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

[omahen]

Because A) they have seemed like they're done with Trae Young for the better part of the last two years, and it even seemed like they made a serious effort to move him this summer and B) because of the major financial implications involved. It seems like tax isn't an option for that team. 

A + B makes it pretty clear for me (provided both things are true, of course). Kind of seems like being the last team holding that Porzingis $30 million expiring contract might be part of the draw.

I agree they are not sure if Trae is a franchise piece. But, you don't make an all-in move for AD and trade your only true PG. It just doesn't make sense. They would be like Mavs. AD trade is one last hope they can make it with Trae. If they will be trading Trae, it will be for another PG going to Hawks.

[KillerLeft]

I agree they are not sure if Trae is a franchise piece. But, you don't make an all-in move for AD and trade your only true PG. It just doesn't make sense. They would be like Mavs. AD trade is one last hope they can make it with Trae. If they will be trading Trae, it will be for another PG going to Hawks.

I mean, they might, if ownership is telling them they cannot pay tax and they do not want Trae Young anymore.

I’m not suggesting an intimate knowledge of their motivations, just trying to piece together what is being reported. Ultimately, I don’t care, as long as the Mavericks don’t end up with Trae Young.

[KillerLeft]

Stein weighs in on the ATL rumors. Basically saying the decision for them is BETWEEN Young and AD, financially. His posture is that this makes it “trickier,” but also points out that AD is (in practical terms) on a longer term deal, which might make sense. Double down on what we’re talking about in terms of not leaving any chance that Young could opt in next year, forcing them to pay tax. Basically, they have to trade Young if they want to trade for Davis.

I also thinks he injects some rational thinking into this worry that AD has the Mavs cornered into an extension somehow if they don’t trade him right away.

https://youtu.be/evLqOIqWvOo?si=-RCrS5x51f_ierfs

[Chicagojk]

Stein weighs in on the ATL rumors. Basically saying the decision for them is BETWEEN Young and AD, financially. His posture is that this makes it “trickier,” but also points out that AD is (in practical terms) on a longer term deal, which might make sense. Double down on what we’re talking about in terms of not leaving any chance that Young could opt in next year, forcing them to pay tax. Basically, they have to trade Young if they want to trade for Davis.

I also thinks he injects some rational thinking into this worry that AD has the Mavs cornered into an extension somehow if they don’t trade him right away.

https://youtu.be/evLqOIqWvOo?si=-RCrS5x51f_ierfs

Thank you.  Sure AD’s agent is going to want an extension.  It is his job.  The Mavs can make comments they are open to an extension but there should be no serious talk of an extension now.  He has two years left after this year.  Unless he opts out of 60 million at 34 years old.  I think a deal this summer may be the best option but deadlines make deals.

[Knutsen]

Stein weighs in on the ATL rumors. Basically saying the decision for them is BETWEEN Young and AD, financially. His posture is that this makes it “trickier,” but also points out that AD is (in practical terms) on a longer term deal, which might make sense. Double down on what we’re talking about in terms of not leaving any chance that Young could opt in next year, forcing them to pay tax. Basically, they have to trade Young if they want to trade for Davis.

I also thinks he injects some rational thinking into this worry that AD has the Mavs cornered into an extension somehow if they don’t trade him right away.

https://youtu.be/evLqOIqWvOo?si=-RCrS5x51f_ierfs

That would be one crazy team next year:

Young 
Kyrie
Flagg
PJ
Lively

Possibly the worst and smallest defensive backcourt of all time? :p

[Dirknows]

That would be one crazy team next year:

Young 
Kyrie
Flagg
PJ
Lively

Possibly the worst and smallest defensive backcourt of all time? :p

If I'm the Mavs, I say sure, we'll take on Trae, just give us that NOP pick. That's the only way I take on Trae, or I tell them to kick rocks. They can either pay the luxury tax and try and be competitive, or pay a tax that costs them a lottery pick. Not my money.

[DanSchwartzgan]

Revisiting the GSW commentary from earlier.  What if those of us who presumed the third team was needed for Kuminga were wrong.  What if Kuminga is going to Dallas and Draymond is the one going elsewhere.  Maybe Detroit and we end up with Tobias and either Holland or Ivey (plus Kuminga).

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

Revisiting the GSW commentary from earlier.  What if those of us who presumed the third team was needed for Kuminga were wrong.  What if Kuminga is going to Dallas 

Then I am not interested.

To me, Kuminga embodies everything wrong with the NBA. He has the tools to be an elite role player but his only goal is to score 20+ ppg, which he does with terrible efficiency. Those types of guys usually don't change their thinking. He sounds like a perfect fit for the Sacramento Kings.

[DanSchwartzgan]

If I'm the Mavs, I say sure, we'll take on Trae, just give us that NOP pick. That's the only way I take on Trae, or I tell them to kick rocks. They can either pay the luxury tax and try and be competitive, or pay a tax that costs them a lottery pick. Not my money.

