Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[KillerLeft]

I think this is reasonable.  I'm taking the position that we have 15 players at this point.  Sergio is signed and there are reports we are trying to sign Tarik (and it will cost us something to do it...which is logical given his history and the cost of his buyout).  You can put players whereever you like.  This is how I like to do it currently:

Lively/Gafford/Morez
PJ/Aldama/Martin
Flagg/Naji/Tarik
Christie/Klay/Sergio
Irving/Sasser/Nembhard

We also have access to moving Cisse from 2-way to third center and Morez up to a spot more befitting his draft status by trading Gafford.  Multiple places have reported many times that Gafford is on the trading block and one of the teams in our reasonably speculated 3-5 team deal has nothing at center at this point.  Look folks, this is going to be a large multi-team deal.  The players and puzzle pieces fit too nicely.  I believe Gafford will end up somewhere else and most likely in LAC.  It just makes too much sense.

So, what comes back?

1.  It could be nothing more than trade matching Aldama and we preserve the TPE
2.  It could be someone from LAC (and Mathurin makes sense as we've not heard anything about him and fits the bench self-creator/scoring guard role that is open on this roster)
3.  It could be someone else from one of the other teams in the group.
4.  It could be a trade match for Gafford from another team outside the group.  

No one is making making serious trade proposals for Robinson.  Some people didn't seem enthralled with Mathurin (option 2 above), so I simply suggested a more efficient player from option 3 above.  It was meant to be instructive more than a statement of ideal fit.  

Note that under #1 above, we still have the ability to use the MLE or TPE.  Under #4, we can potentially send out additional players and trade match whoever we wish (including Dejounte under a combo of #1 and #4).  Note also that in these scenarios the BAE is available as Sasser was trade matched in the larger deal by AJ Johnson.  If flexibility is a desire, then #1 provides it assuming there is something reasonable in terms of draft compensation that might come back from LAC if it isn't Mathurin.

I think most of us appreciate this excellent work, Dan! It's so nice to have someone like you around letting us in on what's possible beforehand. It gets the imagination flowing.

[F Gump]

Sorry to be a broken record again, but the solution to anyone on the Mavs - Sergio, Naji if he’s still here, Lawal, et al. - having wonky outside shots is to have shot whisperer Dirk Werner Nowitzki work with them. Period. Look at how he helped OG level up to give him and JB the Larry. He’s our guy. Just make it happen. Make him our part-time shooting coach, then reap benefits.

Edit: This ranks just after getting a new NBA-near-best medical staff in terms priority and my impatience - get Dirk all the way back on board. He obviously felt alienated by the Nico staff. Need to see detente and then abundant treaties between M&M with Dirk very, very soon. He’s our statue man, for goodness sake. Some amateur Mav pundits have speculated that our stock up on Euros has to do with Project 2028. Could it also have to do with massaging that Dirk relationship?

I applaud your broken record on this stuff. It's fine music to my ears.

[Winter]

If Biberovic is in training camp, I think I'd be happy with the roster (even if we were minus Gafford). But I would like to get back some of our 2nd round picks even if it means taking a player and cutting Powell or the equivalent.

[Winter]

From the EuroHoops website:

"By Eurhoops team / info@eurohoops.net

Tarık Biberović is one step away from becoming a Dallas Mavericks player, according to Meridian Sport.

Earlier this week, Eurohoops reported that Dallas was preparing a significant contract offer for the 24-year-old forward after acquiring his NBA rights in a trade. According to the latest update from the Serbian outlet, only the player’s signature is now missing.

Biberović has been with Fenerbahçe since 2018, establishing himself as one of the club’s key players. Last season, he averaged 11.3 points per game in the EuroLeague while shooting 41.9% from three-point range.

If the deal is completed, Biberović will continue his career in the NBA after eight seasons with Fenerbahçe."

[Torielp10]

Nemby currently playing for the GSW Blue summer league team, players just randomly play with other teams in summer league or it mean he likely gone?

