Trade & FA 2025-26: Free Agency Starts 5pm CST/6pm EST

[Jmaciscool]

So dumb question...I see a lot of proposed trades involving AD going to another team for multiple players. How does a one for many work on the Mavs side since there's no roster spots?

[Jakeospikez]

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/maver...per-flagg/

CBS Sports - Tearing down the Mavs

Team after they basically traded everyone not named Flagg/PJ/Exum

Starting:

Dejounte Murray/Dennis Schroder/Newbhard/Exum
Collin Sexton/Jared McCain
Cooper Flagg/Kevin Porter/DFS
PJ Washington/Kyle Kuzma
Zeke Nnaji/Bobby Portis/Adem Bona/Cisse

Fred VanVleet and Taurean Prince - injured

Plus following draft capital

27 1st from Cha - Mavs pick back
29 1st swap w/ Pho/Hou most favorable
30 1st swap from Mil
31 1st swap from Denver
32 1st from GS
32 1st swap from Mil

Wow, what is this abomination? Usually the mega shit posts are reserved for the long offseason but I guess it's starting early for the Mavs.
Imo if they trade AD, no reason to move any other big unless another big with hopefully some decent upside can take over the backup role in which Gafford can be moved as well. No reason to trade Lively and definitely not for that trash deal. Lively/Gafford+PJ+Flagg is a great front court.

I think keeping AD is still viable. Ethically tank this year since the '26 draft class has hype that is drawing '03 comparisons, then no reason to not go all in the next few years with AD + healthy Kyrie but we'll see what happens I guess. It's definitely not dump all 3 centers though that just sounds ridiculous. Kuzma, Dejounte, Schroeder, Sexton, Kevin Porter, whoever takes over GM duties should be fired on the spot for that.

[vfromlmf]

Well thats just the reality of the situation 
Either we trade AD for a similar package soon or he's gonna be here at 38 making $70 million a year

That's just not true. We scorned fans are down on AD. I get that. 

But he's five years younger than KD who fetched a young player and the no 10 pick.

[Smitty]

So dumb question...I see a lot of proposed trades involving AD going to another team for multiple players. How does a one for many work on the Mavs side since there's no roster spots?

Mavs would have to waive a players or players. Likely, Exum and/or Powell since they are on the last year of their deal. Could also route the “extra” players to a third team before the deal is finalized. All of that would be worked out before we hear of any trade.

[BigDirk41]

I think a lot of people on here are really undervaluing AD. He's possibly the best 2 way player in the NBA "when he plays". The guy is a stud when he plays. Most of us are mad or down on AD because he was traded for Luka, but he's one of the most talented players in the league. He has to still have tremendous value to the "right" team.

[vfromlmf]

AD is severely undervalued in Dallas simply because he's associated with Luka.

This is a guy who was playing at close to an MVP level just last year. 26 and 12 plus all-defense level anchor

Yes, he doesn't play 82 regular season games. You can't build your whole team around AD. But if you're a playoff team without him, just load manage him and make sure he's healthy for the playoffs and you can win a title. You're not beating OKC or DEN without a serious paint presence.

I'm holding out for a recent high lottery pick or talented young starter + 2 future FRP + salary relief (either expiring money or take AD plus a bad contract)

Or a recent top 5 lottery pick + 1 future FRP + multiple seconds + salary relief

[RasheedsBigWhiteSpot]

I'm not claiming the back half of that BS fire sale, but he did rip off my:

Mavs, GS and Bucks 3 way for AD
and
Mavs, Rockets trade for Kyrie (though the Nets would have to be involved to be legal)
And I'm not letting the Rockets get their final contending piece if the best 1st is a non-lottery pick swap three years into the future. That pick needs more upside.

And I'm 50/50 on the Dejounte Murray trade. But, again, the Mavs would need at least a couple 2nds because they're taking on longterm, big money for very movable, shorter term contracts.

The Lively deal is crap. Lively isn't off-limits, but the old NBA adage of "You never trade big for small" holds true here.

