Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

I think we'd have to find PJ another home before being interested in Rui.

[loki]

I'd despise that Rui deal. He may be a better shooter than PJ, but he's the same age and has none of the defensive versatility. Let someone else overpay.

It's unfortunate that these ridiculous changes to the lottery are happening right as the Mavs need to sell their vets. I'd focus on picks in this year's draft (since they are known quantities and other teams aren't risking a potential lottery win), getting back the Mavs own future picks, and deadline deals once teams are more confident they won't be in the lottery.

[mvossman]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHW7TX7xpzk&t=75s

Bobby Marks appearing again on DLLS.....


Moving on from Kidd wasn't a surprise to him.

Teams will be hesitant to trade future firsts between 27 and 29 under the new lottery regime.  Might be difficult to send out Vets for picks.  Do you prioritize youth?  Do you hold onto vets and try for the 6th seed?  Might see Masai moving redundancy (like too many wings) and then try to thread the needle between adding to the young core and being competitive.

He identified two FA Dallas might be interested in:

Rui @ 4/$64mm (similar to NTMLE start amount)
Ayo @ 3/$51mm

Rui is the more realistic one as Minnesota won't let Ayo go.

He thinks Masai is pumping up Kyrie's value.  He won't hate keeping him til the TDL, but the Kyrie talk is gamesmanship to drive up the value.  Kyrie is perfect for these teams that lost in the playoffs...Detroit and Houston are mentioned.  

***************************

I actually don't hate the idea of Rui off the bench.  I see him as the Klay replacement if Klay is moved.  But, others would need to go before that would make sense to me.  

Obviously, there is no harm in pumping up Kyrie's value.  But, it is hard to envision deals with Detroit or Houston that don't add to the redundancy at forward rather than help to solve it.  One thing about dealing with Detroit is 21 and Holland plus 9 is a pretty good step toward adding youth.  I don't really see adding three rookies to the active roster and could seen using #30 to move some redundant salary or to move up further into the late teens.  In order to create space for Holland (or someone like him), we need to creat some opportunity for that guy to have a role.

Based on Masai recent comments, I doubt the goal is going to be hold onto vets and try for 6th seed.  I get the impression he is planning more of a tear down than some folks are thinking.  

If teams are hesitant to trade out of the next three drafts then trade into this one.

I'm not sure what is wrong with adding three rookies to the roster?  A couple of years ago Presti drafted Chet, Jalen Williams and Jalin Williams (2, 12, 34) in the same draft and they did not seem to have any issues incorporating those guys.  I don't think Masai is going to have any qualms about infusing some youth into this roster.

[KillerLeft]

I'd despise that Rui deal. He may be a better shooter than PJ, but he's the same age and has none of the defensive versatility. Let someone else overpay.

It's unfortunate that these ridiculous changes to the lottery are happening right as the Mavs need to sell their vets. I'd focus on picks in this year's draft (since they are known quantities and other teams aren't risking a potential lottery win), getting back the Mavs own future picks, and deadline deals once teams are more confident they won't be in the lottery.

Right there with you on both points. There are very few 4's that I'd want to put next to Flagg, considering my thoughts on how he (Flagg) might best fit on a modern championship roster. Interestingly, Jabari Smith is one of them, and he's being discussed in other trade ideas, but Hachimura is not on the list and not someone I have much interest in under any circumstances, frankly. 

And, yeah...JUST as a potential Mavs way forward revolves around recouping draft capital, it's suddenly had to predict what's going to happen to teams' picks, and therefor how willing they'll be to part with them.

[DanSchwartzgan]

There are very few 4's that I'd want to put next to Flagg, considering my thoughts on how he (Flagg) might best fit on a modern championship roster. Interestingly, Jabari Smith is one of them, and he's being discussed in other trade ideas, but Hachimura is not on the list and not someone I have much interest in under any circumstances, frankly. 

I haven't understood the Jabari hate.  He seems like a good fit.

