Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[DanSchwartzgan]

I like what I have seen but I remember last year when I talked myself into Nembhard and BWill because the Mavs were desperate for a point guard. Probably to early to tell if Clayton is a keeper or just looking good because any kind of guard is better than Flagg as the only ballhandler on the floor or Naji playing PG.

That's fair.  I'm leery of jumping on the Clayton hype train too early myself.  I don't love that Memphis gave up on him, but I have heard reporting that he was a requirement of theirs in the JJJ trade and they were trying to get a first round pick for him all summer.  

It is interesting to me that I'm in love with the potential of the 25th pick from this years draft but hesitant to fall in love too quickly with the 18th pick from last years draft.  In my mind Larry has greater upside, but that isn't really based on anything other than some unbelievable passing in summer league.  There are worse things in the world than Larry and Clayton fighting for backup minutes behind Kyrie (though I suspect Sasser's spot could be in jeopardy when he hits free agency this summer if both look good).

[KillerLeft]

I like what I have seen but I remember last year when I talked myself into Nembhard and BWill because the Mavs were desperate for a point guard. Probably to early to tell if Clayton is a keeper or just looking good because any kind of guard is better than Flagg as the only ballhandler on the floor or Naji playing PG.

I like him a lot, and remember being actively aware that I was talking myself into Nembhard last year. I don't feel that way about Clayton, Jr. I think he's just good at pick and roll basketball - straight up. And, he has good size. 

Maybe he's just showing us his very best, and will fall back to Earth? I really struggle to see what Utah/Mem didn't see in him, so far. I've noticed some major defensive issues here and there, but nothing "cut" worthy.

[mvossman]

That's fair.  I'm leery of jumping on the Clayton hype train too early myself.  I don't love that Memphis gave up on him, but I have heard reporting that he was a requirement of theirs in the JJJ trade and they were trying to get a first round pick for him all summer.  

It is interesting to me that I'm in love with the potential of the 25th pick from this years draft but hesitant to fall in love too quickly with the 18th pick from last years draft.  In my mind Larry has greater upside, but that isn't really based on anything other than some unbelievable passing in summer league.  There are worse things in the world than Larry and Clayton fighting for backup minutes behind Kyrie (though I suspect Sasser's spot could be in jeopardy when he hits free agency this summer if both look good).

 My guess is the biggest reason you are more excited about Larry is that you don't have a year of NBA sample to see potential flaws (like Clayton's terrible shooting).  I still have dreams of Larry eventually becoming a plus starter in the league, but that may be harder to do by the end of this season (unless this current injury is worse than hoped).

[KillerLeft]

I think Larry is going to be an NBA player - possibly even a very good one. I'm pretty confident about that, actually.

What I'm less confident about is that he's going to be a lead ball-handler/PG type as we all hope. Yes, he can pass (understatement), and despite his poor showing in preseason as a shooter, it looks like that won't be a problem. But, he's SLOOOOOOWWWW. He does not have guard FEET. I think he might be slow for a SF, even, but I'm starting to wonder if that's not what he'll end up being in the NBA. It doesn't mean he can't run the offense from time to time, but I worry that he isn't "the answer" to the "Mavs franchise PG" question.

[mvossman]

I think Larry is going to be an NBA player - possibly even a very good one. I'm pretty confident about that, actually.

What I'm less confident about is that he's going to be a lead ball-handler/PG type as we all hope. Yes, he can pass (understatement), and despite his poor showing in preseason as a shooter, it looks like that won't be a problem. But, he's SLOOOOOOWWWW. He does not have guard FEET. I think he might be slow for a SF, even, but I'm starting to wonder if that's not what he'll end up being in the NBA. It doesn't mean he can't run the offense from time to time, but I worry that he isn't "the answer" to the "Mavs franchise PG" question.

Yeah, my long term vision (which changes almost daily) originally had Larry at the 1, but his lack of handles and quickness has me pushing him farther up the lineup.  Right now I see Lively/Morez/Flagg as the big rotation with Risacher and Larry as the wings.  That means when we are ready to pull the trigger on a big trade, it will need to be for a two way PG.

[Chicagojk]

I don't think Larry will be able to run the team like an engine like a lot of these guards do.   I see him as someone who is a connector and makes quick decisions off others.    I think he will be best paired with Flagg/Kyrie.  He seems to just see things in advance.   

BTW, when did Ty Jerome turn into Jalen Brunson?  I mentioned Jerome a week or so ago about Clayton Jr.   Not that Clayton Jr will turn out like him but it took Jerome (former late first) several years and trips to eventually break thru two years ago.    This year he has been amazing.  I doubt he does it all year long, but what a start.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Michael Scotto: Update: After agreeing to a two-way deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Norchad Omier has changed his mind and plans to sign a two-way deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers, sources told HoopsHype. The Timberwolves now have an open two-way spot after waiving Enrique Freeman.

bsky.app

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Michael Scotto: Seven players had rookie team options declined for the 2027-28 season, making them unrestricted free agents in 2027: Tidjane Salaun (Hornets), Nikola Topic (Thunder), Isaiah Collier (Jazz), DaRon Holmes (Nuggets), Cody Williams (Wolves), Pacome Dadiet (Knicks), AJ Johnson (Pelicans).

