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

[F Gump]

I think it is clear there is disagreement with your perception of Market Value.  But, you are in essence saying there is no market unless Dallas agrees to a deal.  Thus, your perception of what they will accept defines market value.  That just feels circular.  

Circular is not the right word. What I am offering is my view of how things are (which includes opinion), and it aligns with how I think things are likeliest to go, because of course it should! Otherwise, I should have a different opinion.

But yes, IN MY ESTIMATION, the Mavs are less likely to be committed to seeing AD is traded. So, "what do they want or expect, as their minimum acceptable return" is imo what is closest to defining what a TDL trade would end up looking like, IF ONE HAPPENS, because I think that otherwise the Mavs will simply walk.

I'm not suggesting they have put out a mandate, take it or leave it. If they are smart, they are asking for even more than they would accept, with a willingness to negotiate to that bare minimum if need be.

But I think they know what they want and if anyone chases an AD deal, I think it will be the buyer, not the Mavs. 

If a deal doesn't happen? Then we can't really answer the question of "what deal was the workable deal" with any reliability. 

I don't do this from only the Mavs pov, even though I think they are the ones who will drive the hardest bargain. For example, I have repeatedly noted disagreement with viability of the particulars of any proposed deals that put ATL over the tax line, because I don't think the ATL ownership would be willing to go there period. I also think that will continue to apply to future years ATL payroll.