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

[F Gump]

“while all of the possibilities I mentioned (Sexton to Dallas, LAL interest in Kessler, PHI interest in a pick 3/5 swap) have been discussed”

“Those are real discussions that I’ve heard about from real people over the last few weeks”

I’m aware of the context. My point still stands, the Mavs have shown interest in Sexton. That’s why it’s being discussed here.

I get that you don’t like Sexton, or really any of the guards the Mavs have been connected with. I’m not really arguing your points because I don’t necessarily disagree. But the Mavs clearly want an upgrade and the logical move will have to include someone we like.

I am sure the Mavs would like an upgrade. For an actual upgrade, sure, it will take an investment of some value. I get it. That's how it works. And as I have said before, I would certainly be open to that if it's a fair value trade.

To the discussion here, I don't think Sexton (if he is perhaps "the best one who can be obtained by trade") is enough of an "upgrade" to really be worth an actual investment. That's true no matter what the Mavs think of Sexton (and I shudder to think that NTI is still the one making such evaluations and decisions.)

But think a bit. Put a different lens on the UT and DAL discussion. You seem to assume the idea they have talked means the Mavs were proposing to give up SOMEONE they would rather keep, in order to have Sexton. I don't make any such assumption. For all we know, the initiator of the conversation may have been UT (not the Mavs).

What would a shark do? Ainge: 'Hey Nico, nice Luka trade. I see you need a PG now. We're wondering if we can help you out. Would you like our Starting Point Guard Sexton? Look at his stats, just what you need. You can just send us some of your excess now that you have Flagg - we can settle for PJW and you can add some filler to make it legal and all."