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

[Nowitzki Way]

Yeah, I don’t like the idea of sending out more future firsts than we already have, all for the pick to fall to 7.

Exactly. New Orleans has no incentive to tank. They may be a bad team, but they have 8 wins.  Seven other teams have anywhere from 8 to 14 wins (including the Mavs).  That pick could land top 3 and we're guaranteed another superstar.  But it could land at 7 as you stated and then what?

Those odds arent good enough to give up solely for AD.  

Several things appear likely but not certain.  

Trae traded to Washington for expiring. That frees them up to trade for another big salary, probably AD. 

Rich Paul is looking for an extension and doesn't see one in Dallas. Pushing for a trade to a team wanting to extend. Sooner rather than later.

AD traded to Atlanta for something.  KP going to Dallas for salary.  

Atlanta wont trade NOP pick AND Risacher. So its one or the other.

If Dallas wants the NOP pick they will need to add pieces such as Max or Naji and other pick(s)

Dallas will want to add D-Lo, Hardy, Martin, maybe Exum into the deal. 


My 2 cents.  Deadlines make deals. We'll see who caves first.  But ultimately my guess is Dallas will be too hesitant to include the extra pieces to pry that NOP pick. Atlanta wont want a bad salary such as Martin. May settle for Hardy or D-Lo
This trade will happen in simple terms.

AD, D-Lo to Atlanta

KP, Kennard, Risacher, Cle 26 pick to Dallas