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[HoosierDaddyKid]

The Warriors have called Chicago, sources say, because the Bulls theoretically offer a potential short-term answer: Jalen Smith. The 26-year-old has some floor-spacing ability and is earning roughly half of what Porziņģis is making this season at $9.4 million, in the final season of a three-year, $27 million contract.

marcstein.substack.com

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Michael Scotto: The Toronto Raptors have signed Kevin McCullar Jr. to a two-way contract. He spent the past two seasons as a two-way player for the New York Knicks.

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[HoosierDaddyKid]

NBABase: Zach Lowe says Jamal Murray could be a surprise trade candidate if the Nuggets struggle this season. “I said Jamal Murray just because if this team isn’t good, I think something is going to crack here. I’m not closing the door.”

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[KillerLeft]

NBABase: Zach Lowe says Jamal Murray could be a surprise trade candidate if the Nuggets struggle this season. “I said Jamal Murray just because if this team isn’t good, I think something is going to crack here. I’m not closing the door.”

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I'm not sure how much of a surprise it would actually be. Given Denver's financial situation, finding a taker for Murray would help in a significant way, probably. Dumping him in an AD to WAS sort of trade would help open some doors on the path forward, I think. 

Good player - bad contract.

[Dirknows]

Been taking a look on some other teams fan boards, for as much hype as Kyrie is appearing to get from national writers about his value, other fans are basically wanting to give up nothing for him. I’m talking bench players, bad contracts and maybe a first round swap. Obviously his value is probably more apparent to NBA executives than fans, but seems a lot of fans want their teams to roll with their young players rather than go all in.

[michaeltex]

Been taking a look on some other teams fan boards, for as much hype as Kyrie is appearing to get from national writers about his value, other fans are basically wanting to give up nothing for him. I’m talking bench players, bad contracts and maybe a first round swap. Obviously his value is probably more apparent to NBA executives than fans, but seems a lot of fans want their teams to roll with their young players rather than go all in.

It's early yet. Teams still have that new car smell.

[FireNicoHarrison]

Been taking a look on some other teams fan boards, for as much hype as Kyrie is appearing to get from national writers about his value, other fans are basically wanting to give up nothing for him. I’m talking bench players, bad contracts and maybe a first round swap. Obviously his value is probably more apparent to NBA executives than fans, but seems a lot of fans want their teams to roll with their young players rather than go all in.

Kyrie value increase every game...

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

Been taking a look on some other teams fan boards, for as much hype as Kyrie is appearing to get from national writers about his value, other fans are basically wanting to give up nothing for him. I’m talking bench players, bad contracts and maybe a first round swap. Obviously his value is probably more apparent to NBA executives than fans, but seems a lot of fans want their teams to roll with their young players rather than go all in.

I was listening to the latest Bill Simmons podcast on the shitter and they were talking about how during the Jordan days, the majority of playoff minutes were played by players over 30 years old.  Last year, it was closer to 25%.  Teams are going young.  Then you look at the return Giannis got, one of the top 5-6 players in the game and 31 years old.  Kyrie isn't just 30.  He's 34.  

It might require a perfect situation/fit to move Kyrie for some real assets.

[Knutsen]

NBABase: Zach Lowe says Jamal Murray could be a surprise trade candidate if the Nuggets struggle this season. “I said Jamal Murray just because if this team isn’t good, I think something is going to crack here. I’m not closing the door.”

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Murray is 29, Irving 34 - both proven playoff performers and both injury prone.

Ignoring the salary match - would you trade Kyrie for him straight up?

[DallasMaverick]

Murray is 29, Irving 34 - both proven playoff performers and both injury prone.

Ignoring the salary match - would you trade Kyrie for him straight up?

That’s a tough one.

Longer runway for Murray, but his expectations for his next contract will probably still be high.

Murray is maybe more of a 2 than a 1, plays a little bigger on D.

Is Kyrie actually more durable?

I fully expect Kyrie to take a much smaller contract next time around.

And, how much do you value contentment and leadership intangibles? We know what we’ve got with Kyrie.

[KillerLeft]

Murray is 29, Irving 34 - both proven playoff performers and both injury prone.

Ignoring the salary match - would you trade Kyrie for him straight up?

Personally, no. 

Longer runway for Murray, but Kyrie is in a different class of player, I think, and Murray isn’t ENOUGH of a timeline correction to justify such a pivot. He’s probably closer to what the Mavs are missing than Irving, but not great enough to make a player his age with that salary the right target, imho.

[windjc]

I was listening to the latest Bill Simmons podcast on the shitter and they were talking about how during the Jordan days, the majority of playoff minutes were played by players over 30 years old.  Last year, it was closer to 25%.  Teams are going young.  Then you look at the return Giannis got, one of the top 5-6 players in the game and 31 years old.  Kyrie isn't just 30.  He's 34.  

It might require a perfect situation/fit to move Kyrie for some real assets.

You always bring the positivity.