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

[Winter]

At the same time, for a PG to get an impact in the standings, there has to be a real synergy at play with another impact player or two on the floor. When AD plays, he's very much that guy. If you get a PG but give up the other part of the equation to get him, you are still going to struggle. In addition, AD is really a difference-maker on defense, which is a major plus when your PG might be a major sieve.

It's an interesting question of where the Mavs go from here, or how they navigate both ends of the floor, which to me needs to be solved by an expert GM. 

I'm not saying to keep AD -- but they need to get full value from any deal. Most of what's being proposed caters to another team but NOT to the Mavs' needs, which imo is just wrong. The team with the star should name the price it takes, not vice versa.

Here's the thing for me. I still don't believe this is a good enough roster with a healthy AD and an added Nembhard (or even Kyrie).

I think AD has a few warts. I don't think he defends the perimeter that well, he's slow in transition, and he's a bit too in love with a 3-point opportunity. I personally favor more movement, better 3-point shooters, and a faster pace. 

I think AD makes us better, just not enough.