(01-09-2026, 06:17 AM)F Gump Wrote: In fact, that trade happens over and over - it's just not as well-defined or certain (nor did I say it would be) as you have chosen to describe it. 

*One team wants the finished product, whose ability and production is already known, and there's no waiting for him to be developed. He's already been doing it.
*The other team is willing to roll the dice on a player who might turn out to be as good, or even better, but he certainly is no sure thing and will have to develop further. No idea how long it will take, either. As a future draft pick, you don't even know who that player will be, further clouding what might lay ahead.

Both teams are taking a chance that the road ahead with the guy they are getting will go according to plan. But in theory, it's Today's Star (who you think and hope has plenty of years ahead at a high level, but...) for Tomorrow's (with tomorrow's arrival date probably being 3-5 years down the road ...and maybe more ...or maybe never).

In any event, of course I'm not getting a surefire AD-to-be, but I want a player (or a shot at one) who has some high-level upside if all goes well. 

And if you don't give me a reasonable chance to end up somewhere down the road with a player of AD's caliber (once he's been developed and grows), if all goes well, I am really not interested enough to pull the trigger. Maybe explore what's out there from some other team. Maybe I keep him. That doesn't scare me.

(01-09-2026, 10:23 AM)omahen Wrote: Show me a team that will offer a JJ level player for AD. He is arguably a better and obviously a much younger player than him on a very reasonable cost controlled contract for four more seasons. Teams that will trade for AD will want to become instant contenders. You don't become that by trading your best player. Everything you are saying points that your preference is to keep Davis. Agree to disagree that this is the right strategy for Mavs. 

At the moment it looks like the ceiling for Risacher is a top level role player. Is that really something bad to have next to Flagg? Lively-Flagg-Risacher-Max is a very good young core. Cost controlled for next season before extensions for Max and Lively will need to be made. Although these two will probably not demand much higher money than TE (if at all). Another season before ZR extension time comes.

(01-09-2026, 10:16 AM)SweetFidelia Wrote: Agree on CMB. I don’t think there is an appetizing deal with TOR. My guess is their offer would be Poeltl, Barrett, Agbaji, and picks. I don’t think there is any chance the #4 seed would trade their starting PG and SG. Right now, they still need Quickley badly. Poeltl has an AWFUL contract that goes through 2030, and the massive extension doesn’t start until ‘27. Yuck. Barrett could be flipped to someone else. He wants a massive extension. No thanks. Mavs would have to release players…..I think Tor would have to get someone else involved and pay through the nose to make it work. I’d have to have their ‘26, ‘28, and ‘30 1sts at minimum, and their ‘26 pick won’t be very good. I’m in the “trade AD for just about anything” camp; however, this is one I’d actually just rather have AD.

(01-09-2026, 10:23 AM)omahen Wrote: Lively-Flagg-Risacher-Max is a very good young core. 

(01-09-2026, 11:26 AM)Chicagojk Wrote: Reading Toronto boards they think it would be Poetl, Quickley, and Agbaji.   With maybe a first round pick included.  Gag me with a spoon.

(01-09-2026, 11:40 AM)Chicagojk Wrote: So they hope Young is good, but not that good.

(01-09-2026, 11:47 AM)Smitty Wrote: Maybe one of the worst contracts in the league in Poeltl, a PG that doesn't fit here at all and has 3/$97.5M remaining on his deal, and a nobody. Mavs fans would probably protest at the arena again, if that was the trade return for Davis. The "maybe a FRP included" part was funny. I don't think the Raptors have enough picks to offer to make me do that deal.

(01-09-2026, 10:23 AM)omahen Wrote:  Lively-Flagg-Risacher-Max is a very good young core.

(01-09-2026, 11:57 AM)KillerLeft Wrote: So obviously, anyone can look great in highlights. The point of posting these isn't to convince anyone that Risacher might be a star, because I don't think he will be. However, there IS a reason ATL took the gamble on him at #1 (in a weak draft). Guys at this length who move this well, this quickly, and with this kind of shooting touch just aren't really out there very often. He's almost as big as Flagg, and imo he's the prototypical perfect complement/counterpart to Flagg at the other forward position if he becomes a little more consistent (a much better fit than either PJW or Naji Marshall), and he's only 20. And, I can even see him playing a little off guard. He's quick enough for it. 

https://youtu.be/9MNGUeMCxzc?si=EP6_4Nua0-5igs1F
This was just the other night. My favorite moment is the offhand block from behind. 

https://youtu.be/lFtBdB4c23w?si=3YQf-BXYAIhiaMA6
This was one of his better games last season. 

I get it - lots of players with potential never live up to it. Most, maybe. But, what this kid is good at, and trying to become consistent at achieving, is one of the main skillsets the Mavs need around Flagg. Honestly, I can see why the Mavs would be interested in this kid. I can see the vision. This would be a better "get" than we're acknowledging, I think.

(01-09-2026, 11:59 AM)Smitty Wrote: The idea of Lively is greater than the reality. Max has shown flashes, but will he only ever be a role player? Same for Risacher. I'm not saying it's not a good core to work with and see, but there's a world where Lively-Max-Risacher are just bench players 2-3 years from now.

(01-09-2026, 12:08 PM)mvossman Wrote: Disagree on Lively.  He was starter quality in a finals run as a rookie.  He is legit starter, its just the health that is a concern.

(01-09-2026, 12:08 PM)mvossman Wrote: Disagree on Lively.  He was starter quality in a finals run as a rookie.  He is legit starter, its just the health that is a concern.

(01-09-2026, 12:09 PM)Smitty Wrote: Oh no...

[Lewenberg] The Toronto Raptors have shown “exploratory interest” in Anthony Davis with their trade package likely being built around RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, and two or three first-round draft picks.

(01-09-2026, 12:09 PM)Smitty Wrote: Oh no...

[Lewenberg] The Toronto Raptors have shown “exploratory interest” in Anthony Davis with their trade package likely being built around RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, and two or three first-round draft picks.

(01-09-2026, 12:17 PM)Tyler Wrote: The Warriors have never been shy about the cap. I wonder if they'd take Poeltl for Kuminga.

(01-09-2026, 12:09 PM)Smitty Wrote: Oh no...

[Lewenberg] The Toronto Raptors have shown “exploratory interest” in Anthony Davis with their trade package likely being built around RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, and two or three first-round draft picks.