Trade & FA 2024-25:

[F Gump]

Deni for Maxi+Hardy+Omax+a first works..

Not even close. Violates the hard cap by about 4M.

[SleepingHero]

I'm not saying that I am right, but I would be surprised if they don't make a move. I feel like this is an all in team and if they can improve the team, they will. That's if the right trade presents itself. They won't just throw the 25 #1 away, but if they can add a rotation piece, I can see a move being made. I would throw everything we can at Herbert Jones because I think he could make the difference in a championship or not. He can make life miserable for SGA. I don't know the math for the trade, but I'd do Maxi, Omax, Hardy, our 25 #1 and whatever #2s we can include for him. Start him at the 3 and make Klay our super 6th man whether he likes it or not.

Herbert Jones is the dream but I just don't see why the Pelicans would ever move on from him at his contract. 

BUT lets assume they do want to move on...

Any hypothetical trade would have to start with Gafford. In fact, I'm starting to think any trade the Mavs might make this season will be probably have Gafford as the main piece. Centers are a hot thing right now. Every team wants one, and Gafford would be by far and away the best one on the market should the Mavs make him available. The competition is Timelord, Valanciunas, Nurkic, Capela, Nik Richards, and Duop Reath. Teams are desperate. Gafford would be a starter day 1 for any team that is vying for a center. 

Plus, there are a lot of stats that show Gafford is just not cutting it defensively. Replace him in the lineup instead of Lively and the Mavs fall to 27th in DRTG and a -16 net rating. The bench lineups haven't been great even with Gafford going ballistic in the middle. In games where opposing teams are light in center depth AND don't have any spacing, Gafford feasts. But against good teams with good centers, Gafford is okay. Against teams with stretch shooters, Gafford is almost unplayable. It's difficult, because having that 1-2 punch with Lively is just overwhelming for any opposing team, but if we're trying to improve, this is the best place to take talent from. 

I can see the Pelicans talking themselves into a fast forwarded rebuild with grabbing Gafford as a starting center given that they have zero centers currently (I mean Missi is okay, Theis is meh. But not good enough at all). Plus, Jones is having a down year, barely hitting 31% on 3s and his value on a tanking team diminishes. Plus they have Trey Murphy just waiting there to take his place if needed...


As for the Mavs, getting Jones complicates stuff. Obviously a good complication, but now we really have to find out who is worth starting. PJ? Klay? I don't think either would be happy with a move to the bench. Even more so given that our starting lineup, when healthy, is undefeated and a current +22 net rating. Why mess with that? Would Jones be happy on the bench? I'm not too sure. Truthfully why are trading for Jones if he's only going to play 24mpg?

If we sent PJ to the bench, I'm not so convinced that the Mavs starting lineup is better off. Sure we get better defensively, but PJ is a helluva rebounder and box out player. Jones isn't that at all. But there is a world where the Mavs closing lineup is Luka/Kyrie/Jones/PJ/Lively and that is tantalizing. Heck even Luka/Kyrie/Klay/Jones/Lively looks good. 

Anyways I'm rambling. Not sure what to do here.

[SleepingHero]

Evan Sidery
@esidery
In trade negotiations between the Bulls and Nuggets on Zach LaVine, Zeke Nnaji has been a key sticking point, per @KCJHoop.

Chicago does not want to take on Nnaji’s four-year contract alongside Michael Porter Jr., which means a facilitating third team would need to step in.7

[MAVS-SLO]

Herbert Jones is the dream but I just don't see why the Pelicans would ever move on from him at his contract. 

BUT lets assume they do want to move on...

Any hypothetical trade would have to start with Gafford. In fact, I'm starting to think any trade the Mavs might make this season will be probably have Gafford as the main piece. Centers are a hot thing right now. Every team wants one, and Gafford would be by far and away the best one on the market should the Mavs make him available. The competition is Timelord, Valanciunas, Nurkic, Capela, Nik Richards, and Duop Reath. Teams are desperate. Gafford would be a starter day 1 for any team that is vying for a center. 

Plus, there are a lot of stats that show Gafford is just not cutting it defensively. Replace him in the lineup instead of Lively and the Mavs fall to 27th in DRTG and a -16 net rating. The bench lineups haven't been great even with Gafford going ballistic in the middle. In games where opposing teams are light in center depth AND don't have any spacing, Gafford feasts. But against good teams with good centers, Gafford is okay. Against teams with stretch shooters, Gafford is almost unplayable. It's difficult, because having that 1-2 punch with Lively is just overwhelming for any opposing team, but if we're trying to improve, this is the best place to take talent from. 

I can see the Pelicans talking themselves into a fast forwarded rebuild with grabbing Gafford as a starting center given that they have zero centers currently (I mean Missi is okay, Theis is meh. But not good enough at all). Plus, Jones is having a down year, barely hitting 31% on 3s and his value on a tanking team diminishes. Plus they have Trey Murphy just waiting there to take his place if needed...


