04-20-2026, 09:34 AM
(04-19-2026, 07:38 PM)Chicagojk Wrote: The Wizards deal brought more cap flexibility and some extra second round picks. Midddleton may be better than Risacher. Same for Bagley over Newell. Both are FA though and at least one won't be back. I just think Risacher and Newell are probably depth pieces they eventually move on from...unless one jumps pretty fast.
The Wiz deal was good in that DAL unloaded the cancer that was/is AD, but also got off the hairball contracts of Hardy, Russell and Exum for (mostly) expiring deals. Clearing that space unlocks a LOT of opportunities once the calendar turns and FA begins.
I agree that resigning both Middleton and Bagley is unlikely, but they both made good impressions, although I think the latter is a better fit with your youth movement. To me, DAL should sign Bagley and Cisse while trading Gaff for future draft picks to try and fill the gap over the next few years. It may be just wishful thinking and tank-a-thon results, but it feels like Bagley is starting to show the promise he had as the #2 pick a few years back. Not bad around the basket and seems to have enough of an outside game to distort some defenses. I can't tell if it's real or just a product of the team's situation the last few months.
On another note, has there been any news on Lively's status? Does he project to be ready to go this fall? I know foot injuries can take a long time to heal, but it would be interesting to know how he's progressing.