01-23-2026, 08:39 PM
(This post was last modified: 01-23-2026, 08:41 PM by RasheedsBigWhiteSpot.)
(01-23-2026, 01:52 PM)mvossman Wrote: By all reports, that is way too much coming back to Mavs. AD reported value is nowhere near NOP pick and I don't think anybody thinks Naji is worth two firsts. That trade sans the NOP pick is probably closer to the ballpark.
Respectfully, I disagree. Taking on TWO YEARS of an empty Max contract is significant. That's two seasons where a third of the Mavs' cap is a black hole.
Likewise, in terms of value, who is worth more? Tre Murphy at 4 yrs/$25+ million per or Naji at 2 years/$9 mil per. It's long been considered that Murphy nets 3 1sts plus something. Do you still think Naji doesn't get at least one first plus at least a swap, if not something?
And I view this trade in terms of multiple seasons. The Mavs are basically hamstrung for two seasons, while the Hawks are getting multiple players who can help the next two years. If the deal is close, then the Mavs can figure in a protected Lakers pick that converts to a Mavs'2030 or 2032.
Yes, I like the Pelicans' pick, but it's far from a slam dunk that it's guaranteed to be a Top 3.