

I almost think at least two of the two way spots are not developmental spots.    They are guys who just missed out on a numbers game of making the 15 man roster but can be productive when their number is called during the long NBA season.    I don't think the two way spots are best for development.    Teams are looking for more mature players with these two way spots who can help NBA teams now.

GREAT point about the 2 ways. 

I have noticed that reality, that teams are now using those spots on supplementary players they will use and need real contributions from in some way. 

But it never really coalesced into my summer thinking of what they are considering as they fill those slots. Thus the criteria becomes the ability to perhaps contribute in some way when called upon, rather than raw players who are being developed and are not ready.

Thanks for the light bulb moment!

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

(scoff) These are guys who, unlike every GM in Mavs history except Nellie, have major skins on the wall.

Schmidt worked for ESPN until recently.  His biggest move in the NBA so far is Yang Hansen.  If Yang Hansen or DeLarrea turn into good NBA players, then he'll have some skins on the wall.  

I like the hires but I don't have much "trust" in them.  I need to see results.  Not super impressed with this offseason. Not upset with this offseason either. More like MEH let's wait and see.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

They traded a couple of second round picks for Aldama, Sasser, and Tarik.

They traded a protected 1st and two 2nds.  Potentially three 2nds.  Is that deal a win in your book?  The Grizzlies decided they'd rather have Isiah Stewart than Aldama. Do I have any reason to believe the Mavs are better evaluators of talent that the Grizzlies front office?

I didn't see anyone wanting Morez Johnson drafted at 9 before the draft. But everyone is happy with the pick after the draft.

We'll find out when the season gets here. I was agreeing with ChicagoJK that fans assume all moves are positives in the offseason, even if there is no evidence that's true. If we weren't Mavs fans, we could easily say Burries is better than Morez and Stewart is better than Aldama.

[windjc]

They traded a protected 1st and two 2nds.  Potentially three 2nds.  Is that deal a win in your book?  The Grizzlies decided they'd rather have Isiah Stewart than Aldama.

Do I have any reason to believe the Mavs are better evaluators of talent that the Grizzlies front office?

Do you have any reason to believe they are not?

[mvossman]

Schmidt worked for ESPN until recently.  His biggest move in the NBA so far is Yang Hansen.  If Yang Hansen or DeLarrea turn into good NBA players, then he'll have some skins on the wall.  

I like the hires but I don't have much "trust" in them.  I need to see results.  Not super impressed with this offseason. Not upset with this offseason either.  More like MEH let's wait and see.

Actually his biggest move was trading for Avdija.

[Scott41theMavs]

They traded a protected 1st and two 2nds.  Potentially three 2nds.  Is that deal a win in your book?  The Grizzlies decided they'd rather have Isiah Stewart than Aldama.  Do I have any reason to believe the Mavs are better evaluators of talent that the Grizzlies front office? 

I didn't see anyone wanting Morez Johnson drafted at 9 before the draft.  But everyone is happy with the pick after the draft. 

We'll find out when the season gets here.  I was agreeing with ChicagoJK that fans assume all moves are positives in the offseason, even if there is no evidence that's true.  If we weren't Mavs fans, we could easily say Burries is better than Morez and Stewart is better than Aldama.

I was down before the draft - here, on this board - as saying that I believed that Morez would be a reach at 9, but the singular reach pick I could get behind. 

I am cautiously optimistic.

As pointed out, it's not whether Stewart is better than Aldama. It's whether Stewart is better than Aldama and Tarik put together for the Mavs.

[windjc]

Schmidt worked for ESPN until recently.  His biggest move in the NBA so far is Yang Hansen.  If Yang Hansen or DeLarrea turn into good NBA players, then he'll have some skins on the wall.  

I like the hires but I don't have much "trust" in them.  I need to see results.  Not super impressed with this offseason. Not upset with this offseason either.  More like MEH let's wait and see.

This was you at the exact same time 3 years ago before the championship series run....

"I dont either...


Luka was basically a malcontent all last season and Kyrie is the same way.   I don't see either guy happy on a team fighting to avoid the play in.

Of course the Mavs have put themselves in this situation and maybe no trades for good veterans materialized.  I like the maneuvering last night but in terms of next years outlook, it's not really any better.

This would be a great draft if we were coming off the 21 season when we reached the WCF.

edit: Maybe the Mavs will surprise me in free agency and trade market but we dont really have many assets to get difference makers"

You literally are like a record on repeat.

[Scott41theMavs]

Schmidt worked for ESPN until recently.  His biggest move in the NBA so far is Yang Hansen.  If Yang Hansen or DeLarrea turn into good NBA players, then he'll have some skins on the wall.  

I like the hires but I don't have much "trust" in them.  I need to see results.  Not super impressed with this offseason. Not upset with this offseason either.  More like MEH let's wait and see.

And before that, as a professional talent evaluator, he has the dox that he identified players who were lowly ranked as underrated who are now stars. 

So you aren't jazzed by the moves. You're a fan. How did things go the last time a Mavs fan thought he knew more about basketball than proven basketball minds? For years? I'll hang up and listen.

[mvossman]

They traded a protected 1st and two 2nds.  Potentially three 2nds.  Is that deal a win in your book?  The Grizzlies decided they'd rather have Isiah Stewart than Aldama.  Do I have any reason to believe the Mavs are better evaluators of talent that the Grizzlies front office? 

I didn't see anyone wanting Morez Johnson drafted at 9 before the draft.  But everyone is happy with the pick after the draft. 

We'll find out when the season gets here.  I was agreeing with ChicagoJK that fans assume all moves are positives in the offseason, even if there is no evidence that's true.  If we weren't Mavs fans, we could easily say Burries is better than Morez and Stewart is better than Aldama.

That 1st is almost guaranteed to be a second.  I am neutral on Aldama but intrigued by the other two.

Just about everyone who wanted to trade down wanted Mavs to get Morez at 12.  Based on everything we are hearing, he was not going to be there at 12.  I liked Burries a little better, but Rez/Larry was the next best possible outcome.

[Chicagojk]

I have no idea if their moves will work.   It is a fact that some of them won't.  You just hope they get the big ones mostly right.  The Morez one was the first one.   

I was thrilled when they brought Masai in.   Even if the last few years in Toronto do not look very good in retrospect with his trades, picks and extensions    I am sure all can be explained, but most did not work out.  

 I really like how they have been creative in some complicated moves this summer.   I am sure these moves are only the tip of the iceberg of what they have explored.   To do the Sergio trade, the Russian pick, the Aldama and others trade and the Risacher trade is pretty impressive.  Especially as these only cost limited assets being given up.  Time will tell if these moves were good decisions.   Outside of the Morez pick, I think you have to admit that it is not the end of the world if they do not hit on a core player with these moves.