Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[KillerLeft]

I mean Brown will be 30 in October, so there is some urgency to win with him sooner than later.

Yeah, for sure. 

That's another thing I'm learning: Even when it comes to GOOD players, it's often harder to find the right niche for these guys in trade than we imagine it will be. Brown seems like the type teams would kill for a chance to bid on, only he's expensive, older and wants to run his own team, so...extracting "good value" for him might be harder than we think. 

All of this, to me, supports the point made above by ChicagoJK that not being committed to expensive players about whom you have doubts is part of the goal these days. The era of "just pay him - worst case scenario, we'll move him later" might really be ending.

[Moviemavguy]

@JakeLFischer
The Raptors and Clippers have held real trade conversations this weekend on sending Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto, according to the league sources.


In discussions with the Clippers, sources say Toronto has expressed a preference in dealing Brandon Ingram to Los Angeles, as opposed to RJ Barrett.

They gonna trade him before or after they lose 2 firsts for collusion?  Weird how there is 0 news on that front.

[KillerLeft]

They gonna trade him before or after they lose 2 firsts for collusion?  Weird how there is 0 news on that front.

Beacuse nobody wants to mess with Balmer. Hate to say it, but the league is probably justified in wishing to avoid that path in real life. It sucks, but I get it.

I guess the good news for Mavs fans is that our ownership group is much closer to that Blamer level than Cuban was. They were able to make Cuban more wealthy than he has actually ever been at any point, I think, and STILL be vastly more wealthy than he is now.

[Moviemavguy]

Beacuse nobody wants to mess with Balmer. Hate to say it, but the league is probably justified in wishing to avoid that path in real life. It sucks, but I get it.

I guess the good news for Mavs fans is that our ownership group is much closer to that Blamer level than Cuban was. They were able to make Cuban more wealthy than he has actually ever been at any point, I think, and STILL be vastly more wealthy than he is now.

Then the NBA really is just the WWE and not a real sport anymore.  If the league is afraid of billionaire owners, then they might as well not even have a commissioner...or any rules at all for that matter.

[KillerLeft]

Then the NBA really is just the WWE and not a real sport anymore.  If the league is afraid of billionaire owners, then they might as well not even have a commissioner...or any rules at all for that matter.

I don't think it's quite at that precipice, exactly, but I agree with the issue you've identified. 

We're talking about a league who voted in anti-flopping fines and then basically never imposed them in any sort of lasting, effective way. I think it's important to remember that Silver works for the owners, not the other way around. It's just one, big business at the end of the day. The competitive aspect of it is just for us.

[DallasMaverick]

These moves might work out for them long term but that fan base is hurting like we were after the Luka trade.  They were an ascending team with a home grown star and it feels like they pulled the rug out from under the fan base.  They have a bunch of future 1st rd picks.  People love asset accumulation but we'll see what they end up doing with those assets.

I am 100% in the camp of I'd rather have Lamelo Ball than Naz Reid and a 1st rd pick.  Lamelo is one of the 5-10 best offensive players in the NBA.  Reading the comments here, I thought I was nuts but my dude SligthlyBiased is with me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3QW3rgGdbw

edit:  The only concern with Lamelo for me is the games missed.  I don't really understand why fans clown on him.  He's not really any different than Luka Doncic.  He's immature.  Doesn't play defense.  Drives like shit.  Maybe it's the last name.

The fans might SAY they care about Lamelo, or Luka. But what they really care about is winning.

If charlotte wins a championship in the next couple of years, all will be forgiven, and Lamelo will quickly be forgotten. Like an old girlfriend.

[cow]

Just an aside, but I really thought Brandon Ingram would have a more impactful career.

THJ makes a lot of sense for the Heat and would make me happy as that will further cement the awkward Bam/Giannis roster.

[SleepingHero]

Subscribe to the You Know Ball Patreon (@TrillBroDude)
I can’t imagine Kawhi getting traded to the Raptors with one year left on his deal.

What would they even trade … a ceiling capping mid range heavy wing scorer, Jakob Poeltl and a pick?

[Chicagojk]

Kawhi is probably trying to use leverage to get another big contract extension, although he is one of the weirdest superstars out there.   An odd career too filled with brillance and frustration.  Here is the lead from one of the big LA sportwriters.    I think the Clippers front office is pretty good, despite having one of the worst trades ever.   I don't think it makes sense for them to pony up for a big Leonard extension.   He probably knows that and is looking to gain some leverage.

[Plaschke] “Kawhi was the worst free-agent signing in LA sports history. He has abused an organization, alienated a fan base and basically collected nearly $300 m of Ballmer’s money and burned it. He has been injured, apathetic,entitled, disconnected and generally nothing but a pain in the backside”

[Chicagojk]

The Warriors are expected to pursue Collin Sexton and Anfernee Simons, per @TheSteinLine & @JakeLFischer

“League sources say that the Warriors, though, are planning to register interest in various other free agents while waiting to see how James' highly anticipated free agency plays out. Sources say that Golden State is among the teams expected to pursue veteran big man Jock Landale in addition to scoring guards such as Anfernee Simons and Collin Sexton.”

I watched highlights of Simons from Boston and his game surprised me.    I remember him being quick but also a dangerous three point shooter.   What surprised me is while he still takes and makes threes, he appears to have lost some quickness.   He takes a lot of difficult threes.  He makes them at a good percentage but at least from the highlights is not a guy who really tries to get to the rim often.  Anyone else agree?   

I have no idea of what type of players they target, but I left the highlights thinking Simons is not it.

