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

[DL2RimRocker]

Yes, Gump, ON PAPER, AD/Kyrie/Flagg is a formidable trio.  But one ALWAYS misses at least a third of the season. Another is coming off a major knee surgery and is in his 30s.  And the third, no matter how good he is or will be, will still be an 18yo rookie facing growing pains.  If all three were at tip-top level, sure, go for it this season. But they're not. 

And if the Mavs had all their draft capital, I'd say, sure, play it out and if this season or next doesn't work, retool around Flagg by trading your future picks. But they don't have any in abundance. So if AD inevitably gets injured,  then what? Am I advocating for the AD for PG and #3 trade? Definitely not. But there's a middle ground to finding someone younger or more dependable than AD.  Again, I LOVE the IDEA of AD, but not the pragmatic reality.

I'd much rather trade him for something that aligns with more than a 2 year window, especially if him not being here helps the Mavs afford to keep usable pieces like PJ and Gafford on movable contracts. 

So give me Flagg, Kyrie, PJ, Gafford and the something that comes back for AD instead of...

Flagg, AD, Kyrie and the two role players or mid-round 1sts that come back for PJ and Gaff. 

Plus, i think PJ and Gafford are more valuable here than what you'd conceivably get back in trades.

There is a lot of justifiable love for PJ from Mavs fans, but I honestly don't think it makes sense to keep him unless AD is moved.
Unless Kidd can find a way to make PJ a permanent starter, I can't imagine why he would want to re-sign to be a backup, and it wouldn't make sense for us to pay him starter salary to come off the bench.
 
I had the same concern about Brunson and that concern came to fruition.