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

[DanSchwartzgan]

I don't know that I like any of those.

But if I have to choose, I opt for [and modify with]
Chi: Anthony Davis, Martin
Dal:  Vucevic, Huerter, White, 2027 1st [unprotected] and 2028 swap, [and I need another pick]

There's also an issue of roster slots, even with Martin outgoing. That needs to be figured out as part of the equation -- it can be a deal-killer. You could replace Martin with Hardy-Exum?

I spent some time trying to think this through from Chicago's standpoint.  They are doing this to win now.  So, I don't think we can approach this in a way that takes currently productive players off of their roster.  IOW, this can't be win-now for both teams.  So, Vucevic and White probably need to stay in Chicago.  AD is taking the minutes currently occupied by Collins (when available) and PWill.  With Buzelis and AD, there is no reason to pay Williams $18mm/year to be a third string PF.  From their perspective, he has to be in the deal.  Chicago rarely pays tax, so doing this in a way that keeps them under the tax is also a requirement.  I think three unprotected picks would be hard to sell.  That 2028 swap idea (which gives Chicago OKC's pick) is pretty valuable if unprotected and sounds much better to fans.

Dallas wants picks and young difference makers.  It makes sense to pine for White and Dosumnu, but are they really difference makers?  If we aren't trying to win this year, it makes more sense to go for long term prospect Essengue than trying to fill a short term need at guard.  I think the play here is to make the deal large enough so that we can send back some excess salary.  For instance, Williams, Collins, Huerter and Essengue is $59.3mm of outgoing.  Dallas can send AD plus players making an additional $18mm - $18.5mm and still leave Chicago comfortably under the tax.  That would allow you to send some combination of Martin, Naji, Hardy, DLo and Powell.  You need to send at least two out to balance rosters and three would be better if you want to later cut Exum to give Nembhard a standard NBA contract.  I agree that Dallas needs three draft assets, but I'd be fine if one of those is an unprotected swap.

So, that leaves something like:

Chicago outgoing:  Collins, PWill, Huerter and Essengue plus unprotected Bulls pick (26 or 27), the unprotected 2028 swap and another unprotected pick (29 or 30).  

Dallas outgoing:  AD, Martin (Dlo or Hardy) and Exum.  

Much depends on Essengue being good and able to fit next to Flagg.  Defensively, they might be incredible together.  Offensively they both rely heavily on getting to the basket.  Both (especially Essengue) will need to develop a 3 point shot.  If this were the deal, the Luka trade will have netted Christie, Essengue, 3 unprotected firsts (LA, CHI, CHI) and an unprotected swap (CHI).  Those are quality firsts (not like some deals where you get more, but lower quality).  Plus, Essengue was a lottery pick.  You'll never get enough for Luka, but now that you have Cooper, it makes sense as a start to building around his timeline.