Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[F Gump]

Black is an interesting name, but given Suggs injury history (and horrific contract) its hard to imagine the Mavs being particularly excited to give up their 2nd best player for that haul. 

I think ORL has a bigger question to answer between Banchero and Wagner. Obvious that pair doesnt really work and neither are really a true #1. Wagner was always on my dream list.

Now would we be interested in giving up a Kyrie for Wagner swap? Talent wise it feels about even, but it's hard to imagine this team getting better losing Kyrie. His vet leadership is sorely needed. Cooper is the engine but he needs to learn still how to control a locker room and that's hard to do at 20 years old.

I don't see any real net benefit to having Wagner. Good player, but bad fit. Wrong position (he doesn't address a position of need), his skill set looks like a clunky spacing fit (he's a mid-range player, with no real ability to stretch the floor). His 45M aav salary would be a MAJOR allocation, making a problematic payroll fit. Mavs have a better guy to build around (Flagg) at major salary ahead at the same general position. HARD pass. 

Their target should be Halliburton-type player. That's the running mate CF needs. Get a significant upgrade from the Kyrie, Larry, Sasser, Clayton set of PGs. If not, not helpful imo.