2026 NBA draft thread

[SleepingHero]

That hypothetical trade would not be legal as given (PJ for 12), but the legal version of any deal with OKC would obviously have a boatload of matching salary coming back from OKC, that could easily serve to satisfy their aim to shed salary (while also swapping 12 for PJ).

It was a framework, not the actual proposal. And yes, the Mavs eating Joe+Wiggins for 12 and our 2028 pick back is perfectly legal.

Whether or not OKC would do it depends on how badly they want to shed salary. But Im not sure why there is a pervasive narrative that PJ is a negative asset not worth an end of lotto FRP. Same with Gafford. (Not saying you are the one writing that, using you as more of a jump off point). 

Both are good players and fill needs for almost any playoff team and are on good contracts. 

It was rumored earlier this year that the Mavs offered Gafford for Mathurin and a future protected first and the Pacers considered it their fallback plan. That should be the value we're looking to extract minimum. PJ for salary and 12 is light given my own restrictions, but OKC wants to move up, not out.