Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[Dundalis]

So in looking forward to the Mavs' likely activities in the next couple of weeks, the overall sense seems to be that team improvement is going to come from trades, possibly involving the TPE. There seems to be a board consensus that it's in their best interest not to spend the MLE. So, I'm fine with using our player assets (e.g. Klay, Gafford et al.) to improve the team. I have to admit I'm leery of using the TPE, because the target is either 1) a player who the other team is relieved to get rid of because they have an albatross contract, or 2) will be a player who might be slightly overpaid, but whom the Mavs will have to send substantial future draft capital to get.

It's far more the latter that concerns me. I know that dumbass Nico put us in this position. But our draft capital cupboard is just about naked as is. I'd hate to see them trade away more of it.

If you are getting an albatross contract though, youd be asking for draft capital along with it. Depends whether the Mavs think its worth it to help restore future picks. I think thats the only scenario they use the TPE for, as I don't think there will likely be any players fitting in the TPE who a team would want to move that would also be worth giving up picks for.

Depending on the player and picks we get, option 1 could be worth it, especially if the contract expires by the time Coopers rookie contract ends.