Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[JamesConway816]

Yeah, it seems like most around here have simple lists - "these players good" and "these players not good." That's not the way basketball or life works, obviously. Flagg is AWESOME, but he's going to go on a roller coaster ride of change, discovery, pain and development, just like Dirk, Luka, Brunson, LeBron, Durant...just like anyone you can think of as a comparison. They don't come out of the box ready to win Finals MVP, kids.

I think that shows how spoiled we have been from Luka who was an All NBA player from his sophomore season on. I think Flagg will get there eventually but to assume he does so by this upcoming season is a strong strong case of optimism.

But to take that and then use that to articulate a win now approach for a team that has won only 32% of its last 111 games (including 70+ games with Coop being here)…. I think that vastly exceeds the boundaries of optimism.

They need to build this thing slowly if they want any chance of being a contender down the road Imo. The window to win now was closed the second they dumped their perennial MVP candidate player.

[RasheedsBigWhiteSpot]

I see Minnesota mentioned along with Detroit and Houston as prominent Kyrie destinations.  They don’t have any tradable draft picks after their VERY late pick this year.  So, you are building around vets.  Are you thinking of building something around Naz or around McDaniels?

Prior to the new season Minnesota has to send out more than they take back.  McDaniels and DiVincenzo work.  You can also add Beringer for Johnson to the deal.  It could also be Naz, DiVincenzo and Beringer without Johnson, but I hesitate to include Beringer in any deal.  I mean, how could he have any value since he hardly played any during the playoffs and that is apparently the standard for valuing 20 year olds.  Clearly they are all finished products by that age (we should probably pass on Burries as he’s that same age).

Alright, wise guy. There's a difference between having a trade where the CENTERPIECE is a 20 yo who didn't get minutes in the seven game series (in his second year), and a trade where someone like Beringer (a rookie) would be the sweetner behind McDaniels. 

You're doing mental gymnastics to justify a trade idea that's been panned everywhere. No one is arguing that 20 year olds can't improve. But they gotta have shown something if they're the headliner.

Let's flip it around: are you getting KD if the centerpiece is Christie? Christie, Gafford and 30? I think Houston would laugh at that.

[numnuts23]

I think that shows how spoiled we have been from Luka who was an All NBA player from his sophomore season on. I think Flagg will get there eventually but to assume he does so by this upcoming season is a strong strong case of optimism.

But to take that and then use that to articulate a win now approach for a team that has won only 32% of its last 111 games (including 70+ games with Coop being here)…. I think that vastly exceeds the boundaries of optimism.

They need to build this thing slowly if they want any chance of being a contender down the road Imo. The window to win now was closed the second they dumped their perennial MVP candidate player.

See, I'm the opposite of you.  Without draft pick control over the next couple years and having a young generational talent, it makes zero sense to slow build this team.  If anything, you speed the process up.  Get him playoff experience now...because it's a different animal than the regular season.  The faster he gets a taste of it, the better for the franchise overall.  Get it now, while SA and OKC are the beast that they are.   Sure, you might not compete for the title right now, but your getting him that experience that will be needed when the team is there.

Your getting your shot of youth for the team now - a loaded draft.  If the player isn't there at 9 you want, try to do the OKC deal....move down a little and get 3 players for now and the future.  If you can't move down, then draft the BPA at each spot in this draft.  

You don't move Kyrie unless another all star level player is coming back...particularly a guard.  That's probably not happening, so you roll with Kyrie and Flagg this season, making a push for the playoffs.  There is talent on this team now...that when healthy and actually playing to win, should succeed.  

Klay and Martin should be moved if possible 
Gafford for the right deal 
Maybe Marshal or PJ - but only if actual talent is coming back that fits better
Your going to add to the talent on the roster with the draft picks and FA.

They should be able to compete this year for a playoff spot

[Chicagojk]

See, I'm the opposite of you.  Without draft pick control over the next couple years and having a young generational talent, it makes zero sense to slow build this team.  If anything, you speed the process up.  Get him playoff experience now...because it's a different animal than the regular season.  The faster he gets a taste of it, the better for the franchise overall.  Get it now, while SA and OKC are the beast that they are.   Sure, you might not compete for the title right now, but your getting him that experience that will be needed when the team is there.

Your getting your shot of youth for the team now - a loaded draft.  If the player isn't there at 9 you want, try to do the OKC deal....move down a little and get 3 players for now and the future.  If you can't move down, then draft the BPA at each spot in this draft.  

You don't move Kyrie unless another all star level player is coming back...particularly a guard.  That's probably not happening, so you roll with Kyrie and Flagg this season, making a push for the playoffs.  There is talent on this team now...that when healthy and actually playing to win, should succeed.  

Klay and Martin should be moved if possible 
Gafford for the right deal 
Maybe Marshal or PJ - but only if actual talent is coming back that fits better
Your going to add to the talent on the roster with the draft picks and FA.

