Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[DanSchwartzgan]

I did not, but that would make it worse. Cam's ULTBE is $4.1M. So, any hardcap deals where the Mavs take on more salary this league year is difficult. That's why Klay is the only 1:1 that works there. There are several 2:1 deals that work though, but at that point you're basically trade matching and the TPE is pointless and provides no savings to the Nuggets next year, which again is the whole point they're looking to trade Cam and/or Braun.

The ULTBE for 26/27 is $4.5mm and combined with the $5.5mm salary spread between Klay and Cam next season is $10mm of room compared to the apron.  I imagine they are trying to manage tax (which Klay for Cam helps some) and apron math (which it helps a bunch).  So even that deal isn't nothing for Denver.

Denver's picks are tied up, but it doesn't preclude a pick swap out into the future...2031 or 2033.  I think that might be more valuable than moving up four slots this year (but ask me after the draft and I might feel differently).

It appears Cam/Braun for Klay/Caleb/AJ works and is big enough to solve Braun's PPP issue.  It doesn't help much, but if you net out the wasted salaries of Caleb and AJ against Braun, it bring him down closer to $20mm/year.  I spent some time on this today and I think I would make this deal (I said earlier that I wasn't a fan).  Injuries played a huge role in the dropoff in his production.  WS's of 8 and huge +/- numbers don't grow on trees.  I think I would take the chance and slot Christie coming off the bench assuming the ankle issues aren't chronic and an off-season of rest will fix them.

Lively/Gafford/Cisse
PJ/Cam/
Flagg/Naji
Braun/Christie
Kyrie/Burries/Nembhard

That bench is pretty strong.