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

[KillerLeft]

I'm also not sold that playing 4 frontcourt guys together is going to lead to elite defense.

Samesies. 

I'd argue Gump's lineup is basically FIVE front court guys, depending on how you view Thompson in certain matchups.

I'm not that bothered, though, because I think there's an almost 0% chance Russell is signing for the small MLE on minute 1 of free agency without knowing he's going to start in place of Kyrie to kick the season off. My read is that they are literally offering him that, specific job. Say what you want about the guy, but he could probably get more if he was a little patient and waited for some dominos to fall. Possibly even the full real MLE from someone.

My guess for Kidd's opening night lineup (barring injury) is:

Russell
Thompson
Flagg
AD
Lively or Gafford

My feeling for who SHOULD be the opening night lineup (barring injury) is:

Russell
Thompson
Flagg
PJW
AD

THAT ^^^^^, with Christie, Exum, Marshall and Lively as the main bench guys, along with Martin, Williams and Hardy pushing them through competition, is a pretty salty rotation. Move Gafford for an upgrade for ANY one or two of them, and you could have a contender on your hands.