They should be able to compete this year for a playoff spot

This is where I come in as well.  The west is a blood bath, but I think a Play-in should at least be the expectation.    It is not the goal though.  I expect one of PJ, Marshall or Gafford to be moved this offseason, but I don't expect big changes.   They have surprised with a few moves already though.    I think they will go into next season trying to win, but with the flexibility to change directions either due to results or if an opportunity they cannot pass on presents itself.  While I think they are going to try to win, I don't think they pass on a deal that may make them worse short term, but better longterm just because they do not have their first round pick.  I don't believe this will impact their decisions at all.  

I also agree that getting Cooper in real, meaningful games is a goal.  Sure SA made a turnaround quickly without Wemby having much experience in important games, but I am in favor of getting young players in these envirnonments often and early.  I think it is great way to expedite their development.

[michaeltex]

FWIW, I think we should get ready for significant roster churn the next few years as the new MBT builds around Coop by getting players more in line with Coop's timeline. Considering his improvement rate, it might not mean waiting another 4 years to see deep playoff runs, but now is the time to determine who is currently on the team that fits with Coop's style. If they aren't a fit, then it's important to quickly move on so that this team can start developing together with players expected to be here longer term. I think everyone not named Flagg is getting evaluated with an eye toward ramping up competitively ASAP. So infusion of fresh blood from this year's draft to address key needs is very important. Re-evaluating the remnants of Luka's support group and their fit with the new team is an important, early step that could result in a lot of trade activity.

[mvossman]

I think Masai is thinking longer term than a lot of folks on this board. He made it clear in the press conference that building around Flagg is the priority, not winning now. I will be a little surprised if Kyire is still on this roster after the TDL.

[KillerLeft]

See, I'm the opposite of you.  Without draft pick control over the next couple years and having a young generational talent, it makes zero sense to slow build this team.  If anything, you speed the process up.  Get him playoff experience now...because it's a different animal than the regular season.  The faster he gets a taste of it, the better for the franchise overall.  Get it now, while SA and OKC are the beast that they are.   Sure, you might not compete for the title right now, but your getting him that experience that will be needed when the team is there.

I agree with this, in theory. Definitely want to get Flagg (and hopefully other young players who'll still be here when the team is actually good) into meaningfully competitive games ASAP to expedite growth. Right there with you. 

I just don't know that I'm as confident as you that it's a simple matter of choice. Tell me who the new coach is, and that they'll have a fully healthy season of Lively and the equation might change some for me, but as of right this second I'm not sure I see making the playoffs as something within the Mavs' power of choice.

[F Gump]

I think Masai is thinking longer term than a lot of folks on this board.  He made it clear in the press conference that building around Flagg is the priority, not winning now.  I will be a little surprised if Kyire is still on this roster after the TDL.

I heard Masai speak of the priority of building around CF. I didn't hear that expressed to the exclusion of winning. (Maybe I missed it.) I did hear him say (multiple times) that they want a Kyrie-Flagg combo. Do we just cherry pick his words to suit what WE want him to be thinking?

IMO he was expressing a desire to build in such a way that they get to the top, but to also start winning this season. (I don't expect them to have a fire sale of good players, for draft picks.)

[michaeltex]

I heard Masai speak of the priority of building around CF. I didn't hear that expressed to the exclusion of winning. (Maybe I missed it.) I did hear him say (multiple times) that they want a Kyrie-Flagg combo. Do we just cherry pick his words to suit what WE want him to be thinking?

IMO he was expressing a desire to build in such a way that they get to the top, but to also start winning this season. (I don't expect them to have a fire sale of good players, for draft picks.)

You are probably correct. I do think everyone is sort of back in auditioning mode to prove their value to the team and how they can grow with it. The new HC and his philosophy may have a lot to do with it as well.

[mvossman]

I heard Masai speak of the priority of building around CF. I didn't hear that expressed to the exclusion of winning. (Maybe I missed it.) I did hear him say (multiple times) that they want a Kyrie-Flagg combo. Do we just cherry pick his words to suit what WE want him to be thinking?

IMO he was expressing a desire to build in such a way that they get to the top, but to also start winning this season. (I don't expect them to have a fire sale of good players, for draft picks.)

Here is the direct quote:

“Every decision we’re going to make here is going to be future based. We’re not going to make decisions based on winning today.”

You make a valid point that he said they want to see a Kyrie-Flagg combo.  I will say that it is to his benefit to say this regardless of what his actual plans are, both from a fan perspective and from a value perspective.  He may also be of the mindset that they need to see Kyrie on the court in order to increase his value (something he obviously can't say publicly).

[windjc]

How many of you are going to turn on Masai when he doesn't draft the guy you think he should have?

[mvossman]

How many of you are going to turn on Masai when he doesn't draft the guy you think he should have?

Define turn on him.  I will disagree with his decision, and my guess is it will be the kind of player that will take a couple of years to prove me wrong.  But it will take a lot to turn on him.  I'm well aware of the total shit show the organization has been for many years.  It would have to get really bad for me to wish/ask for a change.

[FireNicoHarrison]

I think Masai is thinking longer term than a lot of folks on this board.  He made it clear in the press conference that building around Flagg is the priority, not winning now.  I will be a little surprised if Kyire is still on this roster after the TDL.

Agree.

