Trade & FA 2024-25:

[SleepingHero]

“Maxi Kleber may not see the floor for the Lakers, they may trade him by Thursday.” Brian Windhorst on ESPN just now

[KillerLeft]

Sounds like either Gafford or Lively will be traded in the offseason.  Can't trade now since Lively is injured and out for a significant period.  This will also give them time to let AD play the 4 and see how it works out.  Not great news for the rest of this season.  But we could theoretically have the ammo of Lively (or Gafford) + 3 first rd picks to trade for another star this offseason.

Still hoping for a smaller trade for another offensive creator before the deadline.  But it's tough to come up with enough salary matching with guys like Powell, Exum, Hardy.

If you're right, there's at least an 80% chance it's Gafford, because Lively's contract doesn't get you anywhere in a trade and they don't have another Kleber contract lying around. Also, there's a growing trend here where they move players whose contracts are about to end, and next summer (or this deadline) is the time to move Gafford IF you don't want to give him a raise.

[F Gump]

My kneejerk thought: Kleber + Reaves + 31, for Myles Turner?

BUT - Nah, Kleber can't be aggregated.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

If we wait until the draft to make our pick, can we then trade 2025, 2026, and Lakers 2029?

[omahen]

If we wait until the draft to make our pick, can we then trade 2025, 2026, and Lakers 2029?

No, because 2027 is traded

[mvossman]

If you're right, there's at least an 80% chance it's Gafford, because Lively's contract doesn't get you anywhere in a trade and they don't have another Kleber contract lying around. Also, there's a growing trend here where they move players whose contracts are about to end, and next summer (or this deadline) is the time to move Gafford IF you don't want to give him a raise.

If any of these decisions are actually basketball related then it definitely makes sense to send out Gafford vs Lively.  Lively is a much better fit next to AD.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

No, because 2027 is traded

Once you make the pick, it's no longer a pick being traded, right?  You're trading the player.

[omahen]

My kneejerk thought: Kleber + Reaves + 31, for Myles Turner?

BUT - Nah, Kleber can't be aggregated.

I will try not to go too much into Lakers ideas here, but since you mentioned it  

One of the rumors floated was that Indy would like Reaves. But after watching him last night, I don't think I would trade him. He is really good. Has limitations on defense, but plays hard and he has a great motor. Very good offensively. Can shoot, drive, mid range, floater. Of course this is coming from one game and my opinion might be very different in a couple of weeks. 

To be honest, I wouldn't mind if Lakers sit out this TDL and just evaluate what they have in this team. Everyone will be expiring in the summer. This team is better than I thought (based on one game), but still imho has a low ceiling.

[omahen]

Once you make the pick, it's no longer a pick being traded, right?  You're trading the player.

Yes

[mvossman]

Once you make the pick, it's no longer a pick being traded, right?  You're trading the player.

That would be an argument for trading the 26 pick during the 26 draft.

[SleepingHero]

Assuming no more moves by the Mavs what are possible free agents or trades that could take place to improve the roster?

Of the potential buyouts, Ben Simmons and Lonzo Ball really interest me. We need creation. Those two are pass first big guards. They can’t score, but I suppose you aren’t going to find a perfect fit on the buyout market anyways.

Current free agents is bleak. Does Markelle Fultz get anyone exited? Cedin Osman is currently in the Greek League, does he fit?

[SleepingHero]

I will try not to go too much into Lakers ideas here, but since you mentioned it  

One of the rumors floated was that Indy would like Reaves. But after watching him last night, I don't think I would trade him. He is really good. Has limitations on defense, but plays hard and he has a great motor. Very good offensively. Can shoot, drive, mid range, floater. Of course this is coming from one game and my opinion might be very different in a couple of weeks. 

To be honest, I wouldn't mind if Lakers sit out this TDL and just evaluate what they have in this team. Everyone will be expiring in the summer. This team is better than I thought (based on one game), but still imho has a low ceiling.

Their ceiling is infinitely higher than most because they have a certain Slovenian on their squad now.


Kill me.

[BigDirk41]

Of the potential buyouts, Ben Simmons and Lonzo Ball really interest me. We need creation. Those two are pass first big guards. They can’t score, but I suppose you aren’t going to find a perfect fit on the buyout market anyways.

Current free agents is bleak. Does Markelle Fultz get anyone exited? Cedin Osman is currently in the Greek League, does he fit?

Defense wins championships! We don't need offense

[BigDirk41]

Has anyone considered that LeGM is actually behind all this and will opt out this summer to come to the Mavs.

[KillerLeft]

If any of these decisions are actually basketball related then it definitely makes sense to send out Gafford vs Lively.  Lively is a much better fit next to AD.

I agree, and for the record, I LIKE the idea that Lively next to AD is an OPTION. I just hate that he/they think it should be the MAIN way to play, and that when they figure out AD (or Lively) needs to close, there will potentially be TWO highly paid centers riding the bench.

[KillerLeft]

Has anyone considered that LeGM is actually behind all this and will opt out this summer to come to the Mavs.

No. 

Again, the "final boss" in life for many Americans is to be wealthy in either LA or NY. 

There is nothing left for LeBron to accomplish on the basketball court, really. Everything in front of him is "life after basketball" related, and the place to be for all of that is LA or NY. That's why he went there in the first place.

[omahen]

Their ceiling is infinitely higher than most because they have a certain Slovenian on their squad now.


Kill me.

I was referring to this season. We will see after that. Their asset chest is more or less empty and LeBron will not be getting better

[mvossman]

I was referring to this season. We will see after that. Their asset chest is more or less empty and LeBron will not be getting better

It should be empty, but its not.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

It should be empty, but its not.

It wouldn't surprise me if they pulled another rabbit out of the hat at the TDL.  This is the Lakers after all.

[Chicagojk]

Of the potential buyouts, Ben Simmons and Lonzo Ball really interest me. We need creation. Those two are pass first big guards. They can’t score, but I suppose you aren’t going to find a perfect fit on the buyout market anyways.

Current free agents is bleak. Does Markelle Fultz get anyone exited? Cedin Osman is currently in the Greek League, does he fit?

I am not sure Lonzo gets bought out.   He has been in some trade rumors.  Tough to see a fit for trade with his salary though.  He hasn't been playing back to back or over 28 minutes a game.   The knee still needs to be a huge concern.  His dad is a loud mouth, but Lonzo has always played an exremely pleasing style of basketball to me.  I love watching how he played.   I hope he can get and stay healthy.   I haven't watched a live game of his (just highlights) but if we was released he would be really high on my wish list...injury concerns and all.

Simmons...not sure.   I guess he would be worth a test drive.  I just can't believe he is playing on a tanking team and still has not shot any three pointers.    He also takes less than 1 free throw a game.   Until he is not afraid of either, I am not sure he is a serious player.   The lack of spacing would also be a major issue.    He is not as pleasurable experience as watching Lonzo to me, but I do like a pass first, really good passer.  

I think Fultz has a knee injury.  That was one of the reasons mentioned why he had not signed at the beginning of the season.