05-15-2026, 12:15 PM
(05-15-2026, 11:41 AM)Smitty Wrote: I like the creativity. Obviously unrealistic. Maybe even a bit of "draft fever". BUT I have zero interest in trading Kyrie for a draft pick, unless it's top-4 (which isn't happening). I think Flagg needs a 'Kyrie' for the next step in his development. We could see a Luka-like year 2 leap with a running mate like Kai next to him. Everything the front office does going forward has to be about Flagg and his development. Bringing in 4 or 5 rookies like you suggested and shipping out already good to great players like Kyrie, PJ, Klay, and Max is going backwards, and not doing what's in the best interest for Cooper IMO.
I'll agree that 99% of our trade pontificating will never come to pass, let alone multiple. However, as much as I like rooting for Kyrie and think he would be good to play with Cooper, I can't help but see that he's about the only valuable asset the Mavs have to add assets that will fit with Flagg's ascending, prime timeline. I fear that if he isn't dealt now, before he requires an extension, that ship may sail.
Hey, we can disagree on which youthful pieces would be best to leave the Draft with, but I hope we can agree that getting more 19-24 year olds, the better, so long as there's a few vets to lead in the locker room.
And I like the "idea" of Lively. But I am seriously concerned that he's a different form of Roy Tarpley -- they tease you with talent, but can't, for varying reasons, stay on the court. Maybe Mara isn't it for you. We can agree to disagree (his shuffle drill was guard-like so I don't really see him being played off the court) on him, but I think the Mavs need to be looking very hard at a center sooner than later so they don't paint themselves into a corner on a Lively extension.
Lastly, if the Mavs could do that OKC trade for #12, I might still be okay with trading #9 for #14 and #18. The Mavs could get Burries, Carr, Johnson and pray that Okorie makes it to 30. In this scenario the Mavs still have Kyrie.
To be clear, in this specific draft, I want as many bites at the apple as possible.