In fairness to...me...I didn't put Rui "next to Flagg".  I had him as a shooting big off the bench.

[Knutsen]

I haven't understood the Jabari hate.  He seems like a good fit.

In fairness to...me...I didn't put Rui "next to Flagg".  I had him as a shooting big off the bench.

I think we’re way to bad talent wise to go after guys like Rui at that steep price - if it’s a bargain and you get a valuable asset, sure. But add him at or above his market value? That makes only sense when we’re a top team in win-now mode - if you’re sure he’s a playoff winning player - otherwise let’s please invest in talent with upside.

[RasheedsBigWhiteSpot]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHW7TX7xpzk&t=75s

Bobby Marks appearing again on DLLS.....


Moving on from Kidd wasn't a surprise to him.

Teams will be hesitant to trade future firsts between 27 and 29 under the new lottery regime.  Might be difficult to send out Vets for picks.  Do you prioritize youth?  Do you hold onto vets and try for the 6th seed?  Might see Masai moving redundancy (like too many wings) and then try to thread the needle between adding to the young core and being competitive.

He identified two FA Dallas might be interested in:

Rui @ 4/$64mm (similar to NTMLE start amount)
Ayo @ 3/$51mm

Rui is the more realistic one as Minnesota won't let Ayo go.

He thinks Masai is pumping up Kyrie's value.  He won't hate keeping him til the TDL, but the Kyrie talk is gamesmanship to drive up the value.  Kyrie is perfect for these teams that lost in the playoffs...Detroit and Houston are mentioned.  

***************************

I actually don't hate the idea of Rui off the bench.  I see him as the Klay replacement if Klay is moved.  But, others would need to go before that would make sense to me.  

Obviously, there is no harm in pumping up Kyrie's value.  But, it is hard to envision deals with Detroit or Houston that don't add to the redundancy at forward rather than help to solve it.  One thing about dealing with Detroit is 21 and Holland plus 9 is a pretty good step toward adding youth.  I don't really see adding three rookies to the active roster and could seen using #30 to move some redundant salary or to move up further into the late teens.  In order to create space for Holland (or someone like him), we need to creat some opportunity for that guy to have a role.

Appreciate the summary. 

Assuming Holland gets more of a runway in Dallas, what do you think he brings? Does that make Christie more expendable (which I'd be fine with)?

Edit: I don't necessarily see the logic in why people would be apprehensive about moving picks. I see them as a total jump ball. Like, I would've thought the Nets 2027 was MORE valuable before the changes. Now they have a chance of falling into that relegation zone and it could seriously fall. Maybe I'm not seeing it. I guess I see it on a case by case basis like picks always have been.

[Chicagojk]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHW7TX7xpzk&t=75s

Bobby Marks appearing again on DLLS.....


Moving on from Kidd wasn't a surprise to him.

Teams will be hesitant to trade future firsts between 27 and 29 under the new lottery regime.  Might be difficult to send out Vets for picks.  Do you prioritize youth?  Do you hold onto vets and try for the 6th seed?  Might see Masai moving redundancy (like too many wings) and then try to thread the needle between adding to the young core and being competitive.

He identified two FA Dallas might be interested in:

Rui @ 4/$64mm (similar to NTMLE start amount)
Ayo @ 3/$51mm

Rui is the more realistic one as Minnesota won't let Ayo go.

He thinks Masai is pumping up Kyrie's value.  He won't hate keeping him til the TDL, but the Kyrie talk is gamesmanship to drive up the value.  Kyrie is perfect for these teams that lost in the playoffs...Detroit and Houston are mentioned.  

***************************

I actually don't hate the idea of Rui off the bench.  I see him as the Klay replacement if Klay is moved.  But, others would need to go before that would make sense to me.  

