I still think the trade to try for is AD to the Hornets for the Mavs 2027 pick back and Kon Knueppel.
It could be any combination of players the Hornets want to take/send. Here's an example.
The Mavs will need to waive 2 players (Exum and D'lo?).
Hornets roster:
1-5: Ball, Christie, Miller, Davis, Kalkbrenner
6-10: Mann, Green/Reeves, Sion/McNeeley, Bridges, Plumlee/Diabate
Mavs roster:
1-5: Kyrie, Kon, Coop, PJW, Lively
6-10: Sexton/BWill, Hardy/Connaughton, Klay/Naji, GWill/Martin, Gafford/Powell
+ 2026 Mavs pick
+ 2027 Mavs pick
Kyrie, PJ, Gafford and Naji could be traded elsewhere for picks too.
Then tank like mofos for this season and the next, as only the team with the worst record is guaranteed a Top 5 pick.
It could be any combination of players the Hornets want to take/send. Here's an example.
- Hornets get: Davis and Christie (via NTMLE... or Naji or Martin, whoever the Hornets prefer).
- Mavs get: Knueppel, Filler (Sexton, GWill, Connaughton) and 2027 Mavs pick.
The Mavs will need to waive 2 players (Exum and D'lo?).
Hornets roster:
1-5: Ball, Christie, Miller, Davis, Kalkbrenner
6-10: Mann, Green/Reeves, Sion/McNeeley, Bridges, Plumlee/Diabate
Mavs roster:
1-5: Kyrie, Kon, Coop, PJW, Lively
6-10: Sexton/BWill, Hardy/Connaughton, Klay/Naji, GWill/Martin, Gafford/Powell
+ 2026 Mavs pick
+ 2027 Mavs pick
Kyrie, PJ, Gafford and Naji could be traded elsewhere for picks too.
Then tank like mofos for this season and the next, as only the team with the worst record is guaranteed a Top 5 pick.