Rumors, Random Thoughts, etc Version 20/20 We all got everything right...

[SkyHook]

Woke up with this idea, might be horrible.

Pretty cool that you dream in five team trades!

Not fully formed and armored coming out of my forehead by any stretch.

[brackdan70]

Stating the obvious perhaps but an AD trade is goi g to be really difficult.
1. Coming up with Salary ballast means you have to send out really good players (which may not fit the Mavs timeline)
2. Adding value in pick(s) gets a bit scary considering health risks.
3. Mavs are surely going to want a good young g player and at least one good pick.
All that said makes it really hard to see many realistic suitors.

[jayjaysee]

Since Dallas isn’t as bad as the tanking teams and Cooper Flagg actually looks better than I expected.. And AD’s value is so low that Dallas realistically might as well keep him, you can cover/ruin Cooper Flagg’s rookie contract by paying AD too much money through the pick debt..

Goal is to just try to win the play-in and be the team to get beat up by OKC or Joker…

What’s the best 2guard Dallas can get for a 2026 swap? Or the 2029 LAL first?

Has to be an upgrade over Christie? Contract doesn’t really matter since Dallas has so much meh money themselves..

Salary has to be Klay, Naji, Martin, Hardy.. Christie if it’s a worthwhile upgrade over Christie.. Lively if he’s actually valued (I assume he isn’t, so just keep him.) .. Gafford probably kept in this scenario with Lively out..

[NYG]

Since Dallas isn’t as bad as the tanking teams and Cooper Flagg actually looks better than I expected.. And AD’s value is so low that Dallas realistically might as well keep him, you can cover/ruin Cooper Flagg’s rookie contract by paying AD too much money through the pick debt..

Goal is to just try to win the play-in and be the team to get beat up by OKC or Joker…

What’s the best 2guard Dallas can get for a 2026 swap? Or the 2029 LAL first?

Has to be an upgrade over Christie? Contract doesn’t really matter since Dallas has so much meh money themselves..

Salary has to be Klay, Naji, Martin, Hardy.. Christie if it’s a worthwhile upgrade over Christie.. Lively if he’s actually valued (I assume he isn’t, so just keep him.) .. Gafford probably kept in this scenario with Lively out..

There's not a lot... Jalen Green? RJ Barrett?

[Texas Chuck]

Since Dallas isn’t as bad as the tanking teams and Cooper Flagg actually looks better than I expected.. And AD’s value is so low that Dallas realistically might as well keep him, you can cover/ruin Cooper Flagg’s rookie contract by paying AD too much money through the pick debt..

Goal is to just try to win the play-in and be the team to get beat up by OKC or Joker…

What’s the best 2guard Dallas can get for a 2026 swap? Or the 2029 LAL first?

Agree the team seems too good when AD plays to fully tank, and if Kyrie is coming back....

Still not sure I want to invest even a meager asset in upgrading the roster though, unless its a multiyear solution of course.

[Texas Chuck]

Stating the obvious perhaps but an AD trade is goi g to be really difficult.
1. Coming up with Salary ballast means you have to send out really good players (which may not fit the Mavs timeline)
2. Adding value in pick(s) gets a bit scary considering health risks.
3. Mavs are surely going to want a good young g player and at least one good pick.
All that said makes it really hard to see many realistic suitors.

#1 definitely isn't true. Plenty of teams, including many of the rumored suitors can match the money without giving up a single really good player. Salary matching is always an issue when talking about that much money and apron issues(and Dallas is inches from the 2nd), but Dallas would not have to take back some really good win now player at all. And in fact I wouldn't expect one in an offer. If you are adding AD you want to win right now, so you don't want to subtract one of your best players especially with AD's health meaning you need that player in the regular season.

#2 sure. I wouldn't expect any picks that look premium at all.
#3 Mavs should want to get as much as possible. But the two guys currently running the front office(and Cuban if he's really more involved again) definitely can read a market. The question would be do they want to move AD even at bargain prices or is it contingent on getting something of real quality back beyond financial flexibility.

There are definitely realistic suitors, but I think its possible only at bargain prices. But the salary matching concerns you allude to aren't significant for a number of teams where he makes sense and has already been linked to.

[brackdan70]

Stating the obvious perhaps but an AD trade is goi g to be really difficult.
1. Coming up with Salary ballast means you have to send out really good players (which may not fit the Mavs timeline)
2. Adding value in pick(s) gets a bit scary considering health risks.
3. Mavs are surely going to want a good young g player and at least one good pick.
All that said makes it really hard to see many realistic suitors.

#1 definitely isn't true. Plenty of teams, including many of the rumored suitors can match the money without giving up a single really good player. Salary matching is always an issue when talking about that much money and apron issues(and Dallas is inches from the 2nd), but Dallas would not have to take back some really good win now player at all. And in fact I wouldn't expect one in an offer. If you are adding AD you want to win right now, so you don't want to subtract one of your best players especially with AD's health meaning you need that player in the regular season.

