TRADE: Davis, Hardy, DLO, Exum to WAS | Middleton, filler, 2 FRPs, 3 SRPs to DAL

[MaxiThreeba]

I liked Ricardo answer better than Finley’s.  Finleys gave me some Nico vibes

https://x.com/townbrad/status/2019570630568615957?s=61

https://x.com/townbrad/status/2019570369653592496?s=61

Hey Michael can you give us your thoughts on the trade?

https://youtu.be/lj3iNxZ8Dww?si=7uMdaeQPwrTt4k_F

[RGP1981]

I liked Ricardo answer better than Finley’s.  Finleys gave me some Nico vibes

https://x.com/townbrad/status/2019570630568615957?s=61

https://x.com/townbrad/status/2019570369653592496?s=61

Michael Finley is the Joe Dumars of Texas, lol. 

[KillerLeft]

Stein said on the DLLS podcast today that as of early this morning, the plan as he saw it was for both Middleton and Bagley II to finish the year here, which shocked all of the rest of the guys (and me). If true, score one for VLMF, I guess.

However, he also said that buyouts generally happen after players actually receive interest from their eventual destination, and that the two guys would probably be consulted about their preferences, so who knows what will happen. Interestingly, though, he thought Middleton was more likely to be kept than Bagley II.

[RGP1981]

There are probably only ~5 GMs in the league that I really like.  Not sure why any of them would be available or want to come here.  As such, I don't have a strong opinion on our next GM.

I'd rather go with an unknown than some retread.  Just dont let it be Kidd please.

If you can get Lindsey away from Detroit, I'd be fine with him being President and Riccardi being GM.

Lindsey would be a good get. 

I think the best POBO for Coop could be Rob Pelinka though, IMHO, with Riccardi being GM. Bet Rob would do do whatever it took to build a consistent contender around Coop, because he'd see the similarities between Coop's and Kobe's seriousness about winning as well as their desire to do it on both ends of the floor. So he'd make it a personal project or mission to help Coop get as much success as is possible.

Anyway! I'm thinking on this AD to the Wizards trade, and it's honestly annoying that the Mavs didn't manage to get Kyshawn George back in the deal. Kyshawn looks like he could have been a very good complement to Coop at the Forward position. And I know the Wiz are high on him, but this is still AD we're talking about here... and the Wiz have Bilal Coulibaly to play the SF position.

Since the Mavs weren't able to get Kyshawn, I think they should try to get Matas Buzelis. Buzelis is more of a PF-type or a 4/3 than Kyshawn (who is more of an SF-type or a 3/4), but that's another player who I feel will complement Coop really well at the Forward position. I really wanted to see Buzelis on the Jazz because he gives me major 'Kirilenko for the modern NBA' vibes, but now the Jazz have Markkanen and JJJ at the PF spot.

If the Mavs develop and mold AJ Johnson properly into an efficient scorer in a team oriented system... and can get a good PG in the 2026 draft (Flemings or Brown Jr or who?)... that would be a great place to begin next season from.

• G: Flemings or Brown Jr
  
• G: Christie, Johnson
  
• F: Coop, Naji
  
• F: Buzelis
  
• C: Lively, Gafford
  

[cow]

Stein said on the DLLS podcast today that as of early this morning, the plan as he saw it was for both Middleton and Bagley II to finish the year here, which shocked all of the rest of the guys (and me). If true, score one for VLMF, I guess.

However, he also said that buyouts generally happen after players actually receive interest from their eventual destination, and that the two guys would probably be consulted about their preferences, so who knows what will happen. Interestingly, though, he thought Middleton was more likely to be kept than Bagley II.

Like I posted in the game thread, Followill said he expected all four players might be available for Saturday's game barring an issue with physicals.  We did hear potential of Bagley be rerouted before the TDL closed, so I guess that last blurb makes some sense.  Then again, we heard Middleton was likely to get bought out.

[F Gump]

"Followill said he expected all four players might be available for Saturday's game barring an issue with physicals."

What happens in the first game or 3 will tell us nothing. They can keep everyone they have right now for almost a month.

The crossroads will be as we near Mar 1. Near that point, Nemby and Cisse will have run out of NBA eligibility as a 2-way. So that's when they have to decide if they waive players, so they can convert N/C to regular NBA deals. Nothing says they MUST do so, but if they don't, those players get no more NBA pay this season and basically are just GL guys for the remainder of the season.

Mar 1 is also the deadline by which a player must be waived, if he wants to sign with another team and be playoff eligible.

Before then, there's no urgency.

I expect they will let it play out for the next 5-6 games or so, during which they can see if they have any reason to waive someone, and then decide who they want it to be (if anyone). In the meantime, we get to watch and see what we think they should do.

[cow]

Before then, there's no urgency.

The bigger issue in my mind is our panache for clutch games and if someone like Middleton pushing us over the top, even if he only plays in a few games.  We had a great chance tonight before Christie thought he'd take over the game while ignoring Cooper and Naji who were on heaters.