Obviously, there is no harm in pumping up Kyrie's value.  But, it is hard to envision deals with Detroit or Houston that don't add to the redundancy at forward rather than help to solve it.  One thing about dealing with Detroit is 21 and Holland plus 9 is a pretty good step toward adding youth.  I don't really see adding three rookies to the active roster and could seen using #30 to move some redundant salary or to move up further into the late teens.  In order to create space for Holland (or someone like him), we need to creat some opportunity for that guy to have a role.

In that podcast where Lowe talked about Masai at the end, he said Masai is patient.   Although he is patient, don't assume that shows fear.  He said he is a shark, and will move when he thinks it is the right move.   It was really a fun listen.  

Lowe also said that Masai would not give him anything on the type of player he likes and said he likes to keep things close to the vest.  We have seen this in his press conference answers.  The teams he had in Denver were different than the teams in Toronto.

I am not sure if Rui or Ayo are the right fits to this team (with the current roster).   I think both will likely stay with their current teams.    Maybe Rui moves on if the Lakers are hesitant, but I think he probably returns.

[Chicagojk]

ESPN had two proposed trades for Dallas.  Neither of them interest me.

One was Gafford for Vando, Knecht and #25

The other was Kyrie for Isaiah Steward, Levert, Ron Holland and #21

[mvossman]

ESPN had two proposed trades for Dallas.  Neither of them interest me.

One was Gafford for Vando, Knecht and #25

The other was Kyrie for Isaiah Steward, Levert, Ron Holland and #21

I would pull the trigger on the first one.  I think #25 in this deep draft is likely the most value they will ever get for Gafford.

The second one seems a bit light but is probably Kyrie actual value right now.  I am guessing a lot of folks would say then you don't trade Kyrie.  

Pulling the trigger on both would definitely kick start the youth movement.  I like Stuart as a younger Gafford replacement (with a team option in two years) and have some interest in Holland.

[Winter]

I would pull the trigger on the first one.  I think #25 in this deep draft is likely the most value they will ever get for Gafford.

The second one seems a bit light but is probably Kyrie actual value right now.  I am guessing a lot of folks would say then you don't trade Kyrie.  

Pulling the trigger on both would definitely kick start the youth movement.  I like Stuart as a younger Gafford replacement (with a team option in two years) and have some interest in Holland.

The draft pick is OK, but I can't see either of those Laker players doing anything but taken up space on the bench. I'd rather keep Gafford. Trade him later maybe.

[DanSchwartzgan]

ESPN had two proposed trades for Dallas.  Neither of them interest me.

The other was Kyrie for Isaiah Steward, Levert, Ron Holland and #21

That feels like a realistic return.  Stewart is 25 and that contract is pretty favorable.  LaVert is filler.  The trade checker says you can put Martin in as part of the outgoing and it is still legal, so that would be a must for me.

You can probably get an interesting young bench guy at #21, but the real prize is Holland.  I could see him slotting in very nicely at the forward slot next to Flagg.  You are making a bet on his 3 point shot coming around.  If it does, you've got Jaylen Brown.  If he doesn't, you still have something valuable...especially defensively, but only fully useful if Flagg becomes a plus shooter from outside.  I actually think his skillset makes Christie more valuable, not less.

[mvossman]

The draft pick is OK, but I can't see either of those Laker players doing anything but taken up space on the bench. I'd rather keep Gafford. Trade him later maybe.

Those players are both expiring.  They are trade filler.  It about getting that draft pick and clearing 18 mil off the books in a year.

[mvossman]

That feels like a realistic return.  Stewart is 25 and that contract is pretty favorable.  LaVert is filler.  The trade checker says you can put Martin in as part of the outgoing and it is still legal, so that would be a must for me.

You can probably get an interesting young bench guy at #21, but the real prize is Holland.  I could see him slotting in very nicely at the forward slot next to Flagg.  You are making a bet on his 3 point shot coming around.  If it does, you've got Jaylen Brown.  If he doesn't, you still have something valuable...especially defensively, but only fully useful if Flagg becomes a plus shooter from outside.  I actually think his skillset makes Christie more valuable, not less.

Man, you are crazy high on holland.  I have some interest, but I don't see him ever becoming Jalen Brown.

