Trade & FA 2024-25:

[Smitty]

These are the names I’d keep an eye on:

Avdija 15.6M
DFS 14.9M
B. Portis 12.6M
Thybulle 11.0M

Nico keeps after his targets. These guys still fill a perceived need, and their current salary makes a trade more manageable.

Things sure can change in one month... Following up on this, I think Deni Avdija is an unrealistic target this year. DFS is a Laker, so mark him off the list. I'd like to lay out what a Thybulle trade could look like and how it makes sense for both teams.

Mavs trade: Maxi + Hardy + '25 SRP (via PHI)
POR trade: Thybulle + Reath + '27 SRP (via MIN)

For this year the financials are an exact match and have no impact for either team. But next year the difference is at minimum $3.2M in savings for the Mavs. Thybulle has a Player Option of $11.5M. In this trade scenario I could see a future that has Nico deciding between Thybulle or Grimes in the offseason. Every dollar counts.

For draft picks. The Mavs hold on to their first-round picks but give up a high SRP this year in a loaded draft but add to their depleted pick pile in '27, where Portland currently holds 2 second rounders. I see no scenario where Nico keeps both picks this draft and selects a player(s). At least one will move.

Why POR does it. They get a young player (Hardy) on a reasonable deal, expiring contract and solid vet, plus a high SRP in a loaded draft. All for players that aren't part of their future.

What is means for the Mavs on the court this year. The Mavs have to operate like there is no Maxi or Lively the rest of the year. With that, getting an all-NBA type defender in Thybulle is a nice tool to have in the toolbelt. His addition allows for PJ to spend less time guarding down and just adds to the position flexibility Nico and Kidd are looking for. Reath is a solid center option for what the Mavs can afford to acquire. He won't be a game changer or anything but a 6'11 Big that shoots 35% from three on 3 attempts per game is actually more "stretch big" than Maxi.

Kyrie | Dinwiddie 
Grimes | Thybulle
Klay | Naji
PJW | Omax
Gafford | Reath

OUT: Luka, Exum, Lively, Powell


I think the trade makes sense in the short term, long term, and with a healthy 15-man roster. Thoughts?