MAVS NEWS:

[michaeltex]

So DAL is now sitting on 10 filled slots after this season?

If we sign Bagley, Middleton, Williams and #1 pick, this gets us to one open slot. AJ Johnson is a TO, so he's waivable, which would get us back to 13. But there are 2nd round picks looking for a slot and maybe even undrafted players, never mind FAs.

Which makes me think that, if the above happens, then at least one of PJ and/or Gaff is gone. Maybe you trade to get a need, like PG, maybe you trade for air and picks. If they keep Bagley, I think there is a lot less heartburn about trading Gaff. PJ still has a role, but Kris' better outside shooting could make him superfluous.

FWIW, pursuing an aging star like Giannis (or LBJ) doesn't interest me. It would take all the air out of the Flagg era with the added benefit of using up resources best spent elsewhere. (Think KP trade).

Anyone interested in throwing $20M+ at Austin Reaves this summer?

[FireNicoHarrison]

Reaves wants a 30+ (maybe 40+)...

[DanSchwartzgan]

AJ Johnson is a TO, so he's waivable, which would get us back to 13.  

I keep seeing this, but it isn't accurate.  His TO was already picked up for 26/27.  He's TO for 27/28.


FWIW, here is how I see the depth chart playing out:

Lively          Bagley (or Gafford)        Powell (or Cisse)

Flagg           PJ                                #30 Pick

Middleton     Naji                             Martin

Christie        Klay                             Johnson

Irving          #7 Pick                         Nembhard (or Williams)


I think Bagley commands more than the Vet Min, so I don't see keeping him as a 3rd string Center.  He stays if Gafford goes (my preference would be to trade Gafford for a 2027 pick or Gafford plus #30 to move up in the 2026 draft)

I think Middleton is the best logical starter next to Flagg from among Naji, PJ and Middleton.  I think he gets a good chunk of the MLE, but not over it (so he can be traded into an exception).  I'd seek to do this as a TO for 27/28.  That way he and Klay can be expiring or you can retain Middleton one more year if it creates an advantage.

I don't think we employ both Williams and Nembhard

We've seen some messaging that Powell will be back.  I'd like to keep Cisse as our 2-way if that happens, though I'm fine with putting Cisse in the top 15 and using our second rounder for a 2-way big.

Guard seems the most likely use of our lottery pick.  If we don't go that route and draft someone like Ament, then #30 can be a guard.  I don't think one of Nembhard/Williams will be our 2nd stringer.  I'm starting to wonder if Burries would fit here.  Can you get enough playmaking out of Flagg/Burries once Kyrie is gone?  So, he's not a traditional PG, but more of a White type for Boston.

[Chicagojk]

I keep seeing this, but it isn't accurate.  His TO was already picked up for 26/27.  He's TO for 27/28.


FWIW, here is how I see the depth chart playing out:

Lively          Bagley (or Gafford)        Powell (or Cisse)

Flagg           PJ                                #30 Pick

Middleton     Naji                             Martin

Christie        Klay                             Johnson

Irving          #7 Pick                         Nembhard (or Williams)


I think Bagley commands more than the Vet Min, so I don't see keeping him as a 3rd string Center.  He stays if Gafford goes (my preference would be to trade Gafford for a 2027 pick or Gafford plus #30 to move up in the 2026 draft)

I think Middleton is the best logical starter next to Flagg from among Naji, PJ and Middleton.  I think he gets a good chunk of the MLE, but not over it (so he can be traded into an exception).  I'd seek to do this as a TO for 27/28.  That way he and Klay can be expiring or you can retain Middleton one more year if it creates an advantage.

I don't think we employ both Williams and Nembhard

We've seen some messaging that Powell will be back.  I'd like to keep Cisse as our 2-way if that happens, though I'm fine with putting Cisse in the top 15 and using our second rounder for a 2-way big.

Guard seems the most likely use of our lottery pick.  If we don't go that route and draft someone like Ament, then #30 can be a guard.  I don't think one of Nembhard/Williams will be our 2nd stringer.  I'm starting to wonder if Burries would fit here.  Can you get enough playmaking out of Flagg/Burries once Kyrie is gone?  So, he's not a traditional PG, but more of a White type for Boston.