[Chicagojk]

@TheSteinLine
League sources tell @JakeLFischer and me that Tim Hardaway Jr. and Mike Conley Jr. are expected to be priority targets in free agency for Miami after the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade.

That's just one item of MANY in our Sunday Best NBA Intel compilation: tinyurl.com/bd4jexes

I will be watching who they target.   Typically the older veteran route doesn't work in a long, competitive season.  They need some young bodies who are innings eaters.   Hardwaway seems like a fit as a 8th man type.   Not sure I see the value in Conley at this stage.

[Chicagojk]

I think Kidd pushing Max to do those things he’s not cut out to do was actually the right call. In a lost season, it’s the perfect time to push the issue. That’s part of player development. Obviously, the results weren’t great with the expanded role/duties, but I have to think it could pay off in the long run. Same can be said for how Flagg was used. Still, Max is younger than several that were drafted last week. He seems like a hard worker, intangibles guy, so I think he will continue to get better. Ideally he’s a sniper off the bench for a good team RIGHT NOW, but he’s shown enough to project more for him IMO.

I think Max is the type of guy you bet on getting better.  He leaves me wanting more a lot of times.  I think he is a smart player and does the right things, but I don't think he has been very impactful on defense.   He should be a good NBA player.  Maybe playing with a mix match group of players impacted everyone.    I do think he is a guy who will fit in nicely on a good and deep team.  Either as your fifth starter or more likely a heavy minute bench player.

What complicates things a little is he is entering his last year of contract.   He is getting a raise.   What complciates things is the Mavs need another shooting guard.    Max is probably a 15 million player range.   If Mavs targeted a guy like Mathurin in trade, then you are looking at your two guards at around  35-40 million moving forward.   is that a smart strategy?  Would either be good coming off the bench.   If they targeted another shooting guard only, is there enough minutes?

The way I hoped things worked out is Kyrie as starter, a versatile two guard who can play some point, Max off the bench, veteran backup guard, and Nemby as your third point developing.    With Sergio on board and a new regime in now, I have no idea.     I think finding that versatile two guard is going to be key moving forward.

[Chicagojk]

Mavericks free agency intel: Marvin Bagley and Brandon Williams

After being acquired in the blockbuster Anthony Davis trade, Marvin Bagley III made the most of his opportunities with Dallas, averaging 11.0 points on 60.6 percent shooting from the field and 48.5 percent beyond the arc with 6.8 rebounds in 21.4 minutes per game.

Bagley, 27, is expected to draw interest from several teams and command an average annual salary in the taxpayer mid-level exception range or slightly higher.

While in Portland, new Mavericks general manager Mike Schmitz joined the Trail Blazers as an assistant general manager months after the team gave current Mavericks guard Brandon Williams his first opportunity to be an NBA player during the 2021-22 season. Four years later, Schmitz is beginning his tenure as Mavericks general manager, and Williams is coming off the best season of his career, averaging 13.0 points and 3.9 assists in 66 games, including 15 starts, for Dallas last season.

Several teams are expected to show interest in signing Williams as an unrestricted free agent, including the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and the Mavericks, who want to retain him, league sources told HoopsHype. Dallas has Early Bird Rights on Williams entering free agency this summer.

Per MICHAEL SCOTTO, HOOPSHYPE

Good for Bagley and Williams.   I am not sure if any of these sources are right or are just guessing.  

Personally, I don't think either are back.   I think Bagley played well and showed he deserves to stay in the NBA.   I think there are certain teams where he can be effective back up big or third big.    I don't think it will be Dallas.

Same to Williams.  I think he may have proven to get more than the minimum.   Personally i prefer Nemby by a good margin.  Others may disagree.  I think both have their strengths and Williams had a stronger stretch than Nemby several times.   I just think on a good team, Nemby provides more advanatages.  Although I think Williams also proved he deserved to stay in the league.  Maybe more than the minimum by a slight bit.

[Smitty]

@christianpclark
The Mavericks have registered interest in Kawhi Leonard, league sources told The Athletic. Masai Ujiri famously traded for Leonard once before.

More here with @Sam_Amick and @DanWoikeSports: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7404487/2026/06/28/kawhi-leonard-nba-trade-discussions-mavericks-clippers/?unlocked_article_code=1.tlA.Z4Nb.s_8bJ0mdfgSO&source=athletic_user_shared_gift_article_copylink&smid=url-share-ta

[Smitty]

The Mavericks and LA Clippers have discussed a deal that would send the seven-time All-Star Leonard to Dallas for a package that would include P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson and draft picks, league sources said.

[loki]

The Mavericks and LA Clippers have discussed a deal that would send the seven-time All-Star Leonard to Dallas for a package that would include P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson and draft picks, league sources said.

That sure doesn't seem to align with building around Flagg. I'd rather have nothing to do with Kawhi.

[mvossman]

The Mavericks and LA Clippers have discussed a deal that would send the seven-time All-Star Leonard to Dallas for a package that would include P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson and draft picks, league sources said.

They would loose a lot of my faith if they pulled something like this.

[Dirknows]

They would loose a lot of my faith if they pulled something like this.

I mean, a Kyrie, Kawhi, Flagg big 3 would be pretty sick. Unlikely to be healthy is my biggest issue.

[Smitty]

   

[mvossman]

I mean, a Kyrie, Kawhi, Flagg big 3 would be pretty sick. Unlikely to be healthy is my biggest issue.

Not mention burning PJ and whatever draft capital they would be sending out.  I have no interest in trading AD for a much older just as availability challenged player.