2026 NBA draft thread

[F Gump]

First of all, I would say that your standards for a trade for Kyrie are pretty unreasonably high, given that each of the top four guys would go number one in about 50% of draft classes. The players on the big board after them are still pretty decent. 21 put up the goofy theoretical of the Bucks getting a top four pick and trading Kyrie for that pick, Rollins, and Portis. The Bucks wouldn't do that. But if they're drafting 10th? Hell yes to that deal. We don't control our draft pick for the next four years. Flagg + three near-blue chip players on his timeline? Yes, please.

"I would say that your standards for a trade for Kyrie are pretty unreasonably high, given that each of the top four guys would go number one in about 50% of draft classes" --- I prefer to keep Kyrie. I value Kyrie. I think he offers a MAJOR plus for the Mavs future. I'm not worried about the fact that Kyrie is in his 30s. (I'm not worried about the 2030's.) 

From that frame of reference (my personal POV) about what Kyrie would provide, there's nothing unreasonable about what I would want. 

For those like you who don't especially value Kyrie, I get why you demand a lower ask. You prefer to get rid of him. I get it. Any ole bag of beans (more or less) will be enough for you.

But I think he is worth way more than that. Not in any hurry to turn the page. I think the Mavs need elite talent way more than they need random picks. (And I don't put a high value on any pick past about 7 or 8 in this draft.) Kyrie should be an elite talent - which means he draws attention and opens the floor for CF and the new draft pick. To me, THAT is something I want, to increase the impact of CF. I think it will matter and will accelerate his development when he won't have to play 1 on 5.