Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[Chicagojk]

The Nuggets would have to add more than #26 to take on Braun. I'd put him in the top 10 worst contracts in the league because it's not only way above his value (he should be getting MLE money), but it's longterm. If he got here and didn't work out, that would be an albatross. 

I'm much more interested in Zeke Nnaji + #26 for #48.

I don't know if Nnaji will get them to give up 26.   Nor would I take 26 while giving up 30 for two years of Nnaji.    Although these are the types of deals the Mavs need to explore.   Teams may not want to pay this, but Mavs can stay patient.    Don't help a team out unless you are getting something you really want.   At some point you may find something you like.   Might take a lot of work and patience.

[cow]

A lot of these [other team gives us good draft picks to dump legit rotation players] trades seem like wishful thinking, as if the Mavs were the only possible trade partner for that team to shed salary.

It's why Braun is so interesting to me.  His extension kicks in this year so it's going to be expensive for Denver to get off of him should that be their desire.  Ujiri has ties to the Nuggets so that should get us in the conversation.  I don't really even care about #26 this year.  '31 is prize because Joker is probably aged out by then.  I know I said it a few posts ago, but I'd probably want no protections on that pick or for it to convey to a future unprotected first.  Would Denver do that?  No idea, but taking on $125M isn't a small ask.

[omahen]

It's why Braun is so interesting to me.  His extension kicks in this year so it's going to be expensive for Denver to get off of him should that be their desire.  Ujiri has ties to the Nuggets so that should get us in the conversation.  I don't really even care about #26 this year.  '31 is prize because Joker is probably aged out by then.  I know I said it a few posts ago, but I'd probably want no protections on that pick or for it to convey to a future unprotected first.  Would Denver do that?  No idea, but taking on $125M isn't a small ask.

Denver doesn't have 2031 pick to trade as they traded their 2030 and 2032 picks already. Even if they would have that pick, I think it would be crazy bad GM-ing to give up an unprotected pick in a pure salary dump.

Denver can only trade their 2026 pick (#26), 2026 SRP from Atlanta (#49) and will be able to trade their 2033 SRP.

[F Gump]

It must be VERY expensive for Dallas to take on enough salary to go back into the repeater window before July 1.

It's not possible for the Mavs to end up as a taxpayer in 2025-26, no matter what trade they make.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Dru Star: “The Heat thing is real. The Heat offer is real…it's pretty player & pick heavy. Why that's important is because the Bucks have indicated that if you're going to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo, they want picks & players. This checks that box…I think to me that’s the best package.” @JimOwczarski

[cow]

Denver doesn't have 2031 pick to trade as they traded their 2030 and 2032 picks already. Even if they would have that pick, I think it would be crazy bad GM-ing to give up an unprotected pick in a pure salary dump.

Denver can only trade their 2026 pick (#26), 2026 SRP from Atlanta (#49) and will be able to trade their 2033 SRP.

You are right about '31, I misread the chart.  I don't think they can trade #26 until the make the selection.  Not really interested in the Braun tire kick then.

[F Gump]

I did not, but that would make it worse. Cam's ULTBE is $4.1M. So, any hardcap deals where the Mavs take on more salary this league year is difficult. 

Those ULTBE bonuses are the deal killer (I didn't notice CJ's, sorry about that) -- but in the bigger scheme of things, they are also likely to make Johnson somewhat undesirable to DEN (or to any team dealing with A1 and A2 hard caps) and much more readily available. 

In general, I really liked the idea of finding a way to turn Martin and AJ Johnson into Cam Johnson and a pick, at some point or another. But if it doesn't work, it doesn't work.

[DanSchwartzgan]

I did not, but that would make it worse. Cam's ULTBE is $4.1M. So, any hardcap deals where the Mavs take on more salary this league year is difficult. That's why Klay is the only 1:1 that works there. There are several 2:1 deals that work though, but at that point you're basically trade matching and the TPE is pointless and provides no savings to the Nuggets next year, which again is the whole point they're looking to trade Cam and/or Braun.

