Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[Scott41theMavs]

So, OKC has 4 weeks from today to make moves under the current cap restrictions.

IF, they want to do something involving 2026 draft picks, that window is only 3 weeks from today.

The same parameters might apply to some other teams as well...

Could be an interesting month in NBA-land.

With our new FO, hopefully it's interesting in a good way for the Mavericks.

[dirkfansince1998]

Kinda interesting that we are seeing all these rumors/discussions about Kyrie, PJ and Gafford but for some reason I cannot find anything about Klay or Naji. Klay probably isn't all that interesting of a target unless the Mavs take back bad salary but shouldn't Naji be one of the better wing/forward options on the market? Are the Mavs not interested in a trade (that was the deadline story)? Teams not willing to give up assets for a bad shooter that put up big numbers on a bad team?

[HoosierDaddyKid]

In his latest Bleacher Report livestream, NBA insider Jake Fischer argued that he does not fully expect the star point guard to remain in Dallas into the next 2026-27 season. “I don’t necessarily believe that Kyrie Irving will be on the Mavericks roster come opening night," Fischer said. "There will be contending teams that would make trade calls to Dallas.”

[HoosierDaddyKid]

The noise surrounding the Miami Heat and Antetokounmpo remains louder than all the rest. Many people around the league, from agents to executives, continue to believe that Antetokounmpo will end up in Miami when this saga finally comes to an end.

Team president Pat Riley made it clear that the Heat would be aggressive this offseason and few moves would be more aggressive than making a deal to bring the two-time NBA MVP to South Beach. Miami was among the most dogged teams in its pursuit of Antetokounmpo at the trade deadline, when league sources say the talks were so advanced that Heat officials were optimistic about a deal getting done. The Bucks, of course, ultimately opted to wait for this summer to revisit the situation. The rumors of Giannis’ openness to Miami have persisted for years, and league sources indicate that he remains both intrigued and impressed with the organization’s winning culture.

[F Gump]

In his latest Bleacher Report livestream, NBA insider Jake Fischer argued that he does not fully expect the star point guard to remain in Dallas into the next 2026-27 season. “I don’t necessarily believe that Kyrie Irving will be on the Mavericks roster come opening night," Fischer said. "There will be contending teams that would make trade calls to Dallas.”

I agree with Fischer -- but he really didn't tell us anything in the least bit informative. 

The idea that teams would make trade calls to Dallas to ask about Kyrie's availability? That's not news, it's a given. It's a regular norm for teams to call and inquire about who might be available. The idea that Kyrie could get traded - unless, of course - he doesn't? Not really saying anything either way. 

About the only thing he really told us that's informative is that he has no clue what will happen with Kyrie. That is one I believe!

[Smitty]

The noise surrounding the Miami Heat and Antetokounmpo remains louder than all the rest. Many people around the league, from agents to executives, continue to believe that Antetokounmpo will end up in Miami when this saga finally comes to an end.

Team president Pat Riley made it clear that the Heat would be aggressive this offseason and few moves would be more aggressive than making a deal to bring the two-time NBA MVP to South Beach. Miami was among the most dogged teams in its pursuit of Antetokounmpo at the trade deadline, when league sources say the talks were so advanced that Heat officials were optimistic about a deal getting done. The Bucks, of course, ultimately opted to wait for this summer to revisit the situation. The rumors of Giannis’ openness to Miami have persisted for years, and league sources indicate that he remains both intrigued and impressed with the organization’s winning culture.

Is it bad that the Giannis stuff the last few years has made me lose appreciation for him/his greatness? I could not be more over this never ending saga! Just trade him to Miami and get this thing over with already...

[Smitty]

I was looking into Denver and their situation earlier and found a unique way to make a deal on or before draft night by using the AD TPE this league year. Of course, the opinions on the players can be different, but a framework for an interesting deal involving the TPE and a poison pill contract (Braun) that works, thought I'd share....

DEN: Klay Thompson, Caleb Martin, TPE
DAL: Cam Johnson, Christian Braun, Pick #26

This saves the Nuggets ~$20M next year and gives them two useful players, with room to pay Watson (RFA). The Mavs would have to like Braun!! A buy-low candidate? Could it also be part of a bigger move to package 26 & 30 to move up for "their guy" later in the round? 

