2026 NBA draft thread

[mvossman]

I was looking at the Bucks for a while. Pairing Giannis and Kyrie in exchange for #10 might have been their best shot but that appears to not be an option anymore unfortunately.

Yeah, if Giannis was still on the fence its possible they would have been desperate enough to send #10 for Kyrie.  The Mavs could have completely rebuilt their backcourt in one draft with Burries/Brown or Burries/Flemings.

[Smitty]

Regarding Kyrie worth, I would take a top 10 pick in this draft and neutral salary for him.  I don't think that trade is on the table right now.  I don't think teams are going to be willing to trade that much value for a mid 30s player they have not seen on the court in a year and a half.  If Masai decides to move him (I think a real possibility) it will most likely be at the TDL (assuming he shows off enough to be worth trading for).  I don't know what that package might look like, but I don't value future picks nearly as high as I do picks in this current draft.

That’s kind of my point though. To the ones that say trade Kyrie, that’s perfectly reasonable to me, but then you ask yourself “what’s the return”. The typical answer is a top 10 pick. Again, reasonable ask. BUT it takes two to tango. 
Who in the top 10 is trading for Kyrie on draft night? If I squint really hard I can see one, and that’s if they keep Giannis. 

Okay, now all of those ducks have to line up... Milwaukee has to get a longterm commitment from Giannis the next few weeks, trade their negative value contracts for salary matching, and pick 10 for Kyrie, who’s coming off an 18 month absence? That’s their all-in move?! That’s Masai’s first move in Dallas? 

It’s just fantasy land to me… There’s only ONE potential trade partner.

The TDL is the only realistic timeline for everyone involved, and that’s 9 months away. Yet “trade Kyrie” is sometimes dominating draft thread talk…

[mvossman]

That’s kind of my point though. To the ones that say trade Kyrie, that’s perfectly reasonable to me, but then you ask yourself “what’s the return”. The typical answer is a top 10 pick. Again, reasonable ask. BUT it takes two to tango. 
Who in the top 10 is trading for Kyrie on draft night? If I squint really hard I can see one, and that’s if they keep Giannis. 

Okay, now all of those ducks have to line up... Milwaukee has to get a longterm commitment from Giannis the next few weeks, trade their negative value contracts for salary matching, and pick 10 for Kyrie, who’s coming off an 18 month absence? That’s their all-in move?! That’s Masai’s first move in Dallas? 

It’s just fantasy land to me… There’s only ONE potential trade partner.

The TDL is the only realistic timeline for everyone involved, and that’s 9 months away. Yet “trade Kyrie” is sometimes dominating draft thread talk…

I mean it sounds like you and I are saying basically the same thing.  I have not seen that much trade Kyrie talk in the draft thread, but the concept of trading Kyrie in general is worth talking about.  In another thread there is a conversation about win now versus building for future, and a willingness to trade Kyrie (now or at TDL) is probably the biggest separator of what side of the fence folks stand on.

[KillerLeft]

That’s kind of my point though. To the ones that say trade Kyrie, that’s perfectly reasonable to me, but then you ask yourself “what’s the return”. The typical answer is a top 10 pick. Again, reasonable ask. BUT it takes two to tango. 
Who in the top 10 is trading for Kyrie on draft night? If I squint really hard I can see one, and that’s if they keep Giannis. 

Okay, now all of those ducks have to line up... Milwaukee has to get a longterm commitment from Giannis the next few weeks, trade their negative value contracts for salary matching, and pick 10 for Kyrie, who’s coming off an 18 month absence? That’s their all-in move?! That’s Masai’s first move in Dallas? 

It’s just fantasy land to me… There’s only ONE potential trade partner.

The TDL is the only realistic timeline for everyone involved, and that’s 9 months away. Yet “trade Kyrie” is sometimes dominating draft thread talk…

I don't think it's reasonable to ask for a top 10 pick in this draft for Kyrie, personally. I think that would be a terrible move for the other team, even if the other team was MIL trying to pair him for the final stretch of Giannis' career. I could see an argument for them doing that, but if I worked there or even was just a fan of that team I wouldn't be into it, personally. 

