2026 NBA draft thread

[Chicagojk]

I am tired of the Mavs always sending the best player in the deal and not getting much.  Gafford absolutely helps the Lakers right now.  Vando is just another body here and the 25 pick will be a hit or a miss.  

Target teams like Charlotte or Orlando that need a center and see if there's something there.  I'd even be ok with changing the top 2 protection to just lottery protection with the Charlotte pick if they really like Mara at 9 and are ok with a swap at 14.  Heck, if forced, I'll even do a 18 + loosening the 2027 lottery pick restrictions with them for 9.  I think at 9 or 18 we'll get a similar type of player but getting our pick back next year, rather than banking it will be in the top 2, is huge.

I read his post of not including Gaffford.  Like trade 30 for one of those players and a pick higher up in the first.  At least that is what I thought.