Agreed.  In fact, I also want an unprotected swap in a year where OKC or SA is getting our pick.  Interestingly, Trae/Risacher for AD and Martin works and keeps ATL out of the tax.  I don’t want Trae at all, but if it gives me leverage to get a much better package, then sure.

[Winter]

Agreed.  In fact, I also want an unprotected swap in a year where OKC or SA is getting our pick.  Interestingly, Trae/Risacher for AD and Martin works and keeps ATL out of the tax.  I don’t want Trae at all, but if it gives me leverage to get a much better package, then sure.

I agree. The Trae thing on our roster is just a blip. If we end with one of the top picks by acquiring him, then by all means.

[F Gump]

1 Marc Stein (as noted above) made it clear that ATL is the one pushing for Trae to be included in an AD deal, because their payroll simply doesn't work otherwise. (And presumably they would much rather have AD, who can offer all the things they don't have, and need badly.) I just don't think the ideas that include KP as the filler (rather then Trae) would get to first base.

But I think there could be MUCH value gained (much higher return) by the Mavs in taking a highly-paid Trae off ATL's hand (when no one else will). If you're chasing value, that's their possible avenue imo.

2 I see the ideas centered around ATL perhaps offering the combined value of Risacher (who is an overpaid #1 with a bad contract and whose trajectory is not that promising) and a scrub FRP. Frankly, if you think that's all they can get for AD now, you gotta keep AD rather than give him away for such scraps. And while we glamorize the NO pick (which may only end up in the 8 to 12 range rather than the cream of the crop), if ATL isn't willing to trade that pick and also isn't going to trade any real talent, it's stupid to trade with them. Look elsewhere.

[KillerLeft]

Revisiting the GSW commentary from earlier.  What if those of us who presumed the third team was needed for Kuminga were wrong.  What if Kuminga is going to Dallas and Draymond is the one going elsewhere.  Maybe Detroit and we end up with Tobias and either Holland or Ivey (plus Kuminga).

What if it doesn't involve either of them, and they're already willing to give up on the Jimmy Butler experience? I don't love any of the options above, but depending on what they have/are willing to trade, GS represents the best chance to snag some high draft capital, if taking that bet is the way the wind is blowing. 2-3 unprotected future rolls of the dice at the expense of a team built totally around high 30's guys could probably convince me to take on just about anything.

[F Gump]

I took a quick listen to the Locked On Hawks podcast about a potential AD trade. He was relatively okay with including Risacher in the deal, but pointed out that the Hawks have never paid the luxury tax. Looking at their cap sheet, if they trade for AD and Trae opts in they would already be well into the tax next year. They may need to find a taker for Trae before committing to any long term salary.

Agreed.  In fact, I also want an unprotected swap in a year where OKC or SA is getting our pick.  Interestingly, Trae/Risacher for AD and Martin works and keeps ATL out of the tax.  I don’t want Trae at all, but if it gives me leverage to get a much better package, then sure.

Yeah, I outlined this a day or so ago in this thread, in contrast to a DAL proposal using KP as the filler, whereas ATL wants DAL to take Trae. In this context, I see DAL base proposal being KP-NO#1-Risacher (which land ATL over the tax, close to A1, with future payroll issues), and it morphs to the following:

Trae-Risacher- NO1-another FRP (limited protection that will lessen year-over-year if used)
FOR
AD-Martin

Why might it work? Both sides get the primary benefits they really want, plus a bit more. 
-- ATL gets out of Trae contract, loses no real [proven/desired] talent only picks, their front line becomes VERY versatile and formidable (AD, KP, Okongwu), does NOT pay tax.
-- DAL gets picks, gets minor salary reduction now, retains room for Nemby, better cap future even though eating the salary for Trae.

[Mavs2021]

Agreed.  In fact, I also want an unprotected swap in a year where OKC or SA is getting our pick.  Interestingly, Trae/Risacher for AD and Martin works and keeps ATL out of the tax.  I don’t want Trae at all, but if it gives me leverage to get a much better package, then sure.

If the deal is Young/Risacher/Cavs pick for AD/Martin, it would be the first time I feel the Mavs won a trade, since the last Young trade.  

In that proposed trade I aslo understand the Hawks hesitation to include Risacher and a 1st round pick.

I also think people are a bit too harsh on Young. If he opted out and we extended him at 100/3, you have a nice PG to unlock the potential of Gafford and Lively again AND take the workload of Kyrie during the regular season.  You can always stagger their minutes, too.

Irving/Young
Christie/Thompson
Washington/Risacher
Flagg/Steinbach
Lively/Gafford

I mean that is actually in play with the above trade and a proper tank. Oops I forgot we get Dybantsa, too. Admit it you were excited before I even mentioned the Mavs lottery pick.