However, I also don't think *something immediately, overtly better than having Kyrie on the court* is the level that would have to be satisfied to get me to pull the trigger on a Kyrie trade. I think it's a NO-BRAINER that you'd let him go for a top 10 pick in this draft, but I'd be tempted for a package that included chances of a pick ending up in the top 10 down the road. Frankly, I'd do it for a player much less accomplished, but with runway and potential to hit his stride right around the time Flagg was fully mature. I don't say this because I don't value what Kyrie has meant and could potentially still mean to Dallas on the court at all, but I'm looooooooong past believing this thing is going to make noise while he's still here. 

All of that to say, I wouldn't want to give him away at all, but for a package that could plausibly improve things down the road a year or two (about the time he'd be leaving, anyway), sign me up. I think there are a hundred different forms that could take. For all the dissecting of potential AD trades we did around here all year, the one they chose was out of left field, not discussed, and frankly better than most of our (realistic) favorites. 

If I were trying to build a Kyrie trade, I think MIL (in those specific circumstances you mention) might make some sense, but honestly I'd start by looking at the playoff teams (from this year) who can't get out of the first or second round, first.

Put another way, any logic behind trading Kyrie is based on "trading old for young," and when you do that, the team getting the "old" has to get the "better"...that's they only way those trades ever happen. Ever.

[hakeemfaan]

I know everyone wants a reboot immediately but once you go more than 2 first round rookies it is tough to even integrate everyone together. Look at the Nets with 3 picks last year.

The better scenario would be moving up from 30 if possible to go along with the 9, and then trying to get some FRPs in coming years when our draft outlook is bleak.

[Smitty]

I mean it sounds like you and I are saying basically the same thing.  I have not seen that much trade Kyrie talk in the draft thread, but the concept of trading Kyrie in general is worth talking about.  In another thread there is a conversation about win now versus building for future, and a willingness to trade Kyrie (now or at TDL) is probably the biggest separator of what side of the fence folks stand on.

Yeah, I didn’t mean it as a reply to you. Just the overall trade Kyrie talk. 

I get that he’s the most valuable trade asset. I just see nothing that suggests the new front office wants to trade him right away, and I don’t see another team giving up what any fan would think was a no-brainer.

Reassess in 9 months.

[KillerLeft]

I know everyone wants a reboot immediately but once you go more than 2 first round rookies it is tough to even integrate everyone together.  Look at the Nets with 3 picks last year.

The better scenario would be moving up from 30 if possible  to go along with the 9, and then trying to get some FRPs in coming years when our draft outlook is bleak.

This is probably not the point you're making, but to make an adjacent piggy back: Would Kyrie + #30 get you #10 from MIL? Not sure, but it starts to feel a little more possible to me. 

If I was into that, I think I'd want it to happen soon enough to discover how far UP I could get by packaging #9 and #10 together. Not that I'd do a trade like that, necessarily, but the optionality has allure for me, if possible. Can you get Peterson that way? Probably not, but if you could...

[Smitty]

I don't think it's reasonable to ask for a top 10 pick in this draft for Kyrie, personally. I think that would be a terrible move for the other team, even if the other team was MIL trying to pair him for the final stretch of Giannis' career. I could see an argument for them doing that, but if I worked there or even was just a fan of that team I wouldn't be into it, personally. 

However, I also don't think *something immediately, overtly better than having Kyrie on the court* is the level that would have to be satisfied to get me to pull the trigger on a Kyrie trade. I think it's a NO-BRAINER that you'd let him go for a top 10 pick in this draft, but I'd be tempted for a package that included chances of a pick ending up in the top 10 down the road. Frankly, I'd do it for a player much less accomplished, but with runway and potential to hit his stride right around the time Flagg was fully mature. I don't say this because I don't value what Kyrie has meant and could potentially still mean to Dallas on the court at all, but I'm looooooooong past believing this thing is going to make noise while he's still here. 