The ULTBE for 26/27 is $4.5mm and combined with the $5.5mm salary spread between Klay and Cam next season is $10mm of room compared to the apron.  I imagine they are trying to manage tax (which Klay for Cam helps some) and apron math (which it helps a bunch).  So even that deal isn't nothing for Denver.

Denver's picks are tied up, but it doesn't preclude a pick swap out into the future...2031 or 2033.  I think that might be more valuable than moving up four slots this year (but ask me after the draft and I might feel differently).

It appears Cam/Braun for Klay/Caleb/AJ works and is big enough to solve Braun's PPP issue.  It doesn't help much, but if you net out the wasted salaries of Caleb and AJ against Braun, it bring him down closer to $20mm/year.  I spent some time on this today and I think I would make this deal (I said earlier that I wasn't a fan).  Injuries played a huge role in the dropoff in his production.  WS's of 8 and huge +/- numbers don't grow on trees.  I think I would take the chance and slot Christie coming off the bench assuming the ankle issues aren't chronic and an off-season of rest will fix them.

Lively/Gafford/Cisse
PJ/Cam/
Flagg/Naji
Braun/Christie
Kyrie/Burries/Nembhard

That bench is pretty strong.

[ballsrchr]

The ULTBE for 26/27 is $4.5mm and combined with the $5.5mm salary spread between Klay and Cam next season is $10mm of room compared to the apron.  I imagine they are trying to manage tax (which Klay for Cam helps some) and apron math (which it helps a bunch).  So even that deal isn't nothing for Denver.

Denver's picks are tied up, but it doesn't preclude a pick swap out into the future...2031 or 2033.  I think that might be more valuable than moving up four slots this year (but ask me after the draft and I might feel differently).

It appears Cam/Braun for Klay/Caleb/AJ works and is big enough to solve Braun's PPP issue.  It doesn't help much, but if you net out the wasted salaries of Caleb and AJ against Braun, it bring him down closer to $20mm/year.  I spent some time on this today and I think I would make this deal (I said earlier that I wasn't a fan).  Injuries played a huge role in the dropoff in his production.  WS's of 8 and huge +/- numbers don't grow on trees.  I think I would take the chance and slot Christie coming off the bench assuming the ankle issues aren't chronic and an off-season of rest will fix them.

Lively/Gafford/Cisse
PJ/Cam/
Flagg/Naji
Braun/Christie
Kyrie/Burries/Nembhard

That bench is pretty strong.

That bench would have to be pretty strong.  I like Lively, but he STILL hasn't demonstrated the ability to stay on the court.  Hard to depend on that.  Once we get a better track record...then he can be called a "Man"...or one of the men.  So...Gafford and Cisse would have to take up the slack.

And...I also like PJ, a lot, but he doesn't play well next to Flagg.  This means Flagg plays out of position--which he can do--or we end up depending on Naji...which we did.  A problem for a good coach?...or fodder for more draft picks?  Interesting conundrum.

[Smitty]

Lively/Gafford/Cisse
PJ/Cam/
Flagg/Naji
Braun/Christie
Kyrie/Burries/Nembhard

That bench is pretty strong.

It’s not the worst idea I’ve ever had. I’d have to do a deeper dive on Braun, if this were to actually happen, because I don’t have a strong enough opinion there. I like Cam for his shooting, on an expiring. Gotta think one of Naji or Max is getting moved and/or not extended… Don’t forget P.26 and P.30 in the equation. Someone like Graves, Zuby, Karaban would be a great addition. Or a Big like Cenac, Reed, Veesaar, Suigo instead of, or in addition to Cisse. Even another PG in Sergio de Larrea or Jack Kayil instead of bringing back Nemby?

