Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[Chicagojk]

See, I'm the opposite of you.  Without draft pick control over the next couple years and having a young generational talent, it makes zero sense to slow build this team.  If anything, you speed the process up.  Get him playoff experience now...because it's a different animal than the regular season.  The faster he gets a taste of it, the better for the franchise overall.  Get it now, while SA and OKC are the beast that they are.   Sure, you might not compete for the title right now, but your getting him that experience that will be needed when the team is there.

Your getting your shot of youth for the team now - a loaded draft.  If the player isn't there at 9 you want, try to do the OKC deal....move down a little and get 3 players for now and the future.  If you can't move down, then draft the BPA at each spot in this draft.  

You don't move Kyrie unless another all star level player is coming back...particularly a guard.  That's probably not happening, so you roll with Kyrie and Flagg this season, making a push for the playoffs.  There is talent on this team now...that when healthy and actually playing to win, should succeed.  

Klay and Martin should be moved if possible 
Gafford for the right deal 
Maybe Marshal or PJ - but only if actual talent is coming back that fits better
Your going to add to the talent on the roster with the draft picks and FA.

They should be able to compete this year for a playoff spot

This is where I come in as well.  The west is a blood bath, but I think a Play-in should at least be the expectation.    It is not the goal though.  I expect one of PJ, Marshall or Gafford to be moved this offseason, but I don't expect big changes.   They have surprised with a few moves already though.    I think they will go into next season trying to win, but with the flexibility to change directions either due to results or if an opportunity they cannot pass on presents itself.  While I think they are going to try to win, I don't think they pass on a deal that may make them worse short term, but better longterm just because they do not have their first round pick.  I don't believe this will impact their decisions at all.  

I also agree that getting Cooper in real, meaningful games is a goal.  Sure SA made a turnaround quickly without Wemby having much experience in important games, but I am in favor of getting young players in these envirnonments often and early.  I think it is great way to expedite their development.