05-17-2026, 07:50 PM
(05-17-2026, 07:23 PM)RasheedsBigWhiteSpot Wrote: There's no way I would give up the Lakers pick to move up. It's been stated on here that GMs now see future picks as being more valuable because of how chaotic lotteries will be in the next few years. I see the Lakers pick as being one of those that teams would value because of how easily LA could derail in next few seasons.
As I've stated before, I'd deal it for #12 or a similar pick. I like the idea of iadding another player rather than through positioning. I'd prefer to use the cap space to be opportunistic in getting picks that can be rerouted. Remember, one aspect of the Luka/Hawks trade was Atlanta originally wanting the Mavs to take on multiple years of Kent Bazemore's contract at $20 million a season. Ultimately, they settled on a protected pick.
I feel like if the Mavs can pick up a mid-1st rounder, it helps mitigate whatever shortcomings #9 would have. In other words, if they only have #9 and take Burries (who I think would play PG), then, hypothetically, #12 can be more of an upside gamble like Ament (who I think will either be a total all star or Cam Reddish level bust, with no in between).
To be clear, I would put some degree of protection on the Lakers pick. Should have mentioned that. But I think the Mavs would have to be absolutely convinced that one guy (Wagler?) was a cut above the others. Otherwise I'd find adding an additional pick in that 12 range pretty interesting too.