I get it... Braun had a really down year and is owed 5 years 125M. It's probably not a move I'd make, but I thought it was an interesting trade when you consider the use of the TPE, PPP, and the stepien rule avoidance, due to DEN owing future picks. All of it combined made it entertaining to put together. 


*The Mavs AD TPE is $20,830,154, but Cam's salary this season is $21,057,065... BUT the Mavs are below A1, so they get a $250K buffer, which allows them to absorb Cam by just $23,089 this league year. Not possible July 1, of course, when his salary jumps to $23M (expiring).

[Scott41theMavs]

20 days until the significant part of the draft.

[cow]

I was looking into Denver and their situation earlier and found a unique way to make a deal on or before draft night by using the AD TPE this league year. Of course, the opinions on the players can be different, but a framework for an interesting deal involving the TPE and a poison pill contract (Braun) that works, thought I'd share....

DEN: Klay Thompson, Caleb Martin, TPE
DAL: Cam Johnson, Christian Braun, Pick #26

This saves the Nuggets ~$20M next year and gives them two useful players, with room to pay Watson (RFA). The Mavs would have to like Braun!! A buy-low candidate? Could it also be part of a bigger move to package 26 & 30 to move up for "their guy" later in the round? 

I get it... Braun had a really down year and is owed 5 years 125M. It's probably not a move I'd make, but I thought it was an interesting trade when you consider the use of the TPE, PPP, and the stepien rule avoidance, due to DEN owing future picks. All of it combined made it entertaining to put together. 


*The Mavs AD TPE is $20,830,154, but Cam's salary this season is $21,057,065... BUT the Mavs are below A1, so they get a $250K buffer, which allows them to absorb Cam by just $23,089 this league year. Not possible July 1, of course, when his salary jumps to $23M (expiring).

I've mentioned Braun as a reclamation project a few times and I think it's an interesting tire to kick, but I'd want more than #26 for taking on that contract extension.  They also don't own their 27 FRP so I don't think 26 can be traded pre-draft which would kill the idea of packaging 26/30 for your move-up scenario, no?  I haven't looked closely, but I think Denver's next tradable FRP is 2031.

[Smitty]

I've mentioned Braun as a reclamation project a few times and I think it's an interesting tire to kick, but I'd want more than #26 for taking on that contract extension.  They also don't own their 27 FRP so I don't think 26 can be traded pre-draft which would kill the idea of packaging 26/30 for your move-up scenario, no?  I haven't looked closely, but I think Denver's next tradable FRP is 2031.

It doesn't kill it to have an agreement/deal in place pre-draft. These deals aren't really executed until after the draft anyway. There are always one or two trades that get expanded 2 or 3 or 4 times on draft night or before/after.

[Chicagojk]

I know everyone is afraid of the tax line and all the negative that brings.  I heard Bill Simmons say the Kroenke's should pay it and suck it up.  It is not my money but I sort of agree.  At least for this upcoming season.  Tough sell to the fanbase when you have one of the better players in the league to make moves to reduce payroll and limit their win upside when they are in win now mode.   Especially for guys they recently signed or traded for in the past year.   We will see though.

[cow]

It doesn't kill it to have an agreement/deal in place pre-draft. These deals aren't really executed until after the draft anyway. There are always one or two trades that get expanded 2 or 3 or 4 times on draft night or before/after.

Gotcha.  Still, not enough for my liking.  Braun's regression is scary and that's playing alongside Joker's gravity and I say that as someone who likes Braun's mentality.  Add in 31 with light protections (top 4) and I could get on board.

[Smitty]

Gotcha.  Still, not enough for my liking.  Braun's regression is scary and that's playing alongside Joker's gravity and I say that as someone who likes Braun's mentality.  Add in 31 with light protections (top 4) and I could get on board.

I definitely pull the trigger if '31 FRP is also added. Makes me feel like it's too one-sided though. Compromise and do FRP Swap(s) in '28 and/or '30? Could lessen the blow of the Mavs swaps with OKC/SAS those years, or it could be a nothing burger and never executed...

[cow]

I definitely pull the trigger if '31 FRP is also added. Makes me feel like it's too one-sided though. Compromise and do FRP Swap(s) in '28 and/or '30? Could lessen the blow of the Mavs swaps with OKC/SAS those years, or it could be a nothing burger and never executed...

