Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[Chicagojk]

@APHOOPS
I’m like 90% sure Mathurin is just name-searching and liking any tweet that can be perceived as negative for #motivation, but if you assume that Dallas actually is his “preferred destination” then the deal won’t be for the player(s) I see a lot of you tweeting about.

A sign-and-trade would trigger a first apron hard cap for Dallas and they’re $9.54M below that apron right now. So if Mathurin’s new contract starts at $17.5M then Dallas would have to send out at least $9M. So, while it technically *could* be PJ Washington or Daniel Gafford, their salaries are too large and create subsequent salary-shedding/roster spot issues for LA. LA would [ideally] have to invite a third team (Brooklyn?) into the deal and incentivize them with draft capital to absorb someone like Isaiah Jackson into their cap space or another team’s TPE. And that’s not even considering the draft capital you’d likely have to send to Dallas for someone like Washington (Gafford you could probably get straight up for Mathurin).

The simplest way for a trade to be executed for both sides under those parameters (Mathurin, 3YR/$54M [1+2])? Bennedict Mathurin for Naji Marshall. That’d help Dallas stay under the first apron hard cap with 15 rostered players. Marshall’s role was likely going to be decreased headed into next season now with Dallas’ acquisitions of Santi Aldama, Morez Johnson, and Zaccharie Risacher. That’s on top of already having Cooper Flagg and PJ Washington.

A scoring guard for a team that needs a scoring guard. A wing capable of guarding forwards for a team that needs some size. Which team, if any, gets picks? I’ll let yall argue about that.

I am just having trouble getting there with Mathurin.   I think him, Sharpe and Kuminga are all similar players (different positions).  Catch them no the right night (and I have) and you think they can be stars.    I think any trade for Dallas would be an asset play.

As far as fit goes, it is tough.   I don't think either Sharpe or Mathurin really fit perfectly now.   They could fit less in the future.  I really think if Dallas invests in a player it is best they are a combo guard.    With Kyrie's age, it would be best to have a player who could pick up more ball handling roles.   

Right now the Mavs have Max and maybe Sasser as off ball guards.    Cooper and maybe Risacher could play some 2 as well.    It just seems not ideal to add a guy like Mathurin or Sharpe in that mix without a ton of clear minutes available.   I guess I could understand the thinking of clearing out the PF crowd by moving PJ for one.  Although, I am not sure that really fixes anything long term...especially when you think another guard is needed.  

TLDR- Don't think a Kyrie, Sergio, Max, Mathurin/Sharpe is the backcourt pairing I envision moving forward for the Mavs.   

They are talented players though.