All of that to say, I wouldn't want to give him away at all, but for a package that could plausibly improve things down the road a year or two (about the time he'd be leaving, anyway), sign me up. I think there are a hundred different forms that could take. For all the dissecting of potential AD trades we did around here all year, the one they chose was out of left field, not discussed, and frankly better than most of our (realistic) favorites. 

If I were trying to build a Kyrie trade, I think MIL (in those specific circumstances you mention) might make some sense, but honestly I'd start by looking at the playoff teams (from this year) who can't get out of the first or second round, first.

Put another way, any logic behind trading Kyrie is based on "trading old for young," and when you do that, the team getting the "old" has to get the "better"...that's they only way those trades ever happen. Ever.

I’m on my phone so I won’t reply to all of your really good points until later, but while it’s on my mind. IF they trade Kyrie for 10/11/12 whatever, and pick Yaxel or Mara with that pick. Does that change how you feel about it?

[Winter]

As much as I love this draft, I think most of Dallas trade options this summer should be for (or include) future draft picks.

Anything done during this draft will likely take some magic by the FO. I hope they pull it off. But the real vacancy for the rebuilding of this team will need more future draft picks.

[dirkfansince1998]

I know everyone wants a reboot immediately but once you go more than 2 first round rookies it is tough to even integrate everyone together.  Look at the Nets with 3 picks last year.

The better scenario would be moving up from 30 if possible  to go along with the 9, and then trying to get some FRPs in coming years when our draft outlook is bleak.

It's not really about integrating players. It's about accumulating talent. If you hit on the picks they will force their way into the rotation. If you miss it's going to look bad.
But you cannot make the call after one season. Really hope the new Mavs will have more patience when it comes to the development of young players.
Not exactly news but in the end it is all about two things. Having a front office that can identify talent and having a coaching staff that can develop it.

And just to bring up an example where investing into multiple picks worked out. In 2022 OKC picked Chet Holmgren, Jaylin Williams and Jalen Williams in the same draft. And they already had other development projects from previous drafts on the roster. Eventually the most talented players ended up as the foundation for what looks like a OKC dynasty.

[KillerLeft]

I’m on my phone so I won’t reply to all of your really good points until later, but while it’s on my mind. IF they trade Kyrie for 10/11/12 whatever, and pick Yaxel or Mara with that pick. Does that change how you feel about it?

You mean, if they were to acquire a player I wouldn't be thrilled about, would I prefer to keep Kyrie? Yes, probably. But, Kyrie for an ADDED pick that results in Lendeborg, for example, would be much more exciting than taking him at 24 years old with #9. I could potentially be excited about that. You grab the best PG left at 9 (Brown or Flemings would be my hope) and then add a super long wing/forward on top of that. In that case, his age is a positive comparatively to Kyrie's. I might be doing some mental gymnastics to see it that way, but I do.

[dirkfansince1998]

I don't think it's reasonable to ask for a top 10 pick in this draft for Kyrie, personally. I think that would be a terrible move for the other team, even if the other team was MIL trying to pair him for the final stretch of Giannis' career. I could see an argument for them doing that, but if I worked there or even was just a fan of that team I wouldn't be into it, personally. 

However, I also don't think *something immediately, overtly better than having Kyrie on the court* is the level that would have to be satisfied to get me to pull the trigger on a Kyrie trade. I think it's a NO-BRAINER that you'd let him go for a top 10 pick in this draft, but I'd be tempted for a package that included chances of a pick ending up in the top 10 down the road. Frankly, I'd do it for a player much less accomplished, but with runway and potential to hit his stride right around the time Flagg was fully mature. I don't say this because I don't value what Kyrie has meant and could potentially still mean to Dallas on the court at all, but I'm looooooooong past believing this thing is going to make noise while he's still here. 

All of that to say, I wouldn't want to give him away at all, but for a package that could plausibly improve things down the road a year or two (about the time he'd be leaving, anyway), sign me up. I think there are a hundred different forms that could take. For all the dissecting of potential AD trades we did around here all year, the one they chose was out of left field, not discussed, and frankly better than most of our (realistic) favorites. 

