Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[F Gump]

I have a hard time seeing something wrong by MIL. Isn't the ONLY "complaint" that they chose to pay Trent more than other teams wanted to pay him? If they want to spend their cap money that way, what's the objection?

[Scott41theMavs]

Maybe the Bucks secretly called the league to complain and look into the incident.  Get the contract voided and pay a penalty instead.

3D chess!

[Scott41theMavs]

I have a hard time seeing something wrong by MIL. Isn't the ONLY "complaint" that they chose to pay Trent more than other teams wanted to pay him? If they want to spend their cap money that way, what's the objection?

Sounds scriptural. 

[mvossman]

I have a hard time seeing something wrong by MIL. Isn't the ONLY "complaint" that they chose to pay Trent more than other teams wanted to pay him? If they want to spend their cap money that way, what's the objection?

I don't remember the details, but I think the thought was that he accepted a much smaller contract than he was worth because it was all they could pay him (no bird rights?) with the handshake agreement that they would pay him more in the future.  My understanding is that is an illegal way to circumvent the cap rules.

[Mavs2021]

I don't remember the details, but I think the thought was that he accepted a much smaller contract than he was worth because it was all they could pay him (no bird rights?) with the handshake agreement that they would pay him more in the future.  My understanding is that is an illegal way to circumvent the cap rules.

This. Though I presented it as a conspiracy theory, I think there is some truth to it: between Kawhi, GTJ and all the cheap deals this summer the NBA is probably concerned that such under the table agreements increase in the new 2nd apron world.

If we are honest, Dirk playing for the minimum one year and 25M the next year was the exact same thing and nobody cared.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

Strus and Schröder make $16.7 million and $14.8 million this season, respectively. Attach a draft pick, and the Cavs could drop either into another team’s space.

Schröder, especially, might be the easier one to trade — and not only because Strus would still be a productive fit coming off the bench on a squad that included James. Schröder’s salary is small enough that the Cavaliers could trade him into another team’s midlevel exception, which would allow them to take zero money back.

…

Cleveland has a first-round pick swap in 2028 and then all of their first-round picks from 2030-2032 available for trade as well (2033 is frozen due to the second apron).

They also have two second-round picks in 2032 via SAC and their own 2033 available for trade as well.

[Smitty]

Strus and Schröder make $16.7 million and $14.8 million this season, respectively. Attach a draft pick, and the Cavs could drop either into another team’s space.

Schröder, especially, might be the easier one to trade — and not only because Strus would still be a productive fit coming off the bench on a squad that included James. Schröder’s salary is small enough that the Cavaliers could trade him into another team’s midlevel exception, which would allow them to take zero money back.

…

Cleveland has a first-round pick swap in 2028 and then all of their first-round picks from 2030-2032 available for trade as well (2033 is frozen due to the second apron).

They also have two second-round picks in 2032 via SAC and their own 2033 available for trade as well.

I'll take Strus and those 2 SRP's. Thanks.

[Smitty]

Per dallaskid on Discord:

On DLLS, Stein said that PJW is the most likely to be on the roster when the season begins
Cisse has been offered a two-way, but wants a standard contract
BWill is one of the FAs being held up by the LeBron situation

[Smitty]

Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass)
LeBron James on his free agency decision

"I won't hold you guys up too much longer."

(Via @ByTimReynolds)


Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops)
JUST IN: The Warriors have passed the Cavaliers for the best odds to sign LeBron James

Current odds:
Warriors - 39%
Cavaliers - 35%

[Scott41theMavs]

Per dallaskid on Discord:

On DLLS, Stein said that PJW is the most likely to be on the roster when the season begins
Cisse has been offered a two-way, but wants a standard contract
BWill is one of the FAs being held up by the LeBron situation

1) "Most likely to be on the roster..." compared to who? Not to Cooper Flagg. Nor Kai, nor Rez, nor Sergio... 
2) Of course he does. He earned one last year. Go sign an offer sheet and make Dallas match.
3) Held up from what? China? Hard to believe the Mavs would have a spot for him.

[mvossman]

Per dallaskid on Discord:

On DLLS, Stein said that PJW is the most likely to be on the roster when the season begins
Cisse has been offered a two-way, but wants a standard contract
BWill is one of the FAs being held up by the LeBron situation

PJ is the most likely amongst who?  Is Gafford and Klay in that list?

[Scott41theMavs]

Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass)
LeBron James on his free agency decision

"I won't hold you guys up too much longer."

(Via @ByTimReynolds)


Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops)
JUST IN: The Warriors have passed the Cavaliers for the best odds to sign LeBron James

Current odds:
Warriors - 39%
Cavaliers - 35%

Some presume Kerr was joking. Evidently, not the majority placing bets. 

All the talking heads are saying GS is out of the running. Not a better, but it appears right now would be a good time to make some free money on Miami.

[Scott41theMavs]

PJ is the most likely amongst who?  Is Gafford and Klay in that list?

Jinx owe me a beer.

[Scott41theMavs]

Tephlon on the Discord (which I still can't get into) saying that Lebron going to Miami means Klay will "guaranteed" be bought out. That would be so pathetic. Milk 'em for the assets.

[Smitty]

1) "Most likely to be on the roster..." compared to who? Not to Cooper Flagg. Nor Kai, nor Rez, nor Sergio... 

Of Klay, Gafford, and PJW

[Scott41theMavs]

Of Klay, Gafford, and PJW

Hmmm, no Naji. I know one poster of bovine persuasion whom that will please. I suppose there's just no way to dump Martin.

[JamesConway816]

Tephlon on the Discord (which I still can't get into) saying that Lebron going to Miami means Klay will "guaranteed" be bought out. That would be so pathetic. Milk 'em for the assets.

Not a fan of buying out Klay either BUT if you can get Strus’ expiring and some type of pick return for absorbing him I would be on board.

It’s the same as getting a 2nd for Klay essentially. You could then try to flip Strus at the deadline.

Of course moving Klay for a pick and then doing the Strus move would be even better. 

Time to get gready.

[F Gump]

Tephlon on the Discord (which I still can't get into) saying that Lebron going to Miami means Klay will "guaranteed" be bought out. That would be so pathetic. Milk 'em for the assets.

I'm with you. Nico is gone. Mavs are no longer in the giveaway biz. The idea that the Mavs are obligated to pay his salary, so he can play for MIA who has no cap room, is nuts.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

If a player choses to give up some of his salary to facilitate a buyout, does that change his cap number?

[cow]

I'm with you. Nico is gone. Mavs are no longer in the giveaway biz. The idea that the Mavs are obligated to pay his salary, so he can play for MIA who has no cap room, is nuts.

While I'd like to maximize assets, Klay has been a good soldier in a less than ideal situation.  I'd do him a solid to get him where he wants to go and beyond all else, I just don't think he has a lot of trade market value.