Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[DanSchwartzgan]

I like what I have seen but I remember last year when I talked myself into Nembhard and BWill because the Mavs were desperate for a point guard. Probably to early to tell if Clayton is a keeper or just looking good because any kind of guard is better than Flagg as the only ballhandler on the floor or Naji playing PG.

That's fair.  I'm leery of jumping on the Clayton hype train too early myself.  I don't love that Memphis gave up on him, but I have heard reporting that he was a requirement of theirs in the JJJ trade and they were trying to get a first round pick for him all summer.  

It is interesting to me that I'm in love with the potential of the 25th pick from this years draft but hesitant to fall in love too quickly with the 18th pick from last years draft.  In my mind Larry has greater upside, but that isn't really based on anything other than some unbelievable passing in summer league.  There are worse things in the world than Larry and Clayton fighting for backup minutes behind Kyrie (though I suspect Sasser's spot could be in jeopardy when he hits free agency this summer if both look good).

[KillerLeft]

I like what I have seen but I remember last year when I talked myself into Nembhard and BWill because the Mavs were desperate for a point guard. Probably to early to tell if Clayton is a keeper or just looking good because any kind of guard is better than Flagg as the only ballhandler on the floor or Naji playing PG.

I like him a lot, and remember being actively aware that I was talking myself into Nembhard last year. I don't feel that way about Clayton, Jr. I think he's just good at pick and roll basketball - straight up. And, he has good size. 

Maybe he's just showing us his very best, and will fall back to Earth? I really struggle to see what Utah/Mem didn't see in him, so far. I've noticed some major defensive issues here and there, but nothing "cut" worthy.

[mvossman]

That's fair.  I'm leery of jumping on the Clayton hype train too early myself.  I don't love that Memphis gave up on him, but I have heard reporting that he was a requirement of theirs in the JJJ trade and they were trying to get a first round pick for him all summer.  

It is interesting to me that I'm in love with the potential of the 25th pick from this years draft but hesitant to fall in love too quickly with the 18th pick from last years draft.  In my mind Larry has greater upside, but that isn't really based on anything other than some unbelievable passing in summer league.  There are worse things in the world than Larry and Clayton fighting for backup minutes behind Kyrie (though I suspect Sasser's spot could be in jeopardy when he hits free agency this summer if both look good).

 My guess is the biggest reason you are more excited about Larry is that you don't have a year of NBA sample to see potential flaws (like Clayton's terrible shooting).  I still have dreams of Larry eventually becoming a plus starter in the league, but that may be harder to do by the end of this season (unless this current injury is worse than hoped).

[KillerLeft]

I think Larry is going to be an NBA player - possibly even a very good one. I'm pretty confident about that, actually.

What I'm less confident about is that he's going to be a lead ball-handler/PG type as we all hope. Yes, he can pass (understatement), and despite his poor showing in preseason as a shooter, it looks like that won't be a problem. But, he's SLOOOOOOWWWW. He does not have guard FEET. I think he might be slow for a SF, even, but I'm starting to wonder if that's not what he'll end up being in the NBA. It doesn't mean he can't run the offense from time to time, but I worry that he isn't "the answer" to the "Mavs franchise PG" question.

[mvossman]

I think Larry is going to be an NBA player - possibly even a very good one. I'm pretty confident about that, actually.

What I'm less confident about is that he's going to be a lead ball-handler/PG type as we all hope. Yes, he can pass (understatement), and despite his poor showing in preseason as a shooter, it looks like that won't be a problem. But, he's SLOOOOOOWWWW. He does not have guard FEET. I think he might be slow for a SF, even, but I'm starting to wonder if that's not what he'll end up being in the NBA. It doesn't mean he can't run the offense from time to time, but I worry that he isn't "the answer" to the "Mavs franchise PG" question.

Yeah, my long term vision (which changes almost daily) originally had Larry at the 1, but his lack of handles and quickness has me pushing him farther up the lineup.  Right now I see Lively/Morez/Flagg as the big rotation with Risacher and Larry as the wings.  That means when we are ready to pull the trigger on a big trade, it will need to be for a two way PG.

[Chicagojk]

I don't think Larry will be able to run the team like an engine like a lot of these guards do.   I see him as someone who is a connector and makes quick decisions off others.    I think he will be best paired with Flagg/Kyrie.  He seems to just see things in advance.   

BTW, when did Ty Jerome turn into Jalen Brunson?  I mentioned Jerome a week or so ago about Clayton Jr.   Not that Clayton Jr will turn out like him but it took Jerome (former late first) several years and trips to eventually break thru two years ago.    This year he has been amazing.  I doubt he does it all year long, but what a start.