Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[mvossman]

Same crazy as the Knicks don´t have cap space to sign Brunson outright and then it appeared within 24 hours.

Mavs can easily generate max cap space next summer by trading away Washington and Gafford.

Giannis has a player option for 2027/2028. Kyrie has a player option for 2027/2028. Heck Christie has a player option, he certainly exercise. He can be used as a positive trade asset, if necessary.

That leaves

Kyrie 25 (restructured)
Flagg 15
Draft picks 15
Martin 10

Heck they could attach an asset and trade Martin to keep the Lively/Christie cap holds and still have 90M in cap space.

The cap space threat is more than legit and that´s all you need these days.

I´d even go as far as Ujiri was already behind the Washington trade. Cap space (threat) is a much more powerful tool for a smart GM than some average players.

It is worth noting that Masai Ujiri has an incredibly strong bond and relationship with several players around the league, including Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard.

If Giannis gets traded it's going to be for more than expirings and a single first.