[DanSchwartzgan]

So dumb question...I see a lot of proposed trades involving AD going to another team for multiple players. How does a one for many work on the Mavs side since there's no roster spots?

The board is moving faster than I can keep up with, so apologies if this has been posted.  I've been wanting to do a deeper dive into the Chicago idea because it has some interesting elements that might be instructive from a cap standpoint.  I think everyone knows we can't take back more salary that we send and are fairly tight against the 2nd apron.  But, the question you ask is a good one and fairly easy to fix depending on the trade partners situation.  Chicago is well under the tax and the first apron and has 3 exceptions that might come into play in a trade.  So, let's go through some of this....

Is there a Klutch connection?

Chicago doesn't have any major Klutch players currently.  But, Klutch was involved heavily with the Bulls last season.  They worked with Chicago on the Lonzo Ball extension in February that we pointed out made him very tradeable this summer.  In fact, he was traded in July to Cleveland (where Garland is a Klutch client).  They were also heavily involved in the big deal that sent Fox (Klutch) to San Antonio and LaVine (Klutch) to Sacramento.

Why would Chicago want AD? 

They tend to go "big name hunting" from time to time and it is AD's home town.  Chicago is surprisingly 4th in the league in 3%, but 22nd in the league in attempts.  That would probably be better if White was healthy.  In the minutes with Vuc or Buzelis, AD would be playing with a good 3 point shooter.  As an aside, I find it funny that Giddy is .385 from 3 and Huerter is .315.  Vuc is 35 and is expiring this summer.  Collins is also expiring.  So, I can see the interest in Davis.

Let's talk draft picks.

I've seen people get excited that Chicago has two picks in 2026.  WE DON"T WANT 3 ROOKIES NEXT YEAR.  The Portland pick is super interesting.  It is protected (1-14) in 2026, 2027 and 2028, then becomes a 2028 2nd rounder.  The interesting thing is Portland has swap rights with Milwaukee in 2028.  But, if the Portland pick hasn't conveyed by 2028 they risk losing what could be a very valuable swap for nothing.  It is an exclusive swap that Chicago doesn't have any right to.  If Portland makes the lottery in 26 and 27, I could see a world where they remove the protection and let Chicago have something like a late lottery pick in 27 to preserve the chance to get something much better the next season from Milwaukee.  One other thing about getting the Portland pick is it doesn't prevent Chicago from trading us their 2027 pick (since they would still have their own 2026 and their 2028 pick if they traded us the Portland pick).  My hope would be for Chicago's pick next year to be unprotected.

Who is the incoming from Chicago?

No matter what you do outside of Giddy, it take 3 players to match salaries with AD.  Vucevic, Collins, Huerter, White, Dosunmu and Carter are all expiring.  So, a big part of what Dallas is getting is likely to be Cap relief (unless we are dumb enough to take back Williams).  I think it is either Vuc or Collins.  If they want to stay good (and promise AD he can play some at PF), they keep Vuc.  Collins is hurt and helps the tank.  White is also hurt.  He fits a need here now and in the future (though the D next to Kyrie won't be great).  There is nothing other than Bird rights keeping him in Chicago.  There would also be nothing keeping him here either (and he's represented by Brunson's agency if that worries anyone).  But, he's 25 and like PJ and Gafford fits that not too old but veteran enough to help Flagg win age range).  The fact that he's not tied to us lowers his value as an outgoing trade asset.  From there, you want as much salary as you can get, so expiring Huerter makes the most sense.  If the deal is White, Collins and Huerter, we've got a cap legal trade ($54.1 for $48.9) and used up $5.1mm of Chicago's $13.6mm space under the tax.

So what about Jmac's question?