#2 sure. I wouldn't expect any picks that look premium at all.
#3 Mavs should want to get as much as possible. But the two guys currently running the front office(and Cuban if he's really more involved again) definitely can read a market. The question would be do they want to move AD even at bargain prices or is it contingent on getting something of real quality back beyond financial flexibility.

There are definitely realistic suitors, but I think its possible only at bargain prices. But the salary matching concerns you allude to aren't significant for a number of teams where he makes sense and has already been linked to.

All fair. Maybe instead of really good I should have said good.

[jayjaysee]

Since Dallas isn’t as bad as the tanking teams and Cooper Flagg actually looks better than I expected.. And AD’s value is so low that Dallas realistically might as well keep him, you can cover/ruin Cooper Flagg’s rookie contract by paying AD too much money through the pick debt..

Goal is to just try to win the play-in and be the team to get beat up by OKC or Joker…

What’s the best 2guard Dallas can get for a 2026 swap? Or the 2029 LAL first?

Has to be an upgrade over Christie? Contract doesn’t really matter since Dallas has so much meh money themselves..

Salary has to be Klay, Naji, Martin, Hardy.. Christie if it’s a worthwhile upgrade over Christie.. Lively if he’s actually valued (I assume he isn’t, so just keep him.) .. Gafford probably kept in this scenario with Lively out..

There's not a lot... Jalen Green? RJ Barrett?

You suggesting Dallas adds a swap or an LAL pick to get either of those guys?

No problem with Phoenix/Toronto holding their guys, but yeah. If that’s the crop, I put this idea in the right thread. Those aren’t positive value players imo and you just keep going with Christie if those team want assets for them..

[SlimShady83]

Would any of you care if Lakers/Dallas trade with each other again, not named Luka/Reaves?

I'm mostly talking about Gafford maybe even Max Christie back as well.

[Godaddycurse]

Since Dallas isn’t as bad as the tanking teams and Cooper Flagg actually looks better than I expected.. And AD’s value is so low that Dallas realistically might as well keep him, you can cover/ruin Cooper Flagg’s rookie contract by paying AD too much money through the pick debt..

Goal is to just try to win the play-in and be the team to get beat up by OKC or Joker…

What’s the best 2guard Dallas can get for a 2026 swap? Or the 2029 LAL first?

Has to be an upgrade over Christie? Contract doesn’t really matter since Dallas has so much meh money themselves..

Salary has to be Klay, Naji, Martin, Hardy.. Christie if it’s a worthwhile upgrade over Christie.. Lively if he’s actually valued (I assume he isn’t, so just keep him.) .. Gafford probably kept in this scenario with Lively out..

There's not a lot... Jalen Green? RJ Barrett?

You suggesting Dallas adds a swap or an LAL pick to get either of those guys?

No problem with Phoenix/Toronto holding their guys, but yeah. If that’s the crop, I put this idea in the right thread. Those aren’t positive value players imo and you just keep going with Christie if those team want assets for them..

you can probably get derozan for cheap without those picks

[jayjaysee]

There's not a lot... Jalen Green? RJ Barrett?

You suggesting Dallas adds a swap or an LAL pick to get either of those guys?

No problem with Phoenix/Toronto holding their guys, but yeah. If that’s the crop, I put this idea in the right thread. Those aren’t positive value players imo and you just keep going with Christie if those team want assets for them..

you can probably get derozan for cheap without those picks

I was thinking about the Kings honestly. Whether it was Monk or Demar.. Circle back deals we were miserable with in the offseason..

[NYG]

Since Dallas isn’t as bad as the tanking teams and Cooper Flagg actually looks better than I expected.. And AD’s value is so low that Dallas realistically might as well keep him, you can cover/ruin Cooper Flagg’s rookie contract by paying AD too much money through the pick debt..

Goal is to just try to win the play-in and be the team to get beat up by OKC or Joker…

What’s the best 2guard Dallas can get for a 2026 swap? Or the 2029 LAL first?

Has to be an upgrade over Christie? Contract doesn’t really matter since Dallas has so much meh money themselves..

Salary has to be Klay, Naji, Martin, Hardy.. Christie if it’s a worthwhile upgrade over Christie.. Lively if he’s actually valued (I assume he isn’t, so just keep him.) .. Gafford probably kept in this scenario with Lively out..

There's not a lot... Jalen Green? RJ Barrett?

You suggesting Dallas adds a swap or an LAL pick to get either of those guys?

No problem with Phoenix/Toronto holding their guys, but yeah. If that’s the crop, I put this idea in the right thread. Those aren’t positive value players imo and you just keep going with Christie if those team want assets for them..

Not suggesting they're worth that... just did a quick mental check of available SG's and there isn't a lot on the market... Zach LaVine?

[jayjaysee]

There's not a lot... Jalen Green? RJ Barrett?