As for the Mavs, getting Jones complicates stuff. Obviously a good complication, but now we really have to find out who is worth starting. PJ? Klay? I don't think either would be happy with a move to the bench. Even more so given that our starting lineup, when healthy, is undefeated and a current +22 net rating. Why mess with that? Would Jones be happy on the bench? I'm not too sure. Truthfully why are trading for Jones if he's only going to play 24mpg?

If we sent PJ to the bench, I'm not so convinced that the Mavs starting lineup is better off. Sure we get better defensively, but PJ is a helluva rebounder and box out player. Jones isn't that at all. But there is a world where the Mavs closing lineup is Luka/Kyrie/Jones/PJ/Lively and that is tantalizing. Heck even Luka/Kyrie/Klay/Jones/Lively looks good. 

Anyways I'm rambling. Not sure what to do here.

I agree with that, but i think Gafford would be on the trade market only if we are targeting some ''fancy name'' out there, but i doubt that this will be the case this season.

We already saw what is happening without proper backup center in all previus seasons, so after we finally got him i don't think we are going to trade him, specially as everyone knows how small market is for centers.

And in the situation where we are now and that is contending for the ring i doubt that our plan is creating a hole on the center position.

In my opinion trade(s) this season will be minor, with targeting not exacly the ''fancy names'', but the players who are available and who can do their job.

If we are adding draft capital in the deals i would assume that our offer is Kleber (to injury prone) plus maybe salary fillers like Exum or maybe even Powell and our targets are the ones who are making 8-15 mil. per season.

Avdija mentioned before is good example, but knowing the Blazers, they would demans multiple FRP for him.

DFS is currently looking most realistic trade target, with price also falling down. After Schroder trade i doubt they will get FRP for DFS.

Korey Kisper from Washington could be also be interesting.

Kelly Oubre could also be an option if Philadelphia will be sellers this offseason (not a fan of him), but defensive ratings aren't bad.

For the Jazz and Pelicans players (Collins) we don't have salary matches or we have to trade important players (Gafford).

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

I have a hard time seeing Gafford being available.

I don't think rebuilding teams are all that interested in a serviceable center. Look at the Wizards, who traded him to us in the first place. Center is a luxury you go after once you have the star/wing players ready to compete. Teams want 1st round picks.

I also don't think the Mavs want to trade him. In a fantasy world, Lively and Maxi cover all the minutes at center. But they are both injury prone and you have absolutely nothing behind them. Gafford also brings physicality and toughness that I think was a priority for the Mavs. See PJ Washington. See the interest in Bobby Portis last year.

Maxi's salary will probably be the one used in a trade. As we've already discussed, the two obvious places to upgrade are at the Dinwiddie/Exum role and at the Maxi role. No need to create new holes in the rotation.

[SleepingHero]

I agree with that, but i think Gafford would be on the trade market only if we are targeting some ''fancy name'' out there, but i doubt that this will be the case this season.

We already saw what is happening without proper backup center in all previus seasons, so after we finally got him i don't think we are going to trade him, specially as everyone knows how small market is for centers.

And in the situation where we are now and that is contending for the ring i doubt that our plan is creating a hole on the center position.

In my opinion trade(s) this season will be minor, with targeting not exacly the ''fancy names'', but the players who are available and who can do their job.

If we are adding draft capital in the deals i would assume that our offer is Kleber (to injury prone) plus maybe salary fillers like Exum or maybe even Powell and our targets are the ones who are making 8-15 mil. per season.

Avdija mentioned before is good example, but knowing the Blazers, they would demans multiple FRP for him.

DFS is currently looking most realistic trade target, with price also falling down. After Schroder trade i doubt they will get FRP for DFS.

Korey Kisper from Washington could be also be interesting.

Kelly Oubre could also be an option if Philadelphia will be sellers this offseason (not a fan of him), but defensive ratings aren't bad.

For the Jazz and Pelicans players (Collins) we don't have salary matches or we have to trade important players (Gafford).

Oubre is an interesting name.

And I only threw in Gafford solely because Herbert Jones is that level of player where he's worth it. Probably the best perimeter defender in the league and he's locked up on a solid contract the next 3 years. 

But yes you're right. The Mavs most likely trade match is someone making anywhere from 12-15mil. DFS definitely seems like an interesting target, especially since I have zero worries about him coming off the bench.

[SleepingHero]

Evan Sidery
@esidery
The Spurs are positioning themselves to make a pursuit for De’Aaron Fox, per @sam_amick (https://t.co/GyYX6ZGXJf).

San Antonio has collected tons of future first round-picks to make an eventual run for a star to pair alongside Victor Wembanyama.