Chicago has 3 TPE's they can use to take back players and relieve our roster crunch in what to this point is a 3 for 1. They have the $14.1mm MLE, a $6.2mm TPE from a prior trade and the $5.1mm BAE that can all be used as trade exceptions.  If its Collins instead of Vuc, we have $8.5mm of remaining space under the tax and $13.5mm of space under the first apron.  We have to stay under the latter.  Don't know if we have to stay out of the tax...Chicago rarely pays, but they have done it once in the last decade.  So, if tax avoidance is the thing, you put Hardy and Exum in the deal and you miss the tax by $150k (or Powell and Exum if you prefer).  If they are willing to pay some tax, you can put a bigger salary like Martin in the mix.  Putting Vuc in the deal instead of Collins also opens doors to more outgoing salary.  Bottom line, it isn't hard to construct a 3 for 3 deal (so no one has to be cut) without involving a 3rd team.

So, there's your package...an old or often injured center (Vuc or Collins), expiring and uncontrolled Coby White and Kevin Huerter plus MAYBE two picks and MAYBE one of them unprotected and a ton of cap relief (until you sign White for $25-$30mm in the summer).  You also help your tank.  If it were me, I'd hold AD out and make him go to Luka boot camp for a couple of weeks and then hope he has the greatest two week streak in NBA history.  What difference would that make?  It would (might) allow us to negotiate better picks or better protection provisions than if he looked fat and out of shape.  I think moving on is the right move as long as you don't get absolutely fleeced. But White and a couple of picks is probably as good as it gets.

[Jmaciscool]

The board is moving faster than I can keep up with, so apologies if this has been posted.  I've been wanting to do a deeper dive into the Chicago idea because it has some interesting elements that might be instructive from a cap standpoint.  I think everyone knows we can't take back more salary that we send and are fairly tight against the 2nd apron.  But, the question you ask is a good one and fairly easy to fix depending on the trade partners situation.  Chicago is well under the tax and the first apron and has 3 exceptions that might come into play in a trade.  So, let's go through some of this....

Is there a Klutch connection?

Chicago doesn't have any major Klutch players currently.  But, Klutch was involved heavily with the Bulls last season.  They worked with Chicago on the Lonzo Ball extension in February that we pointed out made him very tradeable this summer.  In fact, he was traded in July to Cleveland (where Garland is a Klutch client).  They were also heavily involved in the big deal that sent Fox (Klutch) to San Antonio and LaVine (Klutch) to Sacramento.

Why would Chicago want AD? 

They tend to go "big name hunting" from time to time and it is AD's home town.  Chicago is surprisingly 4th in the league in 3%, but 22nd in the league in attempts.  That would probably be better if White was healthy.  In the minutes with Vuc or Buzelis, AD would be playing with a good 3 point shooter.  As an aside, I find it funny that Giddy is .385 from 3 and Huerter is .315.  Vuc is 35 and is expiring this summer.  Collins is also expiring.  So, I can see the interest in Davis.

Let's talk draft picks.

I've seen people get excited that Chicago has two picks in 2026.  WE DON"T WANT 3 ROOKIES NEXT YEAR.  The Portland pick is super interesting.  It is protected (1-14) in 2026, 2027 and 2028, then becomes a 2028 2nd rounder.  The interesting thing is Portland has swap rights with Milwaukee in 2028.  But, if the Portland pick hasn't conveyed by 2028 they risk losing what could be a very valuable swap for nothing.  It is an exclusive swap that Chicago doesn't have any right to.  If Portland makes the lottery in 26 and 27, I could see a world where they remove the protection and let Chicago have something like a late lottery pick in 27 to preserve the chance to get something much better the next season from Milwaukee.  One other thing about getting the Portland pick is it doesn't prevent Chicago from trading us their 2027 pick (since they would still have their own 2026 and their 2028 pick if they traded us the Portland pick).  My hope would be for Chicago's pick next year to be unprotected.

Who is the incoming from Chicago?

