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

[michaeltex]

Apart from the short time Chandler was here, it feels like DAL has been searching for strength in the middle for years. Dirk's size softened the blow for a decade, but it was still there. It was really highlighted a few years back during the WCF with GSW. MBT seemed to try, I mean they had as many as 7 centers in camp one year and still ended up with Powell getting most of the starts.

It felt like the hole was getting plugged with drafting Lively. Youth, energy, size and above average BBIQ helped stabilize the defense and provided a high rise outlet for Luka's PnR magic. Adding Gaff gave depth without sacrificing performance. Wins took off and they made it all the way to the NBA Finals. The 5 spot was viewed as a team strength going forward.

Now Luka's wearing purple/gold. AD puts up great numbers, when he plays (~15 games since getting traded?), but he says he'd rather play PF than C. Both Lively and Gaff have missed significant time with injuries. Now Lively's done for this season due to lingering foot issues. Gaff is trying to play, but is having to fight through an ankle injured on the 1st day of training camp. Finally, rumors have it that DAL may trade away 2 of the three looking for draft picks and guard help.

Which, to my thinking, kind of puts us back where we were a few years ago. Team bagel, with a big hole in the middle.