If I were trying to build a Kyrie trade, I think MIL (in those specific circumstances you mention) might make some sense, but honestly I'd start by looking at the playoff teams (from this year) who can't get out of the first or second round, first.

Put another way, any logic behind trading Kyrie is based on "trading old for young," and when you do that, the team getting the "old" has to get the "better"...that's they only way those trades ever happen. Ever.

This. Kyrie trade talk is all about this years draft right now. But more realistic scenarios probably involve teams that think that they are one piece away from competiting. Would Kyrie instead of Suggs turn the Magic into a team that can make it out of the first round? Would a healthy Heat team be back in the playoff conversation if they add Kyrie? What about the Rockets or Hawks?

[hakeemfaan]

This is probably not the point you're making, but to make an adjacent piggy back: Would Kyrie + #30 get you #10 from MIL? Not sure, but it starts to feel a little more possible to me. 

If I was into that, I think I'd want it to happen soon enough to discover how far UP I could get by packaging #9 and #10 together. Not that I'd do a trade like that, necessarily, but the optionality has allure for me, if possible. Can you get Peterson that way? Probably not, but if you could...

I don’t see any way to move into the top 4. Those teams ranked hard to get there and even pick 5 and 6 offered together is most likely not causing any of the top 4 to bite. 

I would love it if the Mavs somehow ended with two picks in the top 20. However whatever moves you stack up don’t try for 3 picks in the first round.  It realistically never works. All rookies need time to develop and stacking too many at one time is not doing the team or the players any favor.

[Smitty]

This. Kyrie trade talk is all about this years draft right now. But more realistic scenarios probably involve teams that think that they are one piece away from competiting. Would Kyrie instead of Suggs turn the Magic into a team that can make it out of the first round? Would a healthy Heat team be back in the playoff conversation if they add Kyrie? What about the Rockets or Hawks?

Orlando doesn’t have a pick in this draft.

The Rockets don’t have a pick in this draft.

The Heat (13) are all-in on Giannis at the moment, and that saga never ends.

Hawks (8/23) are giving up #8 for Kyrie without seeing him on the floor in 18 months? #23 isn’t even worth talking about.


The trade deadline is when the Kyrie trade talk should heat up………

[Winter]

Nice Brayden Burries article from NoCeilings

https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/brayden-...-of-design

[dirkfansince1998]

Orlando doesn’t have a pick in this draft.

The Rockets don’t have a pick in this draft.

The Heat (13) are all-in on Giannis at the moment, and that saga never ends.

Hawks (8/23) are giving up #8 for Kyrie without seeing him on the floor in 18 months? #23 isn’t even worth talking about.


The trade deadline is when the Kyrie trade talk should heat up………

Isn't that what I said. We are focusing on teams with picks. That's not realistic because most teams with picks have no need for Kyrie. If you want to turn Kyrie into future assets there are three three options. Wait for the deadline, consider packages that don't include a 2026 pick or trade him for a package that many of this board would hate (late first and/or eating bad salary).
Tough decision. We tend to assume that Kyrie returns and recovers some of his value. Could also turn into a Lillard (thankfully his contract isn't as bad) situation and tank his value even further. Lots of variables that could impact the decision and for the most part we don't have the relevant information. Can only hope that the new front office is going to make the right call.

[RasheedsBigWhiteSpot]

There are multiple reasons Kyrie needs to be traded in the next 40 days:

1. Cooper needs to be teamed up with fellow 19-24 year old players and the place to get that is in the Draft

2. The next two drafts are seen as VERY BAD.  2024 or worse levels of bad.

3a. Next off-season Kyrie will have all kinds of leverage in wanting a new contract. With that brings a level of him dictating where he goes, which can hurt negotiating.
3b. We all love the current Kyrie. But lest we forget what an unhappy version of him is like.

