MAVS NEWS:

[Chicagojk]

I keep seeing this, but it isn't accurate.  His TO was already picked up for 26/27.  He's TO for 27/28.


FWIW, here is how I see the depth chart playing out:

Lively          Bagley (or Gafford)        Powell (or Cisse)

Flagg           PJ                                #30 Pick

Middleton     Naji                             Martin

Christie        Klay                             Johnson

Irving          #7 Pick                         Nembhard (or Williams)


I think Bagley commands more than the Vet Min, so I don't see keeping him as a 3rd string Center.  He stays if Gafford goes (my preference would be to trade Gafford for a 2027 pick or Gafford plus #30 to move up in the 2026 draft)

I think Middleton is the best logical starter next to Flagg from among Naji, PJ and Middleton.  I think he gets a good chunk of the MLE, but not over it (so he can be traded into an exception).  I'd seek to do this as a TO for 27/28.  That way he and Klay can be expiring or you can retain Middleton one more year if it creates an advantage.

I don't think we employ both Williams and Nembhard

We've seen some messaging that Powell will be back.  I'd like to keep Cisse as our 2-way if that happens, though I'm fine with putting Cisse in the top 15 and using our second rounder for a 2-way big.

Guard seems the most likely use of our lottery pick.  If we don't go that route and draft someone like Ament, then #30 can be a guard.  I don't think one of Nembhard/Williams will be our 2nd stringer.  I'm starting to wonder if Burries would fit here.  Can you get enough playmaking out of Flagg/Burries once Kyrie is gone?  So, he's not a traditional PG, but more of a White type for Boston.

With the Mavericks being not in cap hell any longer, I really wonder if the remainder of the year is a trial for Johnson.  He is such a long way away.   Would cutting him be of any negative repercussion?   IMO, he may be better to wind up as a two way somewhere unless he shows massive growth.