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

[michaeltex]

I don't understand the connection you're making here between Lively's shooting and Gafford's value. 

I do understand the connection between one responder's lack of faith that Lively will ever be a high-minute player and Gafford's value, although I disagree about Lively...but the connection you're making here confuses me. Is your thinking that IF Lively starts shooting, he and Gafford could play TOGETHER? I don't think that's something I'd even consider, shooting or not. They're both squarely in the "center only" category, I think, and for a variety of good reasons.  Am I missing something in the point you're making?

IMO, keeping Gaff will ease the pressure on AD's availability. But with a fully healthy team, and only one ball, I don't expect Lively to have to put up MVP numbers to be effective. I think the front court will be a strength, regardless of any uncertainty in the back court early on. If Lively is empowered to take a few 3pt shots per game, and makes them efficiently, then that creates even more matchup problems for the opposition. But his core contribution will still be rim defense, rebounding and keeping the lob game a threat.