[WillE]

Credit to the interim front office for swallowing their pride and moving him.

Michael Finley is the Joe Dumars of Texas, lol. 

Well...he spoke freely and didn't script or anyhow plan what exactly he wanted to say. But I think in his role, that would really fit him well, as this would also transport more vibes of planfulness and goal orientation.

That does only have little to do with the decisions made, but is important to keep the public in the loop and the fans on board...

[Mavs2021]

Well I expected much worse after you described it. I don´t think Nico could have remembered the names of all four outgoing players. The part about them being ultimate professionals, but then saying the trade away helps build a championship culture was probably bad wording. Say Championship ROSTER and it makes a lot more sense. The comment about giving fans something to be excited about, of course feels kind of out of place. Let´s be real though. Only the sickos watch that clip and we understand it´s about tanking this year, Flagg, putting the past behind them and good vibes. Not having AD around will help morale, just like sacking Nico did.

Flagg and Marshall have taken attention away from Gafford and he has started to look more like himself. Last three games averaged 14/11, 78% FG, 2.0 blocks. Gafford, like most center that aren´t paid max money, only works when the defensive attention is elsewhere. When he can use the small pockets of space for quick decisive movements.

[Chicagojk]

Youtube highlights are funny.  I am sure wizzards fans are doing the same thing for Hardy now.   Although, I must admit this is a good highlight reel.

I will probably watch him for three games and say nope, but fun watch.  He has long arms and is really quick for his size.   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BHpGZx6Fx0

[Winter]

Youtube highlights are funny.  I am sure wizzards fans are doing the same thing for Hardy now.   Although, I must admit this is a good highlight reel.

I will probably watch him for three games and say nope, but fun watch.  He has long arms and is really quick for his size.   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BHpGZx6Fx0

I watched this yesterday and thought, he either doesn't know much about the NBA game or he's terrible at shot selection. The video looks like an NBA all star, but it's because of how quick and athletic he looks.

What a great looking athlete though. I hope Kidd can teach him how to play.

[Chicagojk]

I have been thinking Middleton is done, and he probably is.   i do wonder if he has a chance to come back as a veteran leader.  Maybe a guy outside the regular rotation for a small salary.   With older guys in Klay, Martin and 1-2 others, not sure if it is best to bring another 34 year old.  

We should get a good look at him and Bagley.  Mavs are bad like the wizards but they play competitive games and should provide good evaluation.  Most Wizard games feel like scrimmages.

[DL2RimRocker]

I watched this yesterday and thought, he either doesn't know much about the NBA game or he's terrible at shot selection. The video looks like an NBA all star, but it's because of how quick and athletic he looks.

What a great looking athlete though. I hope Kidd can teach him how to play.

Josh Green 2.0

[Winter]

Josh Green 2.0

Ha. I didn't make that connection, but you might be right.

[numnuts23]

Middleton as a vet mentor is fine by me - his was a mid range monster, which Flagg is as well. Can't hurt
Bagley has a chance to stick as a low cost vet next season - depending on how he looks the rest of the season. He can still play
AJ is a lotto ticket - still some upside there
Jones is here just to get some run until Kyrie comes back - or maybe this is a sign he is gonna sit out the rest of the year?

[Smitty]

WizardsMuse (@WizardsMuse1)
Writer/Broadcaster Chris Mannix on the Wizards/AD Trade:

"I don't think they're going to give him an extension... I've been told he's not loving this"

AD's agent Rich Paul didn't know about the trade beforehand and Davis has changed his IG picture to all black

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

Who are the best GMs in the league?

Sam Presti
Brad Stevens
Tim Connelly

is there even a 4th guy you'd kill to have?

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

WizardsMuse (@WizardsMuse1)
Writer/Broadcaster Chris Mannix on the Wizards/AD Trade:

"I don't think they're going to give him an extension... I've been told he's not loving this"

AD's agent Rich Paul didn't know about the trade beforehand and Davis has changed his IG picture to all black

so glad we don't have to deal with this BS

I say make Riccardi the GM just based on this. He didn't try to cater to Rich Pauls wishes.

[Mavs2021]

For years I said the Mavs need to get younger on the court. It´s the same with coaching and GMing. This is an incredibly high stress 24/7 job that is not made for guys 50+, certainly not 60+. There might be a few exceptions, but mostly it´s Phil Jackson sleeping through a draft workout or trying to implement the triangle offense that died in the early 2000s. For all your gained experience with age, the game and CBA are changing so fast, you always need to process information quickly and sharply. 

So I´m perfectly fine with a Riccardi to run the daily GM business. The best coaches in the NBA probably got into coaching in their early to mid 20s, cause they were not good enough to make it all the way to the top, but enjoyed the analytical and psychological aspects of the game. And the best GMs are the guys that loved sports and analytics, but were never good enough to even fail at the college level. Some call them nerds.

[RasheedsBigWhiteSpot]

Middleton playing or staying here isn't surprising when you consider that he went to A&M and is from Texas.