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

[Smitty]

The Pistons have nearly $19M in tax space and a $14.1M TE, from the Schroder trade, that expires in July. Jaden Ivey has been underwhelming for them this year. He is a 23 year old combo guard that is a restricted free agent this summer. Would they be interested in the combination of Klay and Naji for Ivey and a FRP? Could you then make a move like Gafford for Mathurin or to ATL for Kennard + FRP, and duck the tax completely this season? I don't know that it's a requirement from Dumont, but as it stands, that repeater tax bill is massive next season.

DAL: Ivey, '27 FRP (DET)
DET: Naji, Klay

DAL: Kennard, '26 FRP (CLE)
ATL: Gafford


This would move the Mavs ~$2M below the tax line and free up a roster spot for Nembhard. The Mavs could then waive Exum at the point of needing to convert Cisse, when his two-way eligibility runs out this season.

I wanted to look at the financials of a deal like this, and why I think it's important to discuss.

If the Mavs make no moves at the TDL they will have a tax bill of ~$32M this season, while also missing out on ~$14M distribution, and become a repeater tax team next year, with a projected tax bill of ~$120M. We're talking about an extra $150M-$200M dollars for a non-contender. It's mind blowing. A move like this is what that would save Dumont.... ~$200-million-dollar difference in payroll and taxes the next 18 months.

As for what these two moves would like for the roster next season:

Irving (33) | Nembhard (22) | DLO (29)
Christie (22) | Ivey (23) | Hardy (23)
Flagg (19) | Martin (30)
PJW (27)
Davis (32) | Lively (21) | Cisse (23)

+FRP (Own), +FRP (CLE),


UFA: Powell, BWill, Kennard, Exum
RFA: Ivey
PO: DLO


The Mavs payroll would be roughly $188M, before paying Ivey. With a tax line of ~$201M next season, you would be able to pay Ivey up to ~$13M year 1 and stay below the tax line a second year in a row or ~$10M year 1, while also adding another Minimum player to get to 15 roster spots.


A projected Ivey deal of 3/$41M, which is the same contract Josh Green got.

Year 1: $12,654,321
Year 2: $13,666,667
Year 3: $14,679,012


The Mavs would start extension talks with Christie, who has a player option in '27-'28, that he will surely look to decline. They can also talk extension with Lively if they feel the need to do so.