With the Mavericks being not in cap hell any longer, I really wonder if the remainder of the year is a trial for Johnson.  He is such a long way away.   Would cutting him be of any negative repercussion?   IMO, he may be better to wind up as a two way somewhere unless he shows massive growth.

[Chicagojk]

Our point guard play will be an up and down affair for the remainder of the year.  I am higher on Nembhard's future.   I think Williams has been the better player the last two months.   It doesn't really change my opinion though.  

They are pretty opposite players.  Williams is really good getting to the rim and is a microwave scorer who can heat up fast.  His point guard skills comes and goes, but his #1 and #2 is to get himself a basket.  He has had some games where he has made some real nice passes, but his main assets are his speed and scoring ability. 

Nembhard is your true point guard who looks to get others good shots.   Unlike Williams, he really struggles not playing with scorers and when asked to get a basket.    Teams play the pass for him and he has been unable to really make defenses pay.  

Both need to prove they can shoot.  Williams shot it well this year, but has been terrible this year.  Nembhard got off to a hot shot, but has cooled off significantly.  Watching him in warmups shows me he has a lot of work to do.   He will need to shoot a ton this summer from the longer NBA three point line.  

Both are small and not great defenders, but I think Nembhard is better at defense.   Size will always limit him.    I would like to play Coop with one of these guards most of the game. Even if Coop is being asked to run point.    I think they can take pressure off of him.

[Smitty]

@TheSteinLine
Hearing some optimism in Dallas that Cooper Flagg is nearing a return from the midfoot sprain that has sidelined him for the past seven games.

The latest on Flagg and much, much more is covered in my Monday Best around-the-league NBA notes: https://tinyurl.com/2vyjskye

[Chicagojk]

Stein reports that the Mavs have interest in bringing Khris Middleton back next season "depending on the sate of the roster."
Dallas owns Middleton's Bird rights, which he didn't want to give up in a buyout. Retaining those rights also keeps him sign-&-trade eligible this summer.

[Chicagojk]

The Mavs picks in the latest mock draft from The Athletic:
7) Darius Acuff Jr.
29) Tyler Tanner
50) Baba Miller
Thoughts?


This wouldn't be the picks...two small point guards.  Tanner would be a good pick to last if he came out though.

Baba Miller was a player some will recognize.   He was really raw but excited some scouts.   Never really developed but he is still big and skilled and would be an option in this range.

[mvossman]

I keep seeing this, but it isn't accurate.  His TO was already picked up for 26/27.  He's TO for 27/28.


FWIW, here is how I see the depth chart playing out:

Lively          Bagley (or Gafford)        Powell (or Cisse)

Flagg           PJ                                #30 Pick

Middleton     Naji                             Martin

Christie        Klay                             Johnson

Irving          #7 Pick                         Nembhard (or Williams)


I think Bagley commands more than the Vet Min, so I don't see keeping him as a 3rd string Center.  He stays if Gafford goes (my preference would be to trade Gafford for a 2027 pick or Gafford plus #30 to move up in the 2026 draft)

I think Middleton is the best logical starter next to Flagg from among Naji, PJ and Middleton.  I think he gets a good chunk of the MLE, but not over it (so he can be traded into an exception).  I'd seek to do this as a TO for 27/28.  That way he and Klay can be expiring or you can retain Middleton one more year if it creates an advantage.

I don't think we employ both Williams and Nembhard

We've seen some messaging that Powell will be back.  I'd like to keep Cisse as our 2-way if that happens, though I'm fine with putting Cisse in the top 15 and using our second rounder for a 2-way big.

Guard seems the most likely use of our lottery pick.  If we don't go that route and draft someone like Ament, then #30 can be a guard.  I don't think one of Nembhard/Williams will be our 2nd stringer.  I'm starting to wonder if Burries would fit here.  Can you get enough playmaking out of Flagg/Burries once Kyrie is gone?  So, he's not a traditional PG, but more of a White type for Boston.