It’s his older cousin RJ nembhard. Not Ryan

[Mavs2021]

So how long we think LeGrandpa will drag it out this time? He´s once again holding up the whole league. Six contenders waiting to make decisions based on his decision, which in returns means rebuilding teams waiting to see whether they can make use of their cap/apron space to do favorable deals instead of signing players outright. Klay Thompson is certainly in the impacted camp. Middleton for a S&T above the minimum. Maybe Naji Marshall on his cheap expiring contract.

[myconsumerclub]

I just realized the Mav's actually bought a second round pick in this draft. That has rarely happened in the past I wonder when if ever that has happened before. I remember Cuban stating it was something you could do but the discussion around the possibilities was somewhat skeptical it could happen.

[DL2RimRocker]

I am hyped about Biberovic but Ishchenko….phew. He is the epitome of an under the radar nobody knows much but he looks awesome on tape-signing.

So how long we think LeGrandpa will drag it out this time? He´s once again holding up the whole league. Six contenders waiting to make decisions based on his decision, which in returns means rebuilding teams waiting to see whether they can make use of their cap/apron space to do favorable deals instead of signing players outright. Klay Thompson is  certainly in the impacted camp. Middleton for a S&T above the minimum. Maybe Naji Marshall on his cheap expiring contract.

I wonder if ESPN will have an hour special on his decision?

[HoosierDaddyKid]

LeBron James' odds of playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2026-27 have surged from 39.9% to 51.7% in the past 6 hours on Polymarket, an 11.8-point move.

HoopsMatic

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Watson, meanwhile, is said to be seeking a deal north of the $25 million in average annual value that Christian Braun secured from Denver in October. How feasible that is in this marketplace remains to be seen.

marcstein.substack.com

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Looney remains on the Lakers' radar, sources say, as does Nuggets center Jonas Valančiūnas. The latter, remember, was a Lakers free agent target two summers ago before Valančiūnas opted to sign a multiyear deal with Washington instead. Sources say that the Lakers' interest, furthermore, is certainly welcomed by the Nuggets, who have made Valančiūnas available in trade conversations since Denver's season ended and especially in connection with the recent draft as the Nuggets explored various deals while also shopping the No. 26 overall pick.

marcstein.substack.com

[Scott41theMavs]

Looney remains on the Lakers' radar, sources say, as does Nuggets center Jonas Valančiūnas. The latter, remember, was a Lakers free agent target two summers ago before Valančiūnas opted to sign a multiyear deal with Washington instead. Sources say that the Lakers' interest, furthermore, is certainly welcomed by the Nuggets, who have made Valančiūnas available in trade conversations since Denver's season ended and especially in connection with the recent draft as the Nuggets explored various deals while also shopping the No. 26 overall pick.

marcstein.substack.com

That’s it, Denver, strip them of more assets!!!

[Chicagojk]

Looney remains on the Lakers' radar, sources say, as does Nuggets center Jonas Valančiūnas. The latter, remember, was a Lakers free agent target two summers ago before Valančiūnas opted to sign a multiyear deal with Washington instead. Sources say that the Lakers' interest, furthermore, is certainly welcomed by the Nuggets, who have made Valančiūnas available in trade conversations since Denver's season ended and especially in connection with the recent draft as the Nuggets explored various deals while also shopping the No. 26 overall pick.

marcstein.substack.com

That is sort of strange imo.  I assume that this is conjunction with adding someone via clearing some $ that has fallen thru the cracks.   I thought that was the first step in moving Ayton.  How they do it will be interesting.    I can't believe they can find value in the guys they are looking to move.  

IMO, I think Mamu will be their backup center and a third center will be added to fill in with injuries.

[Chicagojk]

Not sure if it is just near the end of FA, but you are starting to hear Trey Murphy rumors.   Not sure if NO will move him, but they could probably get max value now if they do decide to move him.   IMO Boston would be at the front of the line.   A lot of other contenders would jump at him.

