Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[DanSchwartzgan]

Haven't we been hearing these doom-and-gloom comments over Kyrie's next contract for TWO times already, and each time it turned out to be total nonsense? In fact, the general consensus each time (after lots of alarming predictions of how Kyrie's deal was about to wreck the Mavs payroll, or force him out of town) was that Kyrie left lots of money on the table. 

If Kyrie is in a place where he wants to be, I don't think future contracts will be a crisis at all.

Doom and gloom feels a bit strong for what I’m bringing up.  For the record, I predicted the discounts Kyrie took both times to numbers that were very close to what he got.  Also, $100mm is basically the $40mm he’d be opting out of plus two more years at $30mm each.  Given how you see Kyrie, I suspect you think that would continue to be a discount.

The question for the Mav’s is whether they want to be the team that pays that for his age 37 and 38 seasons.  I don’t and I think this summer or the TDL is the time to make a move and avoid having to make that decision.  He hasn’t exactly been the picture of health for several years now.  I bet someone is going to get a fantastic year from him this year and will then be in a difficult position next summer.