Man, I would be wildly disappointed if this is what we walked into next season with.  

I don't get spending a significant portion of our MLE space on a 35 year old declining player who struggles to stay on the court.

That roster has PJ, Klay and potentially Gafford all making 18-21 mil while coming off the bench.

I get that you are working with what we have, but I really hope the new GM is willing to make some significant moves to get this roster younger and better fitting.  They don't have to be as competitive as possible right away.  They should be willing to suffer some growing pains for the future.

[Mavs2021]

I think Bagley commands more than the Vet Min, so I don't see keeping him as a 3rd string Center.  He stays if Gafford goes (my preference would be to trade Gafford for a 2027 pick or Gafford plus #30 to move up in the 2026 draft)

I think Middleton is the best logical starter next to Flagg from among Naji, PJ and Middleton.  I think he gets a good chunk of the MLE, but not over it (so he can be traded into an exception).  I'd seek to do this as a TO for 27/28. 

We are at 150M right now. Add 10M for the draft picks, 15M for the full MLE =175M. 1st apron is 210M. Can´t we sign Middleton with Non-Bird Rights up to nearly 40M a year? The bigger problem seems that Bagley´s max salary is like 2.7M. If anything we´d have to use part of an exception on Bagley. Theoretically we could also use the TPE to sign Simons or Sexton over the MLE. That could give us a small salary edge over other MLE teams.

[F Gump]

I heard the Riccardi interview on the Ticket and he also did one today (probably for a pregame). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JS-UC77cx_w He comes off as smart and a guy with good plans, but there was a ton of smarmy praise in that interview by the Mavs TV team (Harper, Larson) so it also feels like maybe the Mavs as a franchise are trying to sell him (or the Finley/Riccardi package) to us as the answer to a need for an actual proven EXPERT in charge. Ugh.

I do see him adding value by bringing a much better focus and process to the scouting and development. But he has been here since 2022, and I am very wary that their results are still mediocre. The OMax miss was on his watch. Whether it was poor evaluation in the first place, or poor development method, or impatience, or poor roster planning, he was in charge of it, and they really needed to hit on that 1st rounder. The Martin misevaluation was also on his watch. And was he the one who made the decision to re-sign Exum? He was in charge of player personnel, so it's possible.

More than that, negotiation is a MAJOR part of the job to fill, and I don't think that's what he's been doing. Mavs negotiation has sucked for years. They badly need a proven pro at that job.

I really want a PROVEN EXPERT in the big seat. Keeping Riccardi/Finley is fine, in their jobs from before Nico being fired -- but as the leader, I want a guy who is the best, rather than just being competent. (Presti, please.)

[michaeltex]

Our point guard play will be an up and down affair for the remainder of the year.  I am higher on Nembhard's future.   I think Williams has been the better player the last two months.   It doesn't really change my opinion though.  

They are pretty opposite players.  Williams is really good getting to the rim and is a microwave scorer who can heat up fast.  His point guard skills comes and goes, but his #1 and #2 is to get himself a basket.  He has had some games where he has made some real nice passes, but his main assets are his speed and scoring ability. 

Nembhard is your true point guard who looks to get others good shots.   Unlike Williams, he really struggles not playing with scorers and when asked to get a basket.    Teams play the pass for him and he has been unable to really make defenses pay.  

Both need to prove they can shoot.  Williams shot it well this year, but has been terrible this year.  Nembhard got off to a hot shot, but has cooled off significantly.  Watching him in warmups shows me he has a lot of work to do.   He will need to shoot a ton this summer from the longer NBA three point line.  

Both are small and not great defenders, but I think Nembhard is better at defense.   Size will always limit him.    I would like to play Coop with one of these guards most of the game. Even if Coop is being asked to run point.    I think they can take pressure off of him.

The beauty of the Mav's current position is that these youngsters will have a chance to play against NBA-level talent with the freedom to make mistakes they can learn from. Sort of like an extended training camp. 

The key is to get into the offseason without any more serious injuries so you can start with a full team next fall, give the young guys some keys to work on over the summer and have some idea for how it will all fit together.

