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

[omahen]

I don't disagree necessarily, but I've been pretty consistent that I expect AD's value to land around [Expiring + Young Player(s) + Pick(s)]. The discussion for me lies with who those players are and how good the perceived value of the pick(s) package is. I posted that fantasy trade minutes after the Stein tweet. It meets the requirement for what I believe AD to be "worth", but it was my first attempt, and I was just making a legal trade that could make sense.

Since then, I've thought it through some and found something that seems to be good from all 3 sides.

Hawks: Davis, Naji, DLO
Wizards: Young, Martin
Mavs: McCollum, Kispert, Risacher, Newell, Pick(s)

The Hawks stay just under the tax, which we know is a requirement in all of this. With this move the Mavs actually avoid the tax entirely this season, which is where a tanking team should be. I guess for me the argument is do I think the Mavs will be good next year with those young guys and draft picks added to Year 2 Cooper Flagg? Meh. Kispert is a good 3PT shooter, which Flagg needs more of around him. Risacher is the #1 overall pick from last year that seems to be slumping a bit his sophomore season. Newell is intriguing and has ties to Coop already but is an unknown rookie FRP. The draft pick selection(s) will be unknown(s) also. All of it is underwhelming but this is the bed they made...

I think Atlanta would want to keep McCollum as replacement at PG which they need if trading Young. He is probably not their long term solution, but could be a more fitting option for remainder of the season than Young. Would accept lesser role if needed. Even as 6th man if Atlanta wants to try the Davis-Johnson-Daniels-NAW-Naji starting lineup. I think KP is the expiring salary going to Mavs.