Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[Scott41theMavs]

My observation is that there seems to be a desperation to use the TPE, and a sense that it would be a mistake if they don't. It seems to me to be on the level of a "move to make a move" rather than a desire for a trade that's chasing actual value.

Of course everything is a cost/benefit analysis. I would have a fairly big problem with the Mavs believing they are done "in a vacuum." But it takes two to tango with regard to trades, and three + with sign and trades. I presume that M&M are lifting the rocks on Watson, Wallace, Scoot (with Schmitz's go-ahead), Jrue, and Murray. If there isn't a trade fit (i.e. the incumbent teams want too much in return, or in the case of e.g. Watson, the price goes too high), then so be it. There could be a benefit to "we love our boys in blue" and waiting until the deadline to use the TPE or MLE. I'm just presuming, with trust, that they will use the assets available to them to better the team - if the opportunity arises, and if they believe in the resulting roster enough to pay the tax (which further moves will likely result in) this year.