[mvossman]

We are at 150M right now. Add 10M for the draft picks, 15M for the full MLE =175M. 1st apron is 210M. Can´t we sign Middleton with Non-Bird Rights up to nearly 40M a year? The bigger problem seems that Bagley´s max salary is like 2.7M. If anything we´d have to use part of an exception on Bagley. Theoretically we could also use the TPE to sign Simons or Sexton over the MLE. That could give us a small salary edge over other MLE teams.

The only argument to signing Middleton is that we could do it without touching the MLE space.  To use the TPE to sign one of those guys it would have to be a S&T right?  There are so many options now.  We could take back more salary in trades for guys like Gafford/Klay/PJ and still have the full MLE.

[F Gump]

Re Mavs choices

Johnson has a guaranteed deal for next season, and a TO (decision deadline 10/31/26) for the following (27-28) season. But I think he could be traded (as salary-match filler) or waived in the summer in favor of a player they like better (such as Williams or Nemby) who might have a future - what they see from him in the next 20 games is likely to make a big difference. Someone mentioned a Roddy B similarity, and I can see that in some ways. But the guy has almost no real experience past high school - he was a top 10 recruit out of high school, but chose to go to Australia Pros instead of college, and there he played very little (7 mpg) and very poorly. Drafted by MIL as 1st rounder (bizarre choice) probably based on measurables and the apparent hope he would be lightning in a bottle, but he was apparently unplayable (44 minutes all season) and they shipped him to WAS at the deadline. He was in WAS a year, who tried to use him, but he was awful (can't shoot a lick), who shipped him to DAL as salary-match filler. I am very skeptical he will be kept.

I think Nemby and Cisse are both on the bubble for next season, with the possibility that the Mavs try to do the 2-way deal with each of them again. Who else they sign will be a determining factor.

I think B Will is on the bubble too. He has "something" -- his attacking style tends to inject energy which makes the team play better - but his lack of a reliable 3-point shot really limits his value and how you can use him. If they do bring him back, I can't see him being worth more than a minimum salary.

I don't assume Bagley or Middleton will be back, because we don't know what size contract it will take. But they might. There are certainly advantages (for both player and team) in keeping the same player and repeating what you know, but roles, touches, shots and numbers will look very different when the Mavs have a fuller set of their starters and are trying to win games. I see a place for each of them at the right number, but I can also see each of them getting a bloated deal from someone. Don't want that to be DAL. Neither should be a starter, and backups (unless you are sure to be a high-priority, 6th-man or so, 25-or-more minutes regular rotation guy) MUST be very modest money. Bagley would be a good choice as a 3rd string C, at an appropriate salary for 3rd string (which would be perhaps 3-4M, or maybe just minimum), but if he wants more, it's hard to see a fit with Gaff and Lively taking all the minutes. Can Bagley be a backup PF? Can he defend at all?

I think as-is they have 8 men in place for their rotation, and if you pencil in 2 additions - via pick 8 or so, and via MLE (or TPE) - that's all the major minutes they have. The 8 would be ...

C - Gaff Lively
PF - Flagg
SF - PJW Naji
SG - Christie Klay
PG - Kyrie

There are definitely ways to upgrade all of that, so plenty of ways to use pick 8 or the MLE/TPE. Mainly need to add 2 players who can play, and play well.

[Mavs2021]

The only argument to signing Middleton is that we could do it without touching the MLE space.  To use the TPE to sign one of those guys it would have to be a S&T right?  There are so many options now.  We could take back more salary in trades for guys like Gafford/Klay/PJ and still have the full MLE.

Yes, and you´d likely have to send out a minor asset to the Bulls. Money? Suns 2nd round pick? The TPE is pretty useful since it protects the Mavs from severely overpaying Sexton/Simons, but also gives them this edge over the pure MLE teams.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

I know we don't have our 2027 draft pick. That is already gone. Nothing we do will bring it back. I hope we don't run these geezers out there next year to try and be a 6-8 seed just because we don't have our 2027 draft pick. Keep building for the future.