[SleepingHero]

Sam Amick
@sam_amick
Sources: De’Aaron Fox’s agent, Klutch Sports founder Rich Paul, met with the Kings front office before Thursday’s game to discuss the uncertain road ahead.

Much more here, with @anthonyVslater, at @TheAthletic

[Chicagojk]

I have a hard time seeing Gafford being available.

I don't think rebuilding teams are all that interested in a serviceable center.  Look at the Wizards, who traded him to us in the first place.  Center is a luxury you go after once you have the star/wing players ready to compete.  Teams want 1st round picks.

I also don't think the Mavs want to trade him.  In a fantasy world, Lively and Maxi cover all the minutes at center.  But they are both injury prone and you have absolutely nothing behind them.  Gafford also brings physicality and toughness that I think was a priority for the Mavs.  See PJ Washington.  See the interest in Bobby Portis last year.

Maxi's salary will probably be the one used in a trade.  As we've already discussed, the two obvious places to upgrade are at the Dinwiddie/Exum role and at the Maxi role.  No need to create new holes in the rotation.

Yes, the market is already flooded with centers.  Teams are having trouble building up demand for them.   There has been talk the Bulls won't be able to get a first for Vucevic.   You have Jonas in Washington, Ayton in Portland, Capella in Atl who are all available.  Robert Williams is probably worth the risk for a good team, but is any team going to give up a first for him?   It just seems if you want a center, you can get one for not a lot.   Now the new CBA is going to make trades difficult, but it seems like several teams have for sale signs for their centers and there just isn't a lot of demand right now.  Could be something to watch when Gafford reaches FA too.

[MAVS-SLO]

Gafford is only 26 and making only 13 mil. per season. Great complementary long term piece to have in a team alongside Lively. Both of them are still waiting to reach their prime and both of them are making together only 17-18 mil per season.

Centers mentioned before, only Ayton is in similar age group and is making 33 mil. per season which is hard to match without including important players in a trade, for every team interested.

Capela, Vucevic and Jonas are all older and much more short term solution for a teams. And the first 2 are also making 20+ mil. per season which is again, hard to match for a team like Dallas.

Williams is interesting name, but so injury prone that i would take him only as a vet min. and i expect that market for him won't be big.

With ''minor trading'' for a available PF i would also be interested to see if player Like Lonzo or Bruce Brown could be become available as a buyout candidate during the season.

[KillerLeft]

Evan Sidery
@esidery
The Spurs are positioning themselves to make a pursuit for De’Aaron Fox, per @sam_amick (https://t.co/GyYX6ZGXJf).

San Antonio has collected tons of future first round-picks to make an eventual run for a star to pair alongside Victor Wembanyama.

Not a bad idea. Wembenyama seems like he's progressing in more of a Dirk direction than, say, a Shaq direction (probably a better analogy out there, but I'm shooting from the cuff), so a penetrator who isn't absolutely lethal from the permitter 3rd level, like Fox, Morant or the like, would probably be a great fit. Wembenyama would open the paint for them so much.

[SleepingHero]

@esidery
Up to 10 teams have recently inquired with the Nets on Cam Johnson as his trade market takes off:

Cavaliers
Grizzlies
Kings
Lakers
Magic
Mavericks
Nuggets
Thunder
Rockets
Warriors

A deal for Johnson could go down within the next few weeks, especially if Brooklyn keeps winning.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

Sam Amick
@sam_amick
Sources: De’Aaron Fox’s agent, Klutch Sports founder Rich Paul, met with the Kings front office before Thursday’s game to discuss the uncertain road ahead.

Much more here, with @anthonyVslater, at @TheAthletic

De Aaron Fox forcing his way to the Spurs could be SPICY

i swear this kind of drama keeps me more interested in the regular season than the actual games.

[KillerLeft]

@esidery
Up to 10 teams have recently inquired with the Nets on Cam Johnson as his trade market takes off:

Cavaliers
Grizzlies
Kings
Lakers
Magic
Mavericks
Nuggets
Thunder
Rockets
Warriors

A deal for Johnson could go down within the next few weeks, especially if Brooklyn keeps winning.

If this is true, I find it extremely disquieting. 

I like Cam Johnson...maybe I'm not super up on the latest with him, but he's still a STARTER, right? Surely, they're not thinking about replacing PJW, right? I'd be shocked if they're looking to replace Thompson already.