EDIT: Also I don´t think Young himself is the hold up at all. Why would that contract bother the Mavs? They can always make Trae feel un-welcome and re-trade him in the summer to a team that is willing to extend him. Minnesota would not take Young on a good deal to run their offense? This is basically the Kuminga/Draymond discussion. Young is a more valuable "expiring" than Porzingis. The hang up is likely that Atlanta feels Trae has value and therefore lowers the additional components of the trade (Risacher/picks) and the Mavs disagree.

[vfromlmf]

You know, the last time Dallas traded for a scoring PG from Atlanta who didn’t play defense his name was Jason Terry.

JET turned 27 just one month after the trade and Trae turned 27 just a few months ago.

Worth remembering.

[ThisIStheYear]

The KP, Risacher, Kennard for AD trade rumor sounds better every time I hear it, especially if the Mavs can at least get the Atlanta pick. The Mavs will save a ton of money and improve their own 2026 pick.

[FireNicoHarrison]

The KP, Risacher, Kennard for AD trade rumor sounds better every time I hear it, especially if the Mavs can at least get the Atlanta pick. The Mavs will save a ton of money and improve their own 2026 pick.

Trae-Risacher-filler-2 FRPs... Then flip Trae for something else.

[F Gump]

The KP, Risacher, Kennard for AD trade rumor sounds better every time I hear it, especially if the Mavs can at least get the Atlanta pick. The Mavs will save a ton of money and improve their own 2026 pick.

"Trade rumor" -- You are saying KP, Risacher, Kennard for AD is being discussed (and seriously) by DAL and ATL?

If so, surely something must be missing in the reports, since it's not even a legal trade match for DAL (it would throw the Mavs over the hard cap, which is not allowed) and it would prevent them from having either cap space or roster space to sign Nemby to a regular NBA deal.

Personally I can't understand how the Mavs would even want to consider a talent return like that for AD. What I see is 1 guy (Risacher) who looks like an overpaid cap-clogging bust, and 2 expiring filler pieces (KP, Kennard) who would likely be gone in June (so representing no useful talent to put around Flagg). For AD, I would have to think they can do way better.

[khaled1987]

"Trade rumor" -- You are saying KP, Risacher, Kennard for AD is being discussed (and seriously) by DAL and ATL?

If so, surely something must be missing in the reports, since it's not even a legal trade match for DAL (it would throw the Mavs over the hard cap, which is not allowed) and it would prevent them from having either cap space or roster space to sign Nemby to a regular NBA deal.

Personally I can't understand how the Mavs would even want to consider a talent return like that for AD. What I see is 1 guy (Risacher) who looks like an overpaid cap-clogging bust, and 2 expiring filler pieces (KP, Kennard) who would likely be gone in June (so representing no useful talent to put around Flagg). For AD, I would have to think they can do way better.

Look at Haynes video I posted few pages ago. He said Risacher + expiring + draft capital. KP being the most logical expiring. Also no Trae

The difference to make the deal work could be achieved by including another team.

Draft capital is likely the one that is the sticking point here. I think it us the main reason there is no deal, even more than Trae vs KP

[F Gump]

Look at Haynes video I posted few pages ago. He said Risacher + expiring + draft capital. KP being the most logical expiring. Also no Trae

The difference to make the deal work could be achieved by including another team.

Draft capital is likely the one that is the sticking point here. I think it us the main reason there is no deal, even more than Trae vs KP

"He said Risacher + expiring + draft capital" --- Yeah, kinda. Thanks. I saw Haynes' report before and watched it several times. Other than the general overall idea, it's pretty soft, unfortunately. 

His actual reporting only actually reported: 
1 ATL has interest in acquiring AD. Keep an eye on that as "something to monitor." 
2 Any deal would not include Trae (in the context of him trying to fill in the blanks of what DAL would be looking for in return).  NOTE: It sounded like he got this from DAL, and I personally think the Mavs would bend on this, and go ahead and take him as part of the right offer, but he flatly said that's a non-starter. 

The rest was just his speculation on what DAL might be looking for instead (saying "Dallas would likely want expiring deals, young assets, and picks"). He didn't actually specify any person or pick that DAL wants, as Risacher was merely his example of a player (Last Year's #1 pick, oh me oh my!) who might qualify (he's a "young asset" in theory), and not a name he was hearing from either team.

About every ATL/AD trade thought that's been discussed in this forum fits what he said. 

Regarding an AD trade in general, it was reported in recent days that Dumont is not in a rush at all, wanting to see what they have with a Kyrie-AD-Flagg combo before deciding to make an actual move. Obviously that would take Kyrie not only returning (my guess was Jan 15, which is still a ways away) but also getting back to full speed, and then AD playing with him, and also they get some chemistry -- and we only have less than 6 weeks until the TDL. So it's possible that we have a long time, and then the landscape might change a lot before ANY roster change might even be considered.