Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[Smitty]

I get wanting to do right by Klay but he's still a shooter (which we need) and should have value at the trade deadline if the current management doesn't feel like the value is there this summer. 

Unless the buyout is 50%+/- then what's the point of the goodwill? Seriously, this is all still a simple point the finger at what Nico did. We need future assets more than goodwill.

I’m all for a trade that nets an asset or two! I just have a hard time finding something that makes sense. All of MIA, CLE, GS types need to cut salary. If you’re trade matching, you’re probably getting longterm money on the books and a player that could also be a progress stopper. Klay is absolutely still an elite shooter. Different than even the ones they brought in. His quick release and gravity can’t be matched. Just for me, and what this team should look like next year, I’d rather have the young guys get playing time to see what you have. Develop. If I simply remove Klay from the roster with a waive/buyout I can add someone like Poulakidas to the 15-man. Open up a Two-way for Cisse. Waive Tyler Smith and add Ish. All of which opens up actual play time for Sergio, Tarik, Poulakidas. The last two being absolute snipers that will need PT.

Kyrie | Sasser | Nemby
Christie | Sergio | Poulakidas
Flagg | Naji | Tarik | (Ishchenko)
PJW | Aldama | Martin | (Lawal)
Morez | Gafford | Lively | (Cisse)


If I look at the roster like this. My plan would be to rehab Gafford’s value some and look to move him at the deadline. Convert Cisse to deal, like we did with Nemby last season. Much depends on what Morez shows and Lively’s health. But that would be my short term outlook anyway. 

Simply moving Klay for nothing in return really gives all of Sasser, Sergio, Tarik, Poulakidas more opportunity. Kyrie will miss games. That’s when Sergio will get a lot of on-ball minutes also.

Just how I see it at the moment anyway..