Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[F Gump]

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?

Thanks for the thoughtful analysis.

" 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" ---  True. And I would offer one more point about a potential Kyrie trade.

It's easy to forget, but when Kyrie got hurt, he was playing at an all-NBA level, without Luka for almost 2 months and carrying the offense. If he comes back fully healthy and 100%, he's going to have tremendous value to the Mavs, and also to teams who need THE FINAL PIECE to perhaps get them to the top. 

He also has a contract that is a tremendous bargain - like gold in a hard cap world - for an all-NBA contribution. 

The problem in the NBA is that windows to get to the top close quickly, so if you are fairly close but DON'T get the pieces you need to go up that final rung, you fall by the wayside. The payroll mushrooms, you have to shed talent, and you have to find someone else. If Kyrie's offense is what you need, he probably offers a 3 year window, maybe a bit more. 

The point being, I think some team who is on the next rung down from the top, might go all-in, with high value picks and future-value players (who aren't quite ready to help them now), to get Kyrie once he has shown he's at full speed again. That's the offer to hold out for. With some patience, I think the offers and the perception of value will go way up.