2026 NBA draft thread

[Smitty]

Okay, not to get too into the weeds, my dream offseason is:

Mavs receive #8, #23, Kispert, Risacher and Hield 

Hawks receive Kyrie, Gafford and #30

Mavs receive Carus and #12
Thunder receive Lakers 2029 

Mavs receive Herro, Mitchell 
Heat receive PJ, Klay Christie, 2030 GS pick

The Mavs draft:
#8 Mara
#9 Brown 
#12 Burries 
#23 M. Johnson 

Brown, Mitchell 
Herro, Burries, Kispert, Hield 
Naji, Middleton 
Flagg, Johnson, Risacher 
Mara, Lively, Cisse

A big youth movement with Naji and Middleton as the vet leaders

I like the creativity. Obviously unrealistic. Maybe even a bit of "draft fever". BUT I have zero interest in trading Kyrie for a draft pick, unless it's top-4 (which isn't happening).  I think Flagg needs a 'Kyrie' for the next step in his development. We could see a Luka-like year 2 leap with a running mate like Kai next to him. Everything the front office does going forward has to be about Flagg and his development. Bringing in 4 or 5 rookies like you suggested and shipping out already good to great players like Kyrie, PJ, Klay, and Max is going backwards, and not doing what's in the best interest for Cooper IMO.