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

[DanSchwartzgan]

To me, a deal criteria for this deadline isn't "did the Mavs get enough assets for AD or reject an offered deal because they couldn't," but rather, "will the Mavs' future be brighter if they don't do Best AD Offer 2/5/26 or if they do pull the trigger."  

I think the most recent AD injury took off some of the pressure to trade AD (because showcasing him isn't hurting the tank any more).  I think it also opens some possibility that AD will be here to start the season next year...1. Because I don't think the offers get any better in the summer and 2. We don't have an incentive to tank in 26/27.  He does impact winning when he plays.

But, I also tend to agree that while there may not be an imperative to deal AD before the trade deadline, we will likely regret not doing so.