No matter what you do outside of Giddy, it take 3 players to match salaries with AD.  Vucevic, Collins, Huerter, White, Dosunmu and Carter are all expiring.  So, a big part of what Dallas is getting is likely to be Cap relief (unless we are dumb enough to take back Williams).  I think it is either Vuc or Collins.  If they want to stay good (and promise AD he can play some at PF), they keep Vuc.  Collins is hurt and helps the tank.  White is also hurt.  He fits a need here now and in the future (though the D next to Kyrie won't be great).  There is nothing other than Bird rights keeping him in Chicago.  There would also be nothing keeping him here either (and he's represented by Brunson's agency if that worries anyone).  But, he's 25 and like PJ and Gafford fits that not too old but veteran enough to help Flagg win age range).  The fact that he's not tied to us lowers his value as an outgoing trade asset.  From there, you want as much salary as you can get, so expiring Huerter makes the most sense.  If the deal is White, Collins and Huerter, we've got a cap legal trade ($54.1 for $48.9) and used up $5.1mm of Chicago's $13.6mm space under the tax.

So what about Jmac's question?

Chicago has 3 TPE's they can use to take back players and relieve our roster crunch in what to this point is a 3 for 1. They have the $14.1mm MLE, a $6.2mm TPE from a prior trade and the $5.1mm BAE that can all be used as trade exceptions.  If its Collins instead of Vuc, we have $8.5mm of remaining space under the tax and $13.5mm of space under the first apron.  We have to stay under the latter.  Don't know if we have to stay out of the tax...Chicago rarely pays, but they have done it once in the last decade.  So, if tax avoidance is the thing, you put Hardy and Exum in the deal and you miss the tax by $150k (or Powell and Exum if you prefer).  If they are willing to pay some tax, you can put a bigger salary like Martin in the mix.  Putting Vuc in the deal instead of Collins also opens doors to more outgoing salary.  Bottom line, it isn't hard to construct a 3 for 3 deal (so no one has to be cut) without involving a 3rd team.

So, there's your package...an old or often injured center (Vuc or Collins), expiring and uncontrolled Coby White and Kevin Huerter plus MAYBE two picks and MAYBE one of them unprotected and a ton of cap relief (until you sign White for $25-$30mm in the summer).  You also help your tank.  If it were me, I'd hold AD out and make him go to Luka boot camp for a couple of weeks and then hope he has the greatest two week streak in NBA history.  What difference would that make?  It would (might) allow us to negotiate better picks or better protection provisions than if he looked fat and out of shape.  I think moving on is the right move as long as you don't get absolutely fleeced. But White and a couple of picks is probably as good as it gets.

Thanks for the info, I forgot about TPEs that can be used. From the above (and other podcasts, etc) it seems like the Bulls have fewer hurdles that could make a trade easier to pull off.

[loki]

Who is the incoming from Chicago?

No matter what you do outside of Giddy, it take 3 players to match salaries with AD.  Vucevic, Collins, Huerter, White, Dosunmu and Carter are all expiring.  So, a big part of what Dallas is getting is likely to be Cap relief (unless we are dumb enough to take back Williams).  I think it is either Vuc or Collins.  If they want to stay good (and promise AD he can play some at PF), they keep Vuc.  Collins is hurt and helps the tank.  White is also hurt.  He fits a need here now and in the future (though the D next to Kyrie won't be great).  There is nothing other than Bird rights keeping him in Chicago.  There would also be nothing keeping him here either (and he's represented by Brunson's agency if that worries anyone).  But, he's 25 and like PJ and Gafford fits that not too old but veteran enough to help Flagg win age range).  The fact that he's not tied to us lowers his value as an outgoing trade asset.  From there, you want as much salary as you can get, so expiring Huerter makes the most sense.  If the deal is White, Collins and Huerter, we've got a cap legal trade ($54.1 for $48.9) and used up $5.1mm of Chicago's $13.6mm space under the tax.

So what about Jmac's question?

Chicago has 3 TPE's they can use to take back players and relieve our roster crunch in what to this point is a 3 for 1. They have the $14.1mm MLE, a $6.2mm TPE from a prior trade and the $5.1mm BAE that can all be used as trade exceptions.  If its Collins instead of Vuc, we have $8.5mm of remaining space under the tax and $13.5mm of space under the first apron.  We have to stay under the latter.  Don't know if we have to stay out of the tax...Chicago rarely pays, but they have done it once in the last decade.  So, if tax avoidance is the thing, you put Hardy and Exum in the deal and you miss the tax by $150k (or Powell and Exum if you prefer).  If they are willing to pay some tax, you can put a bigger salary like Martin in the mix.  Putting Vuc in the deal instead of Collins also opens doors to more outgoing salary.  Bottom line, it isn't hard to construct a 3 for 3 deal (so no one has to be cut) without involving a 3rd team.