The two timelines strategy is a failure despite a lot of users were happy last year.

Kyrie will not be dumped but Masai is already at work to find a good trade.
I'm not worry about that.

Trust in him, his first moves were FANTASTIC.

[Winter]

How many of you are going to turn on Masai when he doesn't draft the guy you think he should have?

The fans here have seen the worst. I mean literally the very bottom of organized management. We still have scars.

It's going to take a pretty long time for this GM to reach any kind of equivalency.

[Jakeospikez]

The sell everything, tear it down plan is for teams with no hope, not a team with a franchise player. There are no draft picks to sell everything and be a bad team for anymore. Might as well go for wins and establish a winning culture again. Flagg definitely isn't used to losing or playing for losses like there was last season. Agreed with the other posts that any playoff experience is valuable now and if you aren't getting decent returns from your vets, it's dumb to dump them. There may be some trades/moves in FA but not for Kyrie. At the very least, should play for wins at all costs again and see how things are at the TDL. The teams that would want to trade for Kyrie would be trading future picks, not lottery picks from this upcoming draft. If things fall apart he'll still be valuable at the TDL or next offseason and I'd say even has a decent chance to increase his value by then. Getting to the 2nd round with Kyrie is way more valuable than having some pick in the late teens or 20s even in this draft.

Previous regime blundered Luka's rookie contract with all sorts of terrible moves. If Masai and Co. screw up roster building around Flagg during his rookie contract, Mavs should fire them all immediately after Flagg accepts his new deal or gets traded or w/e happens.

[windjc]

There is a difference between no draft picks and not controlling draft picks, however it’s weird to say controlling unless you want to tank. Most teams try to win as many games as possible and then draft accordingly. Getting another teams pick is still a pick.

[DL2RimRocker]

Here is the direct quote:

“Every decision we’re going to make here is going to be future based. We’re not going to make decisions based on winning today.”

You make a valid point that he said they want to see a Kyrie-Flagg combo.  I will say that it is to his benefit to say this regardless of what his actual plans are, both from a fan perspective and from a value perspective.  He may also be of the mindset that they need to see Kyrie on the court in order to increase his value (something he obviously can't say publicly).

I think it would be wise for Masia to hold off on trading Kyrie until the TDL. Even if Coop and Kyrie are a great fit, it would make some sense to move Kyrie while his value is at highest level.

[DanSchwartzgan]

Alright, wise guy. There's a difference between having a trade where the CENTERPIECE is a 20 yo who didn't get minutes in the seven game series (in his second year), and a trade where someone like Beringer (a rookie) would be the sweetner behind McDaniels. 

You're doing mental gymnastics to justify a trade idea that's been panned everywhere. No one is arguing that 20 year olds can't improve. But they gotta have shown something if they're the headliner.

Let's flip it around: are you getting KD if the centerpiece is Christie? Christie, Gafford and 30? I think Houston would laugh at that.

If Christie was the 5th overall pick instead of the 35th and if Gafford was as good as Stewart (Killer thinks Stewart is better) and if 30 was 21, you’d be close.  

BTW, the most recent haul for Durant (and Capella) was Brooks (is that similar to Stewart?), Malachi (who only got 11 minutes a game in 4 playoff losses), Green (who people generally feel is overpaid) and some seconds.  Not exactly a kings ransom.

[KillerLeft]

If Christie was the 5th overall pick instead of the 35th and if Gafford was as good as Stewart (Killer thinks Stewart is better) and if 30 was 21, you’d be close.  

BTW, the most recent haul for Durant (and Capella) was Brooks (is that similar to Stewart?), Malachi (who only got 11 minutes a game in 4 playoff losses), Green (who people generally feel is overpaid) and some seconds.  Not exactly a kings ransom.

I mean, I think very similarly to you on this, as we've established. Not sure even why I'm choosing your post to respond to, but:

What I can't get past, in the context of the broader conversation, is the ridiculous notion that open-minded consideration for the idea of trading a 34 year old PG-sized non-PG is somehow akin to "bottoming out for the next ___ seasons." When did those two things become equivalent, and who should I talk to about that? I read someone's response that straw manned my point into "bottoming out until 2032." Like...WHAT? 

I'm trying to think of ways to make the team better (realistically better, not the fantasy version of better that some seem to expect will happen magically on opening night) SOONER, not later. I think there's a serious disconnect somewhere...something being assumed differently on both sides in deep and opposing ways that's making basic communication on this topic difficult. I don't quite know if that disconnect is about how we all view Kyrie, the rest of the team or both, but it's weird. 

FWIW, I could be convinced NOT to trade Kyrie, depending on how a few other variables shake out. However, I don't think the team is in a position to simply draft a guy at #9, make a smart MLE signing, hire a coach and then make the playoffs. I think that's rather far-fetched, personally. I'm trying to imagine ways of making the playoffs SOONER, and in such a way where they can remain a playoff team for some time afterwards. 

The other, separate conversation is: "if they decide to trade Kyrie, what kind of offers can we expect?" I think you've got the right of that part, for sure.

[GATA]

Target Houston with Kyrie for Reed Shephard and other filler