NO is in a weird spot.  They really have not done anything.  They were actually trying to win last year down the stretch and still was losing.   I would think now is the time to take a step back and start a rebuild.     They sort of dodged a bullet sticking at 8 in the draft.    I see no route where that team turns into a legit playoff team moving forward.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Not sure if it is just near the end of FA, but you are starting to hear Trey Murphy rumors.   Not sure if NO will move him, but they could probably get max value now if they do decide to move him.   IMO Boston would be at the front of the line.   A lot of other contenders would jump at him.

NO is in a weird spot.  They really have not done anything.  They were actually trying to win last year down the stretch and still was losing.   I would think now is the time to take a step back and start a rebuild.     They sort of dodged a bullet sticking at 8 in the draft.    I see no route where that team turns into a legit playoff team moving forward.

Detroit was rumored to be interested. He would slot in nicely there. But I don't know how motivated Joe Dumars would be to trade him to his old team. I've heard he was asking for at least 3 or 4 1sts for him. Not sure Murphy is worth that.

[Chicagojk]

some interesting comments from Portland fans

https://www.reddit.com/r/ripcity/comment...liday_now/

[KillerLeft]

some interesting comments from Portland fans

https://www.reddit.com/r/ripcity/comment...liday_now/

Death, taxes and NBA fans convincing themselves Thybulle is somehow the solution to something.

[DanSchwartzgan]

Yellow Legacy

@Yellowlegacy4m

? Dallas Mavericks and Tarik Biberovic still haven't agreed on salary. There's a two million euro difference between them. ? Dallas wants to add a star player to their roster. After acquiring that player, they want to give their entire budget to Tarik Biberovic. ? The player is currently interested, but they haven't been able to agree on a price. If Tarik leaves, Fenerbahçe will receive 2 million euros.  ? @yagosabuncuoglu x.com/yagiz_iv/statu…

[/url]

[url=https://x.com/Yellowlegacy4m/status/2073797505423224965/photo/1]
3:53 PM · Jul 5, 20267.7KViews

[DanSchwartzgan]

Yellow Legacy

@Yellowlegacy4m

? Dallas Mavericks and Tarik Biberovic still haven't agreed on salary. There's a two million euro difference between them. ? Dallas wants to add a star player to their roster. After acquiring that player, they want to give their entire budget to Tarik Biberovic. ? The player is currently interested, but they haven't been able to agree on a price. If Tarik leaves, Fenerbahçe will receive 2 million euros.  ? @yagosabuncuoglu x.com/yagiz_iv/statu…

[/url]

[url=https://x.com/Yellowlegacy4m/status/2073797505423224965/photo/1]
3:53 PM · Jul 5, 20267.7KViews

That was a translation of what was actually said.  $2mm Euros is about $2.3mm dollars.  

The good news would be that Dallas is apparently still trying to add to their roster.  The idea of the player being interested, but no agreement yet on price would lean you in the direction of a FA instead of a trade.  If Simons was on their radar, why not Mathurin?  Who else makes sense.  So, split the MLE between Biberovic and this other player?

[Mavs2021]

Yellow Legacy

@Yellowlegacy4m

? Dallas Mavericks and Tarik Biberovic still haven't agreed on salary. There's a two million euro difference between them. ? Dallas wants to add a star player to their roster. After acquiring that player, they want to give their entire budget to Tarik Biberovic. ? The player is currently interested, but they haven't been able to agree on a price. If Tarik leaves, Fenerbahçe will receive 2 million euros.  ? @yagosabuncuoglu x.com/yagiz_iv/statu…


3:53 PM · Jul 5, 20267.7KViews

It does make sense. Mavs still have the BAE and MLE. If they target a player with the full MLE, this suddenly becomes a lot less enticing for Biberovic. Subtract the buyout the BAE for him is a 10/2 deal. Probably not that far above his net salary in Turkey, where he can win the EuroLeague, be a superstar and gets guaranteed playing time. 

If Klay stays and we assume the extra MLE player will be a guard, then the minutes at his positions SG/SF will be hard to come by between Flagg, Marshall, Christie, Thompson, MLE Guard and Biberovic . As usual a higher salary means more incentive for the team to give you minutes. I´m Biberovic, I´d also hesitate until I know who the MLE player is and whether Klay stays or not.