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

[Mavs2021]

In other words, that's who his agents have discovered will play ball on his next contract, WAS, which is one of the few teams desperate enough to do that. Makes sense.

Don´t think it´s that. It´s the connection he has with their front office and the opportunity to get out of his toxic situation in Atlanta. For better or worse, he can be himself again without facing much backlash for his defense, because there won´t be any expectations for the next 18 months. Sure the chances to be extended on a good contract are better on a team like Washington, but this is also a "pressure free, #1 option, have fun"- situation to showcase himself. It´s a win-win situation for him and Washington.

Plus if this goes through it will accelerate some moves, since ATL now has capspace and one PG piece is off the market. 

My feeling is that the Mavs will get involved in a deal that sends Risacher and Kuminga to Dallas with one pick each, AD to Atlanta and Klay/Gafford to GS. That deal can´t be completed till Jan 15th anyway.