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

[DanSchwartzgan]

The trade:

AD - Hardy - Exum
FOR
Trae - Risacher - NO 2026 1st -might also need a 2nd

As with so many of these things, I find myself saying "I don't like so-and-so, but".  I don't see Trae as an asset or a good fit.  But, if you want the other premium assets, you probably have to help them solve their money issue with him.  Put another way, you probably don't get expiring KP and Risacher AND the 26 pick.  You have to take Trae's money back (and the trouble they will probably have paying what he will want).  I'm also dubious they will give you that pick unprotected.  Could you give protections and it converts to their other 26 pick plus a 2029 (they have two) if it falls in the top 2?  

I'd also want to do some other things around the fringes.  It was probably smart to keep them out of the tax.  I might want to add Flagg's HS mate Asa Newell, especially if I agree to protect the pick.  I'd want to also put more long term money in the deal...Hardy and D'Lo and we get back Newell instead of Hardy and Exum?  Or work in Kennard for Martin or somesuch.  There is probably a workable framework somewhere in here.

The key here is recognizing this doesn't create a finished product and it isn't about 25/26.  Everyone will need to understand that Trae will likely be here long enough to flip for other assets.  I wonder if it is better to extend him at some reasonable number or to just go to the summer and try to do a S&T (risking getting nothing) if he opts out of his PO.  I think he might have value if he gave up his PO and signed 3 years for $100mm.