So, there's your package...an old or often injured center (Vuc or Collins), expiring and uncontrolled Coby White and Kevin Huerter plus MAYBE two picks and MAYBE one of them unprotected and a ton of cap relief (until you sign White for $25-$30mm in the summer).  You also help your tank.  If it were me, I'd hold AD out and make him go to Luka boot camp for a couple of weeks and then hope he has the greatest two week streak in NBA history.  What difference would that make?  It would (might) allow us to negotiate better picks or better protection provisions than if he looked fat and out of shape.  I think moving on is the right move as long as you don't get absolutely fleeced. But White and a couple of picks is probably as good as it gets.

I'd look to send White to a 3rd team. He's the not really the type of point guard I think they should be committing big money to, and he hurts the tank this year once he's back healthy (which should be soon). Maybe they could flip him to Houston for FVV and their 29 1st back.

[Mavs2021]

Honestly if we can get Vucevic, White, Collins, Essengue, Bulls + Blazers 1st this year that would be an excellent re-route deal. 

As mentioned Minnesota and Houston are looking for a guard like White.

White for Conley + Miller + Wolves 1st.

Vucevic should also be in demand as an offensive spark. What if Boston really holds it together until Tatum returns in March/April. 

Simons + Boston 2026 lottery protected for Vucevic makes a lot of sense.

Now you end up with

2026 draft

Own pick
Bulls pick     (likely to be top top 20, lottery chance)
Blazers pick (lottery protected, likely to be top 20, if converted)
Celtics pick (top 5 protected, likely to be top 20, if converted)
Wolves pick

Prospects

Miller
Essengue

Veterans

Collins (expiring)
Conley (expiring)
Simons (expiring)

I think that would be a massive haul for AD and I think each trade for itself the other team does. It depends on the first domino to fall. Does Chicago accept? Wolves 100% do that. Boston 100% does it too, but obviously depends on health of Tatum this year.

[mvossman]

I think a lot of people on here are really undervaluing AD. He's possibly the best 2 way player in the NBA "when he plays". The guy is a stud when he plays. Most of us are mad or down on AD because he was traded for Luka, but he's one of the most talented players in the league. He has to still have tremendous value to the "right" team.

He is probably being undervalued, but he is not the best 2 way player.  That would be Shai.  I would also put Giannis ahead of him and I think Victor has passed him as well.  You could also make an argument for Tatum and Kawhi.

[Mavs2021]

AD is severely undervalued in Dallas simply because he's associated with Luka.

This is a guy who was playing at close to an MVP level just last year. 26 and 12 plus all-defense level anchor

Yes, he doesn't play 82 regular season games. You can't build your whole team around AD. But if you're a playoff team without him, just load manage him and make sure he's healthy for the playoffs and you can win a title. You're not beating OKC or DEN without a serious paint presence.

I'm holding out for a recent high lottery pick or talented young starter + 2 future FRP + salary relief (either expiring money or take AD plus a bad contract)

Or a recent top 5 lottery pick + 1 future FRP + multiple seconds + salary relief

Was he not healthy, when the Wolves pushed his sh*t in? The Lakers defense was 12 points better per 100 possessions, when he was off the floor in that series.

He´s got past the first round of the play-offs three times in his career. 

There is zero evidence you can win a title with him, unless he is literally bubble-wrapped with LeBron, which means 

1) no outside distractions 
2) well-rested 
3) not best player on team

[RGP1981]

Whatever the Mavs do, for Cooper's sake, I will hope that the front office does not trade Anthony Davis for De'Aaron Fox. Fox's contract is way too high and too long for what he provides! He is owed $61,752,000 in 2029-30... can we call it a boat anchor of a contract?