[KillerLeft]

That feels like a realistic return.  Stewart is 25 and that contract is pretty favorable.  LaVert is filler.  The trade checker says you can put Martin in as part of the outgoing and it is still legal, so that would be a must for me.

You can probably get an interesting young bench guy at #21, but the real prize is Holland.  I could see him slotting in very nicely at the forward slot next to Flagg.  You are making a bet on his 3 point shot coming around.  If it does, you've got Jaylen Brown.  If he doesn't, you still have something valuable...especially defensively, but only fully useful if Flagg becomes a plus shooter from outside.  I actually think his skillset makes Christie more valuable, not less.

Agreed. I have been surprised at the hate this deal has gotten. Give me Stewart over Gafford 10/10 times, so that frees him up for a follow up trade. And, sorry, but I think that's about where Kyrie's value probably is. I can handle the viewpoint that now is not the time to trade Kyrie, but they're not getting more than that for him, and it's not like offers will get better over time at his age.

[windjc]

Agreed. I have been surprised at the hate this deal has gotten. Give me Stewart over Gafford 10/10 times, so that frees him up for a follow up trade. And, sorry, but I think that's about where Kyrie's value probably is. I can handle the viewpoint that now is not the time to trade Kyrie, but they're not getting more than that for him, and it's not like offers will get better over time at his age.

Please. Kyrie is a young 34 with about 3-4 years less tread on those tires. If he comes back 90-95% of his old self, his trade value will be MUCH higher by the trade deadline or summer of next year. Look at what teams pay for Harden and Durant as they make their way around the entire league as one year additions.

[Winter]

Those players are both expiring.  They are trade filler.  It about getting that draft pick and clearing 18 mil off the books in a year.

Even if those Lakers are on expiring contracts, the trade feels empty in my opinion. And it's not like #25 pick is some kind of prize. It's a rotation player at best. Gafford is capable of strong minutes every night. You don't need to dump for that.

At least the Detroit trade has players that can play serviceable minutes - and Stewart has some serious bite to him. Plus the pick is #21.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

Those players are both expiring.  They are trade filler.  It about getting that draft pick and clearing 18 mil off the books in a year.

Vanderbilt has a player option for next year according to Spotrac.  So 2 years left on his deal.  I had to look that up before deciding whether I'd make that trade.  Probably not for that reason.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/4886...nt-pistons


Here's the ESPN Trade Offers link.

[DanSchwartzgan]

Man, you are crazy high on holland.  I have some interest, but I don't see him ever becoming Jalen Brown.

I don't know about crazy high, but I like the fit and I like the upside.  The ESPN article makes the point that Holland probably isn't a fit next to Thompson.  But, his point-of-attack D and ability to create for himself and finish at the rim make him worth having in Dallas even if the three never comes around.  If he ever gets to league average from deep, watch out.  In 29 games post all-star break he was .299.  If he hit four more threes in those games it would have been .360.  He is two months older than Burries.  Do we really think he's a finished product with no upside?

In his age 20 season Jaylen Brown's per 36 was one point less, one steal less and the same number of boards.  Holland's FT% was .805 vs. .685 for Brown.  In fact, Brown didn't hit evern 3/4's of his FT's for his first four seasons.  Holland's WS, BPM and VORP are all superior to Brown's in their age 20 seasons.  Again, I see him as being a valuable cog next to Flagg with just natural development of what he already has as long as Flagg can hit his own 3's.  I don't see the need to necessarily build the team on the assumption that Flagg won't ever be a good 3 point shooter.

One thing I'll note.  Detroit has all of its picks going forward.  I would hope Masai would be able to add an unprotected future first to this (preferably in a year after Kyrie is gone).  At that point, Detroit will largely be a one-man show and if you happen to catch a year where Cade misses a significant portion of the season, then that might be a valuable pick.  If push came to shove, I'd rather swap 21 for 30 and add a pick in 28 or 29.