If they want off of Braun, #26 and '31 #1 doesn't seem lopsided in my view for taking on 5 years of $125M.  The swaps don't really interest me.  I want more tangible future assets, but I'm operating under the assumption of a Mavs rebuild and our cupboards are pretty empty in that regard thanks to the previous administration. Taking on bad contracts is a good way to reload, but we can afford to be patient and greedy as there are plenty of bad contracts to go around.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

Apparently Braun is really popular in that locker room and close with Jokic. I have no insight into their thinking but I doubt they’d be willing to dump him right now when his value is at his lowest. And pay assets to do it.

I’d be interested in Cam Johnson fo sho if they decide to move him.

[Smitty]

Apparently Braun is really popular in that locker room and close with Jokic.  I have no insight into their thinking but I doubt they’d be willing to dump him right now when his value is at his lowest. And pay assets to do it.

I’d be interested in Cam Johnson fo sho if they decide to move him.

@DNVR_Nuggets
NEWS: Nuggets are expected to explore potential trade options with Christian Braun as well as Cam Johnson, per @TheSteinLine


Denver would be looking to create financial flexibility to re-sign Peyton Watson and add to the roster.

[Smitty]

@Fullcourtpass
Lu Dort is expected to be the odd man out on the Oklahoma City Thunder, per @basketballtalk


(https://nbcsports.com/nba/news/nba-offse...tokounmpo#)

"Oklahoma City’s price tag is about to skyrocket — it will be the most expensive team in the NBA next season as the max contract extensions for Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams kick in. With that, there will be some cost-cutting.

Look for Lu Dort to be the odd man out, league sources told NBC Sports. Dort has a $17.7 million team option and is an elite perimeter defender, but on a roster with Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace and a host of other good defenders, OKC can handle the loss. The Thunder can either trade him or just outright release him. That, plus a renegotiation of Isaiah Hartenstein’s contract are two easy steps to save a lot of money in OKC.

We’re not the only ones hearing this. While sticking up for Chet Holmgren on Run It Back, Lou Williams said, “Lu Dort will be the adjustment.”

[Chicagojk]

I was looking into Denver and their situation earlier and found a unique way to make a deal on or before draft night by using the AD TPE this league year. Of course, the opinions on the players can be different, but a framework for an interesting deal involving the TPE and a poison pill contract (Braun) that works, thought I'd share....

DEN: Klay Thompson, Caleb Martin, TPE
DAL: Cam Johnson, Christian Braun, Pick #26

This saves the Nuggets ~$20M next year and gives them two useful players, with room to pay Watson (RFA). The Mavs would have to like Braun!! A buy-low candidate? Could it also be part of a bigger move to package 26 & 30 to move up for "their guy" later in the round? 

I get it... Braun had a really down year and is owed 5 years 125M. It's probably not a move I'd make, but I thought it was an interesting trade when you consider the use of the TPE, PPP, and the stepien rule avoidance, due to DEN owing future picks. All of it combined made it entertaining to put together. 


*The Mavs AD TPE is $20,830,154, but Cam's salary this season is $21,057,065... BUT the Mavs are below A1, so they get a $250K buffer, which allows them to absorb Cam by just $23,089 this league year. Not possible July 1, of course, when his salary jumps to $23M (expiring).

Haven't thought about Caleb.   I just saw he has a player option for the year after this upcoming one.    A healthy Caleb could be helpful to Denver.  Maybe.   Could you do something with Cam for Caleb.   I don't think you could get pick 26 for that outright.  Maybe a swap of 26 and 30?   Would that have any interest.

Dallas leaves with 9, 26 and Cam Johnson.  Johnson is expiring so he either leaves after the year or he rehabs himself for a deal at the deadline.

[Smitty]

Haven't thought about Caleb.   I just saw he has a player option for the year after this upcoming one.    A healthy Caleb could be helpful to Denver.  Maybe.   Could you do something with Cam for Caleb.   I don't think you could get pick 26 for that outright.  Maybe a swap of 26 and 30?   Would that have any interest.

Dallas leaves with 9, 26 and Cam Johnson.  Johnson is expiring so he either leaves after the year or he rehabs himself for a deal at the deadline.

That trade isn't legal. This league year or next. The only legal trade for Cam straight up 1:1 is with Klay, which doesn't save them much.

[F Gump]

That trade isn't legal. This league year or next. The only legal trade for Cam straight up 1:1 is with Klay, which doesn't save them much.

Didn't you previously explain that Cam can be absorbed into Mavs TPE? If so, Cam + picks, for Caleb, should be a legal trade.