Trade & FA 2024-25:

[cow]

Given what you can get for AD, probably, I'd consider that, for sure. I don't think the Mavs will, however, so it feels like a waste to spend much energy imagining it. 

Plus, I actually think there's a world in which Flagg playing with AD to start his career does WONDERS for him, and in which the team is competitive very, very quickly. Hopefully, they find the right strings to pull in order to make that world a reality.

As help defenders, when AD is on the floor and at is best (two massive ifs), that's some devastating defense.  I'm not sure AD does much for Flagg as a mentor as that isn't his personality (no shade).  From everything I've read about Flagg and heard from a few people I trust, Flagg needs time to develop which makes all the sense in the world considering his age.  You also have to take into account the landscape of our conference and the makeup of our team.  With Kyrie's injury, next year is going to be a throw away.  Sure we could make the playoffs, but we aren't going to be a contender short of Tatum-like injuries to other teams in the conference.  Ky is 33.  AD is 32.  If you are being optimistic, that core has a 3-year window and next year erases one of those years.  That's assuming Kyrie comes back close to what he was (we all hope he does) and AD can have another mostly healthy year (we should all be doubtful on this).  The answer seems painfully obvious of what the team should do and I'd think most Mav fans would be dying to try a different approach to roster building than what we've experienced  for oh so long.  I also think there is no shot we'll go this route.