[Smitty]

Khris Middleton is viewed as a potential veteran minimum addition for Miami should the Heat acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, per @EthanJSkolnick

[Dirknows]

Saw a pretty ridiculous trade proposal that has us sending out Kyrie, getting back Divincenzo, Leonard Miller, SnT for Anfernee Simons, pick 28 in this draft and a Chicago 2028 top-5 protected pick. It does feel more like Kyrie is going to be gone sooner than later, but I don’t see him getting moved on draft night. Minnesota seems to have the most interest but they also have the fewest assets. Houston, Atlanta, Detroit could all use Kyrie and have some actual assets. Going to be interesting to see what happens to him, I was in team keep Kyrie but realize we’re a long ways away from competing and think we need to capitalize on our best asset if the right deal comes around.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Do you anticipate Beef Stew being used as a trade chip this offseason? He was unplayable in playoffs despite health according to trajan, JB - @dylan_goetz “Anticipate” is a strong word. If I had to put money on it, I’d bet on Isaiah Stewart returning next season. But will his name come up in trade talks? I’m sure of it. He has two years and $30 million remaining on his contract – a very reasonable figure for one of the league’s top rim protectors. Postseason performance aside, Stewart is a coveted player. Last season overall was his best, setting a new career high in blocks per game (1.6) while averaging under 23 minutes anchoring the No. 2 defense in the league. His outside shooting, while not as prevalent the last two seasons, is still an asset to his game.

What’s up O2! Any new news on Malik Beasley? Has that ship sailed or is there an outside chance he can come back to the Pistons if cleared? Thanks! - @R3Williams23 There’s no update on his eligibility to be signed. Trajan Langdon clarified he’s still under investigation in the NBA’s gambling probe, and no team will sign him until it is resolved. If or when that happens, the Pistons have his non-Bird rights and will be able to offer a salary starting at $7.2 million.

Detroit Free Press

[HoosierDaddyKid]

If the Knicks do, in fact, tie the bow on this NBA Finals package, there will still be a discussion to be had with Karl-Anthony Towns about securing his services for the long-term. He has one guaranteed season left on his current deal, with a player option worth $61 million for the 2027-28 campaign, and is eligible for a massive extension (four years and a combined $272 million).

New York Times

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Former All-Star center Nikola Vucevic is increasingly regarded as a certainty to switch teams this summer after a fractured right ring finger in March helped derail his brief stint as a Boston Celtic in the spring.

marcstein.substack.com

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Early projections on the likely ballpark for Young's new deal with the Wiz: $120 million over three seasons. Young has until June 23 — Night 1 of the draft — to activate or bypass the player option. He's eligible for a three-year extension worth nearly $160 million until June 30.

marcstein.substack.com

[RasheedsBigWhiteSpot]

Saw this proposed on a YouTube channel I frequent:

Mavs get - Morant
Grizzlies get - Christian Braun and #26
Nuggets get - PJ and Gafford

As the presenter said, this probably only works if Kyrie is also traded. Thoughts on a buy-low deal for Ja? I think a backcourt of Ja and Burries would compliment each other.

[KillerLeft]

Saw this proposed on a YouTube channel I frequent:

Mavs get - Morant
Grizzlies get - Christian Braun and #26
Nuggets get - PJ and Gafford

As the presenter said, this probably only works if Kyrie is also traded. Thoughts on a buy-low deal for Ja? I think a backcourt of Ja and Burries would compliment each other.

Out, personally. Morant probably still has another good run of career left if he gets a change of scenery, but his effectiveness depends almost totally on getting into the paint and he's slowing down. The stats on drives, shots at the rim and free throw attempts painted a pretty grim picture last time I checked. To compound this issue, he's not a shooting threat, so teams can play off of him, defensively, further nerfing whatever first step juice he still has, AND, that means he's not really a fit with anyone playing off-ball. As much as I rail against the idea that Flagg can be the primary ball-handler, I'm not looking to add a guard who can ONLY play on-ball, either.

I'd take any of the incoming rookie guards potentially available at #9 over him, tbh.

[david75090]

Saw this proposed on a YouTube channel I frequent:

Mavs get - Morant
Grizzlies get - Christian Braun and #26
Nuggets get - PJ and Gafford

As the presenter said, this probably only works if Kyrie is also traded. Thoughts on a buy-low deal for Ja? I think a backcourt of Ja and Burries would compliment each other.

Morant shows signs of mental illness.

[F Gump]

Saw this proposed on a YouTube channel I frequent:

Mavs get - Morant
Grizzlies get - Christian Braun and #26
Nuggets get - PJ and Gafford


Thoughts on a buy-low deal for Ja?  

I think the most desirable of those packages is "PJ and Gafford" and by a fairly sizable margin. Count me out.