Besides, Fox will hurt the tank (as will Kyrie). The Mavs need to tank all the way and patiently for at least 2-3 seasons (not half-way and wanting immediate gratification), if the goal is to properly build around Cooper. Cooper is still only 18, there is time enough to do it right and surround him with a high quality core that is close to his age, just like the Thunder did with SGA.

[FireNicoHarrison]

Whatever the Mavs do, for Cooper's sake, I will hope that the front office does not trade Anthony Davis for De'Aaron Fox. Fox's contract is way too high and too long for what he provides! He is owed $61,752,000 in 2029-30... can we call it a boat anchor of a contract?

Besides, Fox will hurt the tank (as will Kyrie). The Mavs need to tank all the way and patiently for at least 2-3 seasons (not half-way and wanting immediate gratification), if the goal is to properly build around Cooper. Cooper is still only 18, there is time enough to do it right and surround him with a high quality core that is close to his age, just like the Thunder did with SGA.

Fox is almost useless (i like him but age and contract are not on his side honestly), i agree with you.

Take our time. We can't fix this roster with 1 or 2 moves.

Next year top pick is a MUST... After then we will not have picks so it would be good trade for 25yo players who fit well with Flagg and the new rookie.

Trade street clothes is not a quick needed, he plays 30 games at best this season, he can't ruin our tank.
Kyrie too. He will not play until the ASG.

No problem.

[khaled1987]

Fox is 27, almost 28, that isn't old. You need players of that age around 19 years old talents. He fits the timeline.

However, he has injury problems, he has a massive contract, he relies on quickness that is one wrong injury away from losing it.

He is also frustrating while playing beside Wemby, as he us struggling to adapt into not being the man now.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Fox is 27, almost 28, that isn't old. You need players of that age around 19 years old talents. He fits the timeline.

However, he has injury problems, he has a massive contract, he relies on quickness that is one wrong injury away from losing it.

He is also frustrating while playing beside Wemby, as he us struggling to adapt into not being the man now.

How can you be frustrated playing with a generational talent like Wemby?  The Spurs aren't a dysfunctional team like the Kings. Makes no sense to me. They could be a devastating pick and roll duo.  He should buckle his seat belt, and enjoy the ride.

[Jakeospikez]

Whatever the Mavs do, for Cooper's sake, I will hope that the front office does not trade Anthony Davis for De'Aaron Fox. Fox's contract is way too high and too long for what he provides! He is owed $61,752,000 in 2029-30... can we call it a boat anchor of a contract?

Besides, Fox will hurt the tank (as will Kyrie). The Mavs need to tank all the way and patiently for at least 2-3 seasons (not half-way and wanting immediate gratification), if the goal is to properly build around Cooper. Cooper is still only 18, there is time enough to do it right and surround him with a high quality core that is close to his age, just like the Thunder did with SGA.

Mavs can't tank the next 2-3 seasons, they only own their '26 pick then everything else is out of their control. It's just this year and then forced to win as much as possible from there on out.

[mvossman]

Mavs can't tank the next 2-3 seasons, they only own their '26 pick then everything else is out of their control. It's just this year and then forced to win as much as possible from there on out.

Yep, unless they get their 27 back from Charlotte (which will not be cheap).  Its not that they will be forced to win as much as possible, they simply won't get any value out of losing.  They should still focus on the long term from an asset management standpoint.

[KillerLeft]

Mavs can't tank the next 2-3 seasons, they only own their '26 pick then everything else is out of their control. It's just this year and then forced to win as much as possible from there on out.

Yeah, I think there are a number of potential ways forward from here - a number of variations on how much of a step back they should take to open the way forward. But the option I like the least out of all of them is to bottom out and tank for multiple years. 

I'm not against it in theory, but as you said, they don't have their own picks, which are the most important assets to control in the midst of that approach. It would be one thing if 2-4 of those picks were owned by one team and there was a plausible way of getting them back (I can't remember who, but we just saw a team do that recently), but the Mavs' picks are all over the place. It's just not a tenable strategy, imho.