I know it's an impossible thought experiment but would you have traded Luka and four guys who don't play for Cooper Flagg, a 2026 lottery pick, 3 additional FRP, 3 SRP, Christie, Middleton, Jones, Bagley, AJJ and financial flexibility? Given Flagg's rapid development, I think I'd say yes. That's quite a (lucky) haul.
With respect to this draft, I'm not sure it's gotten much attention, but one thing to keep in mind is FOUR teams currently projected to pick before Dallas will be trying to make the playoffs next year. You also have Milwaukee and OKC with lottery balls.
Let's say you're Milwaukee, OKC, Indiana, Atlanta, Washington or Utah and you land top-4. Would you be interested in Kyrie? What about Kyrie plus Dallas at 7?
My point is, the Mavs can get lucky with the draft in more ways that one. I'd really hate to trade Kyrie but if you want to move up and get your guy, there could be a team there who's willing to listen to offers. The Mavs have assets including FRPs, financial wiggle room and tradeable players like Kyrie, Gafford, Naji, PJW and Christie to do some cool things.
With respect to this draft, I'm not sure it's gotten much attention, but one thing to keep in mind is FOUR teams currently projected to pick before Dallas will be trying to make the playoffs next year. You also have Milwaukee and OKC with lottery balls.
Let's say you're Milwaukee, OKC, Indiana, Atlanta, Washington or Utah and you land top-4. Would you be interested in Kyrie? What about Kyrie plus Dallas at 7?
My point is, the Mavs can get lucky with the draft in more ways that one. I'd really hate to trade Kyrie but if you want to move up and get your guy, there could be a team there who's willing to listen to offers. The Mavs have assets including FRPs, financial wiggle room and tradeable players like Kyrie, Gafford, Naji, PJW and Christie to do some cool things.