Trade & FA 2025-26: Free Agency Starts 5pm CST/6pm EST

[SleepingHero]

@LegionHoops
REPORT: The momentum for Giannis requesting a trade from the Bucks has “significantly stalled”, per @JakeLFischer


“The common belief amongst league insiders that he will remain with the only franchise he's ever played for.”

[SleepingHero]

FWIW, I asked Google AI who Dallas would most likely trade for and what the package would be.  The answer was Coby White.  The package was PJ/Hardy/2031 First.

White is UFA in a year and not extendable at a number he'd accept.  So, Dallas is taking the risk here that Chicago doesn't want to take.  Even if Chicago keeps White, the AI answer pointed out they may not want to commit to big money for both Giddey and White (so one or the other and Giddey gets paid this summer).  

I think if Dallas wants to be serious about contending, it has to have a second creator.  It can't just a fringe guy who can hold down the fort for Kyrie.  The playoffs have shown you have to have someone who can get his own shot late in a playoff game when Kyrie is doubled (or prevent that double from coming because everyone else on the floor is too good).  PJ and a first is a lot to give up for someone who could walk.  But, moving PJ helps the roster make more sense.  You keep your center depth and keep AD at his preferred spot.  Flagg can move to PF when AD is out and you still have plenty of guys who can play the three between Naji, Klay and Martin.  

There is a $7mm spread between incoming and outgoing salary.  When you add back a minimum, you are under the second apron using Kyrie's current number.  At that point, you can focus on the extension.  You'll need the number to come in lower in 26/27 because the roster will get very expensive when you resign White.  You get some help when Klay goes away in 27/28, but that is also the year Lively gets paid.  Still, White with the rest of what is here makes this a serious contender.  Kyrie, White, Flagg, AD and Gafford/Lively backed up by Christie, Klay/Martin, Naji and Gafford/Lively is stout.  You'll have some issues with back court D, but you'll have a fantastic back line defense when people get around Kyrie or White.  Additionally, you will probably keep one of them on the floor at all times.  So, that is only 12-16 minutes of overlap.  More often than not, it will be one of them with Christie or Klay more than it will be Kyrie and White together.  

PJ and that first is pretty expensive for someone who can walk.  But, this is the level of player we need and we aren't the only team that needs what he offers.  I think it is smarter to take the risk and get what you need rather than taking a lesser player and hoping you have enough.

I understand the logic behind targeting Coby White. I actually agree he'd be a fantastic get. 

But in no way, shape, or form is he worth both PJ and a first. I'd argue he's not even worth either of those things given his contract situation.

PJ+Hardy+1st is the beginnings of a deal for an all-star level guy (say Jrue Holiday).

[Smitty]

I understand the logic behind targeting Coby White. I actually agree he'd be a fantastic get. 

But in no way, shape, or form is he worth both PJ and a first. I'd argue he's not even worth either of those things given his contract situation.

PJ+Hardy+1st is the beginnings of a deal for an all-star level guy (say Jrue Holiday).

You had me until (Jrue Holiday)

[SleepingHero]

All Things Mavs (@All_Things_Mavs)
Cam Reddish is expected to take part in the Dallas Mavericks’ free agent mini camp next week, according to a source.

As I reported yesterday, Dennis Smith Jr. will workout for the Mavs during the June 9-10 camp as well.

[SleepingHero]

You had me until (Jrue Holiday)

Thats fair. I don't necessarily mean literally Jrue Holiday, but that level of player. Jrue has been a multi-time all-star, all defensive guy, and 2x champion. His resume is enough that even in his declining years he carries a premium.

[Ghost of Podkolzin]

I don't think NY will never trade Jalen, probably the package include KAT&picks so it's clearly not enough.

The Nova guys are too close , maybe KAT & OG+picks.

Not Jalen, Bridges or Hart for sure.

And people in hell want ice water.  If they are going after Giannis et al, you better believe JB is involved.  The Nova thing is a great story, but franchises aren't built on great stories.

[DanSchwartzgan]

I understand the logic behind targeting Coby White. I actually agree he'd be a fantastic get. 

But in no way, shape, or form is he worth both PJ and a first. I'd argue he's not even worth either of those things given his contract situation.

PJ+Hardy+1st is the beginnings of a deal for an all-star level guy (say Jrue Holiday).

Does it change anything for you if PJ is also unsigned and UFA after the season?  That possibility exists.  At that point you are trading uncertainties, but both teams probably need what they are getting worse than they need what they have (and Chicago could flip PJ at the deadline).  The financial savings of moving off of Hardy is also not nothing.

[Winter]

Objectively, it's probably as fair for both sides as you could get. I love PJ, but by all measure its probably fair.

I would feel a whole lot better offering a second rounder (or even two) rather than a first though.

[FireNicoHarrison]

And people in hell want ice water.  If they are going after Giannis et al, you better believe JB is involved.  The Nova thing is a great story, but franchises aren't built on great stories.

Yes... So Giannis will never play for the Knicks...

[Chicagojk]

I like White. I think he can be a killer. I don't think he is a point guard though. He is a scoring guard. He would be a guy you pair with Kyrie. Not ask him to run a team. Also, you really need to get an understanding if he would be willing to come off the bench in the future. He is looking at a big pay day and has put up really good numbers or a average team. I would assume in his prime years that he sees himself as a starter and one of the main offensive hubs.

