Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[Chicagojk]

I don’t see much ‘never-trade-Kyrie’ sentiment here.  I may be wrong, but the critique of the Kyrie ideas that have been thrown around seems more about the timing not being right (wait for a better return near the TDL).  But, more often, the criticism has been about the compensation not being enough.  I don’t want to argue pick equity.  Some teams can add picks to the frameworks mentioned…for instance, Detroit.  They have all sorts of pick equity.  But at some level the actual players matter more as many of the picks coming from Kyrie destinations are likely to be late firsts.

So, my question is, who is good enough in terms of the players coming back?  I feel like the goal is something that makes you better now (just not Kyrie ‘better’) and something that makes you better later (like a young unproven player or a likely lottery pick).  You can dress it up with some pick, but again, those aren’t likely to be huge difference making picks.  So, here is what I’ve seen at various places:

The Houston ideas probably have either Jabari/FVV or Jabari/R. Shepherd
The Detroit idea was Stewart, Holland, Filler
Any Minnesota idea is built around either McDaniels or Naz Reid with Beringer and Filler
There was an idea on another thread that added Garland and swapped 5 for 9


Who else?  I’ve seen Milwaukee mentioned, but I’m not sure that makes sense for either side.  

Miami?  Herro plus Ware?  
Orlando?  Suggs plus what?  
Phoenix?  Green plus Maluach?  
Toronto?  Quickly plus CMB?

There aren’t that many teams that are good enough to be a Kyrie destination who are also missing someone like Kyrie.  Who did I miss?  Who on that list moves the needle for those who haven’t liked the Houston, Detroit, LAC and Minnesota based ideas that have been mentioned?

The fit is tough.  Also, Kyrie will be heavily involved if and when he is traded.   Houston is the best option imo.  They have the most stuff offer and in different variations.    That could change if they make an aggressive move this offseason.

Minny will be aggressive.  I just don't think they have a good offer.  I found it interesting that the Minny beat writer included Berringer in their core and not Gobert or Randle.   I think Minny tries to do something this summer with Gobert and/or Randle.  I don't think that is a package that would interest Dallas.

I also don't like the Detroit package.   That could change if Holland shows some growth, but that is not something I consider now.  Detroit could be a panic team next year though if they drop a notch.   

As far other teams?  Portland with a package build around Scoot or Sharpe?   Atlanta has a lot of pieces but they may solve their immediate needs this summer in the draft and have assets to make a bigger move.