Kyrie is enough veteran leadership. Bring back Powell to sit on the bench. I'm looking to move PJ and Klay and not resigning Middleton. This roster needs bigger turnover than just adding a top 10 pick.

[Scott41theMavs]

I heard the Riccardi interview on the Ticket and he also did one today (probably for a pregame). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JS-UC77cx_w  He comes off as smart and a guy with good plans, but there was a ton of smarmy praise in that interview by the Mavs TV team (Harper, Larson) so it also feels like maybe the Mavs as a franchise are trying to sell him (or the Finley/Riccardi package) to us as the answer to a need for an actual proven EXPERT in charge. Ugh.

I do see him adding value by bringing a much better focus and process to the scouting and development. But he has been here since 2022, and I am very wary that their results are still mediocre. The OMax miss was on his watch. Whether it was poor evaluation in the first place, or poor development method, or impatience, or poor roster planning, he was in charge of it, and they really needed to hit on that 1st rounder. The Martin misevaluation was also on his watch. And was he the one who made the decision to re-sign Exum? He was in charge of player personnel, so it's possible.

More than that, negotiation is a MAJOR part of the job to fill, and I don't think that's what he's been doing. Mavs negotiation has sucked for years. They badly need a proven pro at that job.

I really want a PROVEN EXPERT in the big seat. Keeping Riccardi/Finley is fine, in their jobs from before Nico being fired -- but as the leader, I want a guy who is the best, rather than just being competent. (Presti, please.)

With all due respect (and you deserve a lot), OMax wasn't a miss as seen with his play this year. They just didn't develop him correctly, which is on Kidd, not the front office. The miss was dumping him instead of Exum, but even I would have done that at the time.

[Scott41theMavs]

I know we don't have our 2027 draft pick.  That is already gone.  Nothing we do will bring it back.  I hope we don't run these geezers out there next year to try and be a 6-8 seed just because we don't have our 2027 draft pick.  Keep building for the future. 

Kyrie is enough veteran leadership.  Bring back Powell to sit on the bench.  I'm looking to move PJ and Klay and not resigning Middleton.  This roster needs bigger turnover than just adding a top 10 pick.

I agree with you that they shouldn't be concerned about their '27 draft pick and the optics of where Charlotte gets to pick, but disagree in that next year is when Coop and our lottery pick need to start learning how to win. That involves some veteran play. If they can get decent future picks or young potential rotation players for guys like PJ, Klay, and/or Naji, fine. I also disagree in that I think Middleton's game fits in well with Flagg's and would like to see him back, but probably not as a starter.

[michaeltex]

With all due respect (and you deserve a lot), OMax wasn't a miss as seen with his play this year. They just didn't develop him correctly, which is on Kidd, not the front office. The miss was dumping him instead of Exum, but even I would have done that at the time.

I'm glad OMax has found a home, but I'll push back and say he had his chances to step up in DAL. Last season's no-Luka, no-AD, no-Lively, no-Gafford train wreck was a perfect time to try and show off. He had a few moments of promise, but couldn't sustain it consistently, then his wrist injury ended any opportunity to break through. So he ended up as expendable as a stretch waive to make room for re-signing Exum. AFAIK, he's still on a 2-way with MEM.

But it does appear a light has come on regarding his productivity.

[WillE]

I'm glad OMax has found a home, but I'll push back and say he had his chances to step up in DAL. Last season's no-Luka, no-AD, no-Lively, no-Gafford train wreck was a perfect time to try and show off. He had a few moments of promise, but couldn't sustain it consistently, then his wrist injury ended any opportunity to break through. So he ended up as expendable as a stretch waive to make room for re-signing Exum. AFAIK, he's still on a 2-way with MEM.

But it does appear a light has come on regarding his productivity.

Yeah, I also wouldn't put this on Kidd. While I'm happy for OMax recent upwards trending productivity, two points that Kidd can't provide should play a major role: 1. the very low overall quality of his current active team members and 2. the reality check that he was let go.

Due to 1., his confidence goes up, as there is a higher need for him to produce. 
And because of 2., he will make sure to not miss this opportunity - because otherwise he would be almost out of the league already.