I think it is moot though. I don' think the bulls are proactive with their players. Better chance he is moved at the deadline if the Bulls are stuck or maybe even get to next summer. Bulls had some nice things happen last year. Not contender but not same old, same old boring play.

[loki]

I like White.  I think he can be a killer.  I don't think he is a point guard though.  He is a scoring guard.  He would be a guy you pair with Kyrie.  Not ask him to run a team.  Also, you really need to get an understanding if he would be willing to come off the bench in the future.  He is looking at a big pay day and has put up really good numbers or a average team.  I would assume in his prime years that he sees himself as a starter and one of the main offensive hubs. 

I think it is moot though.  I don' think the bulls are proactive with their players.  Better chance he is moved at the deadline if the Bulls are stuck or maybe even get to next summer.  Bulls had some nice things happen last year.  Not contender but not same old, same old boring play.

I can't see Mr. Defense Wins Championships pairing Kyrie and White in the backcourt. I don't really like it either long term if they pivot to building around Flagg. Scoring guards like that are always available if they decide overpaying for one is the way to go. There are two others just like him on the market this offseason (Simons and Sexton).

[SleepingHero]

Does it change anything for you if PJ is also unsigned and UFA after the season?  That possibility exists.  At that point you are trading uncertainties, but both teams probably need what they are getting worse than they need what they have (and Chicago could flip PJ at the deadline).  The financial savings of moving off of Hardy is also not nothing.

It does change the calculus a bit in terms of how I view PJ as an asset, but then as you said both teams are trading uncertainties. 

And I'd argue that PJ has more value on the open market than Coby white just due to his positional flexibility and need. I don't believe Hardy's $ is big enough to warrant attaching a first either. 

I think cow made a great point earlier that I'd like to repeat and that's the Mavs making any abrupt changes right now is history repeating by making the same mistakes that they made early on in the Luka era. The KP trade hampered the Mavs early on for YEARS. Of course they took a calculated risk, but it prevented them from actually building around Luka properly. 

Trading away PJ AND a first is a massive deal. What if PJ fits very well alongside Flagg? What if the Mavs need a first to get that running mate later down the line?

While I am interested in this core and being great in the immediate future the next year, the fact the Mavs managed to land Flagg means the real title window hasn't even begun. We should be making preparations to build around Flagg in 3 years time. Not go all in and blow what little we got left to win next season. 

Just to reiterate, I like Coby White. I think he's a fantastic target. I don't think he is worth a premium (even if the market might dictate that). I'd rather just sign Tyus Jones and hold out till Kyrie arrives.

[SleepingHero]

Truly, and I may have drank a bit too much whisky now typing this thought out,

But really how bad is Russell Westbrook as the stop gap guard for next season?

[FireNicoHarrison]

Resign PJ & Gafford, trade away proven 26yo winner players is foolish.

We already have a couple of old injuried asses to dump.

[ballsrchr]

Truly, and I may have drank a bit too much whisky now typing this thought out,

But really how bad is Russell Westbrook as the stop gap guard for next season?

I can't believe I'm saying this about Russell Westbrook, but I think he may be ok as a stop gap guard.  As long as we don't give up a first, or any pick, for that matter.

[F Gump]

I can't believe I'm saying this about Russell Westbrook, but I think he may be ok as a stop gap guard.  As long as we don't give up a first, or any pick, for that matter.

RW is only gettable by signing him as a FA. There's no trade needed, just recruitment (and whatever money it takes).

However, his fit in DEN has been good. Not sure he would want to leave. If they dont want him, that would open a door, but ....

Edited to clarify - at the moment RW has a PO for next year at the minimum. But he will decline it at the deadline to do so, so he can control where he plays. Most likely he will sign a 1+PO at the minimum. Or maybe more. But he picks the team.

[SleepingHero]

@WindhorstESPN

Phoenix will try to get a Durant trade done before the NBA draft, Ishbia will be spearheading it

[SleepingHero]

@LALMuse
The Lakers would probably have to overpay if they want to get Daniel Gafford per @jovanbuha


"They would probably have to overpay," Buha said. "It would probably have to be something like … Gabe [Vincent], Dalton [Knecht], and a first for Gafford. And that’s a lot."

[SleepingHero]

@LALMuse
The Lakers would probably have to overpay if they want to get Daniel Gafford per @jovanbuha


"They would probably have to overpay," Buha said. "It would probably have to be something like … Gabe [Vincent], Dalton [Knecht], and a first for Gafford. And that’s a lot."

Biased sources with pure conjecture. But does give an idea of the general value Gafford carries. 

Lakers giving their 2031 FRP along with 2 guys does cost a lot. But honestly the Mavs would ask for Reaves and the 2031 FRP.  Vincent+Knecht don't really do anything on this team.

[KillerLeft]

@LALMuse
The Lakers would probably have to overpay if they want to get Daniel Gafford per @jovanbuha


"They would probably have to overpay," Buha said. "It would probably have to be something like … Gabe [Vincent], Dalton [Knecht], and a first for Gafford. And that’s a lot."

Sold.