You suggesting Dallas adds a swap or an LAL pick to get either of those guys?

No problem with Phoenix/Toronto holding their guys, but yeah. If that’s the crop, I put this idea in the right thread. Those aren’t positive value players imo and you just keep going with Christie if those team want assets for them..

Not suggesting they're worth that... just did a quick mental check of available SG's and there isn't a lot on the market... Zach LaVine?

In this pretend idea, I don’t think Dallas can match LaVine. Unless Dallas trusts in an AD/Powell/Cisse center rotation more than I do.. But they really should not, so a win now trade probably can’t include Gafford unless a 20-25mpg center is coming back.

But using some draft capital.. Mathurin, Coby White? Or sort of a different direction.. Maybe Jrue becomes available? Maybe DJM? Maybe Presti trades one of his bench guards? Though I don’t think Presti makes any real move this season..

[Diop]

Dallas want green back?

[Mavrelous]

Dallas want green back?

Sure, can I interest you in a smiley and shiny Jaden Hardy and allstar and podcaster D'Lo Russel?

[jayjaysee]

Dallas want green back?

I don’t think either team would be very interested in a Klay/Green swap.

[kobe_vs_jordan]

Since Dallas isn’t as bad as the tanking teams and Cooper Flagg actually looks better than I expected.. And AD’s value is so low that Dallas realistically might as well keep him, you can cover/ruin Cooper Flagg’s rookie contract by paying AD too much money through the pick debt..

Goal is to just try to win the play-in and be the team to get beat up by OKC or Joker…

What’s the best 2guard Dallas can get for a 2026 swap? Or the 2029 LAL first?

Has to be an upgrade over Christie? Contract doesn’t really matter since Dallas has so much meh money themselves..

Salary has to be Klay, Naji, Martin, Hardy.. Christie if it’s a worthwhile upgrade over Christie.. Lively if he’s actually valued (I assume he isn’t, so just keep him.) .. Gafford probably kept in this scenario with Lively out..

Klay to lakers
Holiday and Duop to Dallas
Naji, Martin/ lakers filler
4th team to talk Dalton

Not sure word Lakers pick but some seconds

[jayjaysee]

Since Dallas isn’t as bad as the tanking teams and Cooper Flagg actually looks better than I expected.. And AD’s value is so low that Dallas realistically might as well keep him, you can cover/ruin Cooper Flagg’s rookie contract by paying AD too much money through the pick debt..

Goal is to just try to win the play-in and be the team to get beat up by OKC or Joker…

What’s the best 2guard Dallas can get for a 2026 swap? Or the 2029 LAL first?

Has to be an upgrade over Christie? Contract doesn’t really matter since Dallas has so much meh money themselves..

Salary has to be Klay, Naji, Martin, Hardy.. Christie if it’s a worthwhile upgrade over Christie.. Lively if he’s actually valued (I assume he isn’t, so just keep him.) .. Gafford probably kept in this scenario with Lively out..

Klay to lakers
Holiday and Duop to Dallas
Naji, Martin/ lakers filler
4th team to talk Dalton

Not sure word Lakers pick but some seconds

Still would love Jrue in Dallas. Seems like a really strong closing line up for two years.

And still have no idea what his value actually is. I do mot think it’s a lot, but some do. I think Portland’s season is going about as expected so they likely aren’t interested in moving Jrue unless he asks to be moved?

But if it costs seconds, yeah Dallas should do it.

Could see the argument to move on from Christie as part of the salary matching instead of Naji or Martin? Figure out the future guards in a couple years but use Christie’s value to upgrade now..

[LarsV8]

Trying to think of things LAC could do, but there isn't much.

I don't think they can recover their picks, and I think the current core is just going to get worse with age.

What about swapping out distressed assets, but just getting younger.

Harden for Trae
- Don't think the Hawks know what to do with Trae, and Harden could help them in the short term, and could certainly help teach JJ some tricks, like he did with Maxey.
- For LAC, they can't really bottom out, so they have to just try something different and hope to find a spark.

Kawhi for Ja
- Ja in Memphis just seems over, and he looks horrific now. Kawhi is alteast effective when he plays.
- For LAC, same as above, they gamble on talent in the hopes of finding some magic with something different.

[Godaddycurse]

Trying to think of things LAC could do, but there isn't much.

I don't think they can recover their picks, and I think the current core is just going to get worse with age.

What about swapping out distressed assets, but just getting younger.

Harden for Trae
- Don't think the Hawks know what to do with Trae, and Harden could help them in the short term, and could certainly help teach JJ some tricks, like he did with Maxey.
- For LAC, they can't really bottom out, so they have to just try something different and hope to find a spark.

Kawhi for Ja
- Ja in Memphis just seems over, and he looks horrific now. Kawhi is alteast effective when he plays.
- For LAC, same as above, they gamble on talent in the hopes of finding some magic with something different.

you're proposing one or the other, not both right? doesnt make sense to have ja and trae on the same team