[myconsumerclub]

https://basketball.realgm.com/tradecheck...de/8820894

Use Kleber, Omax and Gortman or Hardy to snag Collins and then you can use Collins in place of Kleeber and we are deep enough at PF and SF to build a bigger team and if either Gafford or Lively go down we have a PF that can play some 5 as well. Utah can develop Filipowski and if they rather give up on their rookie center then I would figure out a way to add him as well if they are okay with it, I mean that works as well to get Lively his old running mate from Duke and he looks like he is going to develop into a decent big in another year or so. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcPo9Eo5z0w

Or you can snag one or both of the ivisic brothers in next years draft and they both look damn good. Zvon looks like a much better 3 point shooter and he blocks shots as well so I would prefer to add him given his high 3 point FG%. Being almost 7'2 and hitting over 50% of your 3 pointers is a nice option to use out there. He probbly won't be there when the mavericks draft but his brother hits 36% from 3 so he is a decent option to.

[SleepingHero]

If this is true, I find it extremely disquieting. 

I like Cam Johnson...maybe I'm not super up on the latest with him, but he's still a STARTER, right? Surely, they're not thinking about replacing PJW, right? I'd be shocked if they're looking to replace Thompson already.

Honestly when I see this rumor, I think this is a misdirection. Mavs don't really have a realistic way to get Cam Johnson. I mean his fit would be seamless, but it'd take both Gafford+Maxi which just destroys our center depth. Not really sure why they'd do that at all. 

But what this does tell me is that the Mavs have been talking to Brooklyn, and you know what wing fits at the right $ amount, knows the system, and is fine coming off the bench? DFS.

And I don't think he'd go for whatever ludicrous price BRK was spouting earlier.

[F Gump]

I think the Cam Johnson story is a lot of clickbait and very little reporting. It only mentions good teams, ALL of whom supposedly want the same guy.

Technically there is likely SOME truth that teams have talked, because they all check in with all the others almost every day to gauge who might be available. But that doesn't mean all (or any) of those mentions of CJ were meaningful. I would wager some - maybe most, or even all - of those talks were primarily about some other Net. Schroeder just got moved, the Nets are clearly sellers so probably anyone can be had at the right price, and probably all their players are named at some point with everyone who calls.

TL/DR. I doubt the Mavs have any serious interest in CJ, even if his name happened to be mentioned in a convo.

[MAVS-SLO]

Honestly when I see this rumor, I think this is a misdirection. Mavs don't really have a realistic way to get Cam Johnson. I mean his fit would be seamless, but it'd take both Gafford+Maxi which just destroys our center depth. Not really sure why they'd do that at all. 

But what this does tell me is that the Mavs have been talking to Brooklyn, and you know what wing fits at the right $ amount, knows the system, and is fine coming off the bench? DFS.

And I don't think he'd go for whatever ludicrous price BRK was spouting earlier.

Exactly.

Collins, Cam Johnson, Jones, Butler and all other names mentioned in media are unrealistic. From the salary perspective to the price other teams would demand.

DFS is not a ''fancy name'' people will go crazy, but he is most realistic and he checks all the boxes we need:

- Available for reasonable price. (Kleber + filler)
- Knows the system, most of the players and coach.
- Good chemistry guy.
- Plays good defense.
- Plays winning basketball.
- Shooting 45% for 3 this season.
- Not injury prone.
- Fine coming of the bench.
- Do his job and do what is demanded from him.
- Luka mentioned many times he would like to play with him again.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Exactly.

Collins, Cam Johnson, Jones, Butler and all other names mentioned in media are unrealistic. From the salary perspective to the price other teams would demand.

DFS is not a ''fancy name'' people will go crazy, but he is most realistic and he checks all the boxes we need:

- Available for reasonable price. (Kleber + filler)
- Knows the system, most of the players and coach.
- Good chemistry guy.
- Plays good defense.
- Plays winning basketball.
- Shooting 45% for 3 this season.
- Not injury prone.
- Fine coming of the bench.
- Do his job and do what is demanded from him.
- Luka mentioned many times he would like to play with him again.

I doubt the Mavs are looking for a reunion with DFS. For one, Brooklyn is seeking a 1st rounder for him I've heard (not sure if that's valid). And who or what (players or picks) go back to Brooklyn?  Where does he fit with PJ and Naji?

[JamesConway912]

I hope Fox stays with SAC for now. I’d prefer him to become available a bit further down the road as Kyrie gets older. He’s playing incredible right now for the Mavs but getting the evaluation on him correct is the most important big picture decision over the foreseeable future. If he slows down you need another Robin. I could see him age as well as Curry did but it’s not a given. 

Fox might be one of the guys who could step into that Kyrie-replacement role when the day has come. Right now he’s clearly a step below Kyrie but who knows what happens over the next 18 months. Fox will be an UFA in 2026. That’s essentially two playoff runs down the road.

A Brunson-reunion would be an option as well. Other than those two I don’t really see anybody. Even Fox isn’t a homerun given that he’s clearly never quite been on the level a player Kyrie was and continues to be right now. 

Or something completely out of the picture like Haliburton. I do think though that it’s a good thing to have the ‚robin‘ be a guard to take some pressure off Luka.