Trade & FA 2024-25:

[SleepingHero]

In my roster building plan, I think I would target a PG making Hardy-Martin money. Not KD. 

I have always wished for KD. But as good as KD is, he's almost aged out. And his contract is too big. 

I think the sweet spot for contracts is players like Gaff, Klay, PJW in the MLE or so area. That's where I want to target.

You see this makes rational sense.

But we no longer live in rationality and instead we are getting into the ego business. KD to the Mavs will happen because KD, Kyrie, and AD want it to happen. And when Nico chooses to build around Kyrie's window, the clock is ticking and you have to field the most competitive roster.

I actually think that big 3 is incredibly balanced, if lacking a little playmaking. But the point remains. Nico's plan is clear. I just hope Lively and PJ survive the scourge.

[StrandedOnBeauboisHill]

That would be my preference. But to keep Lively I bet PJ has to be in it. Plus, he’s got an extension coming up himself, and KD in would slide PJ to the bench.

But I’m with you on Martin and Hardy being moved this summer, especially Hardy. His contract was designed for the Mavs to trade him.

Based on the latest DNPs I’m surprised Hardy has made it past last week to be honest. Felt like he would have been moved if either Lonzo or Schroeder were bought out.

Isaac Harris said Rich Paul was joking about how we need to get some Klutch guards in Dallas now. Felt like they were counting on Lonzo.

[StrandedOnBeauboisHill]

In a KD scenario it becomes difficult to see how we replenish any sort of guard depth. Hardy is probably on the way out and Exum and Dinwiddie are expiring. I bet they’re assuming Exum stays on another cheap contract but if he has a better post season run this year he’s gone for sure.

[Chicagojk]

In my roster building plan, I think I would target a PG making Hardy-Martin money. Not KD. 

I have always wished for KD. But as good as KD is, he's almost aged out. And his contract is too big. 

I think the sweet spot for contracts is players like Gaff, Klay, PJW in the MLE or so area. That's where I want to target.

I am having trouble identifying that player. I think they need to be a top 50ish player to have any hope at contention.   And that is stretching things.  I also think it needs to be a bigger guard how we appear to be built.  RJ Barrett?  Maybe two firsts and salary.  Not really a fan of Barrett and who knows what Toronto is doing but that is at least a name of a guy who can dribble and guard.

[SleepingHero]

In a KD scenario it becomes difficult to see how we replenish any sort of guard depth. Hardy is probably on the way out and Exum and Dinwiddie are expiring. I bet they’re assuming Exum stays on another cheap contract but if he has a better post season run this year he’s gone for sure.

If they keep their 2025 FRP, maybe they draft a playmaking PG that can hopefully be ready. 

I can see a lot of ring chasers joining the team too. Klutch clients Ben Simmons and Lonzo Ball could be had. 

It will be hard to field a deep roster with that big 3. But I think it can be done.

[DanSchwartzgan]

In my roster building plan, I think I would target a PG making Hardy-Martin money. Not KD. 

I have always wished for KD. But as good as KD is, he's almost aged out. And his contract is too big. 

I think the sweet spot for contracts is players like Gaff, Klay, PJW in the MLE or so area. That's where I want to target.

I might have said Martin + Hardy combined money for a new PG through a trade...in other words, someone making under $15mm.  But, I could also see running it back with Exum and/or SD (or replacing one or the other using the NTMLE).  BTW, it doesn't have to be a PG per se.  It could be a forward who can create for himself more than some of the guys we have.  I kind of thought Cam Johnson or De'Andre Hunter (before the trade) might be an option if we were going to consolidate some.

I completely agree on being out on KD.  Don't see a path anyway.

It wouldn't hurt my feelings if we kept our pick to add someone else on the Lively/Max Christie timeline

I liked your idea about signing Kessler Edwards when we have the room to do it.

[Chicagojk]

I might have said Martin + Hardy combined money for a new PG through a trade...in other words, someone making under $15mm.  But, I could also see running it back with Exum and/or SD (or replacing one or the other using the NTMLE).  BTW, it doesn't have to be a PG per se.  It could be a forward who can create for himself more than some of the guys we have.  I kind of thought Cam Johnson or De'Andre Hunter (before the trade) might be an option if we were going to consolidate some.

I completely agree on being out on KD.  Don't see a path anyway.

It wouldn't hurt my feelings if we kept our pick to add someone else on the Lively/Max Christie timeline

I liked your idea about signing Kessler Edwards when we have the room to do it.

I am fine with Edwards sticking around.  He has NBA size and defense.   He has a future in the league.  He just needs to be competant on offense.  Not sure he is right now.   If he can find a way to be productive on offense while hitting an occasional three, I could see him having a pretty successful NBA career.   On the other hand, if he can't, he may be gone from the NBA next year.

[Chicagojk]

Ben Simmons has agreed to a contract buyout with the Brooklyn Nets and now becomes a free agent, sources tell ESPN.


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yesterday, it was reported LAC and Cleveland were the leaders. Dallas really can't get into this. I would prefer Exum anyway. The issue for me though, if exum gets hurt again things get really rough IMO.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

It we wouldn't surprise me if he went to Cleveland. They think they can win it all this year.

[SleepingHero]

@ShamsCharania
Just In: Three-time NBA All-Star Ben Simmons intends to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers after clearing waivers, league sources tell ESPN.

[Chicagojk]

@ShamsCharania
Just In: Three-time NBA All-Star Ben Simmons intends to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers after clearing waivers, league sources tell ESPN.

He may not be a serious NBA player, but I like the moves this trade deadline by the Clippers.  Both have warts.   The Clippers are not a championship contender imo, but they have done a real nice job on the edges looking for upgrades.  I would bet good money that either Bogdonavich or Simmons makes a positive impact with their team.   Maybe both.   

I thought Simmons would wind up in LA.  I think that was always a desire for him.

[KillerLeft]

I doubt he's available, but he's having a down year, so if there was ever an opportunity to buy low on Tyrese Halliburton (or even just buy him at any price) it's probably this summer.

Again, I don't see it happening, but THAT is a move that would win me back over.

[SleepingHero]

I doubt he's available, but he's having a down year, so if there was ever an opportunity to buy low on Tyrese Halliburton (or even just buy him at any price) it's probably this summer.

Again, I don't see it happening, but THAT is a move that would win me back over.

I can see the fit. But he’s looked like a shell of himself since his hamstring injury. I think he’ll eventually bounce back but yeeeesh it’s looked bad.

I like Halliburton a lot as a target but I doubt Indiana ever trades him

[Smitty]

BREAKING: The Mark Williams/Dalton Knecht trade between the Hornets and the Lakers has been rescinded due to Hornets’ failure to satisfy a condition of the trade

[Chicagojk]

Lakers and Mark Williams trade rescinded.

Only fair now that they send Knecht and their 31 first to us

[Deebo]

Not sure how Knetch reacts. He knows they will eventually trade him. I’m glad lakers didn’t get a big.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Not sure how Knetch reacts.  He knows they will eventually trade him. I’m glad lakers didn’t get a big.

They'll get one. Might have to scour the buyout market. Pacers just picked up Alex Len from Wiz after he was waived.  Not much pickins though.

[Deebo]

They'll get one. Might have to scour the buyout market. Pacers just picked up Alex Len from Wiz after he was waived.  Not much pickins though.

Don’t think lakers have any $$ or able to sign buyout players

[HoosierDaddyKid]

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/4376...uka-doncic


Inside the most chaotic TDL in history.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1889401042317480190


Brandon Ingram agrees to a 3-year/120-million-dollar extension with the Raptors.