4. In conjunction with 3b., yes, perhaps the Mavs are selling at 80% of him physically, but they are definitely dealing him as the absolute best locker room version of him.  To a team trying get out of the 1st round, that means something. If a team wants him as a culture changer, stuff like that takes time. You're not getting that with him coming over at the deadline. A team like Atlanta is going to want him hanging out with fellow Dukie Jalen Johnson in the offseason. They're going to want him throughout training camp.  That's maximizing his full incoming value.

5. This one is double-edged:
a. Returning from an ACL isn't like it was in the 80's. Players come back from freakin' Achilles tears and look good as new. I'm not really viewing him as Humpty Dumpty.
b. I'm not worried about him looking bad from the ACL. I AM concerned that hanging onto him simply for bargaining position is potentially playing with fire.  We'll always wonder what the return would've been on AD had he not freakishly injured his hand.

6. There's precedent on a trade of a player like this in KD last year. Houston was a team that needed a vet to add to their young nucleus. It was a top 10 pick, a young, underachieving player, plus salary ballast. Personally, I think this is similar to the KD trade (cheaper, actually):
Kyrie (KD)
for
#8 (#10), Risacher (Jalen Green), Kispert and Hield (Dylan Brooks)
Houston also traded 5 2nds
I added #23 for Gafford as it fixes Atlanta's other weakness. But the point is simply that an older KD has already laid out the blueprint for this.

Unlike Jerry Jones, I don't think Masai negotiates against himself in the media. I think him saying that he likes Kyrie on the team simply means he's not looking to push him out of the door and give him away.

[Dirknows]

Orlando doesn’t have a pick in this draft.

The Rockets don’t have a pick in this draft.

The Heat (13) are all-in on Giannis at the moment, and that saga never ends.

Hawks (8/23) are giving up #8 for Kyrie without seeing him on the floor in 18 months? #23 isn’t even worth talking about.


The trade deadline is when the Kyrie trade talk should heat up………

Yeah, I don't see anyone giving up something of crazy value for a Kyrie who hasn't played in a year and a half...but at the deadline, Rockets and Hawks are still interesting as Houston has Brooklyn's and Phoenix 2027 pick swap, as well as a swap involving our 2029 1st. Hawks have less favorable of NOP and MIL in 2027 as well as a swap with Cleveland in 2028. Everyone is focused on this draft, and yes it is very deep, but we will still need young players coming in every year, and next year is the year we own zero picks, unless we get top-2.

[hakeemfaan]

It's not really about integrating players. It's about accumulating talent. If you hit on the picks they will force their way into the rotation. If you miss it's going to look bad.
But you cannot make the call after one season. Really hope the new Mavs will have more patience when it comes to the development of young players.
Not exactly news but in the end it is all about two things. Having a front office that can identify talent and having a coaching staff that can develop it.

And just to bring up an example where investing into multiple picks worked out. In 2022 OKC picked Chet Holmgren, Jaylin Williams and Jalen Williams in the same draft. And they already had other development projects from previous drafts on the roster. Eventually the most talented players ended up as the foundation for what looks like a OKC dynasty.

I am not saying it can never be done but it is difficult. Also the hierarchies were clearer with OKC and even there Chet being hurt meant not all 3 had to be developed together. 

I also really want the Mavs to give Poulakidas a strong chance. After Dirk and JeT, he is one of the few Mavs players who I have seen drive hard, stop on a dime and get a shot off. Almost seems like a lost art now.  This was before his breakout 3 pt game. So I look at him also as a young player to be developed

[RasheedsBigWhiteSpot]

Yeah, I don't see anyone giving up something of crazy value for a Kyrie who hasn't played in a year and a half...but at the deadline, Rockets and Hawks are still interesting as Houston has Brooklyn's and Phoenix 2027 pick swap, as well as a swap involving our 2029 1st. Hawks have less favorable of NOP and MIL in 2027 as well as a swap with Cleveland in 2028. Everyone is focused on this draft, and yes it is very deep, but we will still need young players coming in every year, and next year is the year we own zero picks, unless we get top-2.

Why does it matter that the Mavs have young players every year if a class is bad? Would you really be cool with trading Kyrie for a Bub Carrington or Rob Dillingham? Because that's what you're advocating.