Rumors, Random Thoughts, and Non-threadworthy Posts 17.0 The Least Random

[daoneandonly]

I know its not his natural position and we have enough forwards, but I think the Mavs should explore an AD for Jalen Johnson deal. The East is wide open, so the Hawks may want to take a chance on a Trae/Daniels/Rishacher/AD/OO lineup.

The Mavs should then trade Klay or Mann (who they'll need to take back in the deal) for a pass first PG to hold down the fort until Ky returns. But this lineup is huge, young, and promising

Kyrie Irving
Jalen Johnson
Cooper Flagg
PJ Washington
Derrick Lively

Atl fans feel free to tell me if there's no way the Hawks would trade Johnson for AD, or if JJ has no shot of being a 2G. I just thought with his point forward skills, it was possible.

[Astaluego]

I know its not his natural position and we have enough forwards, but I think the Mavs should explore an AD for Jalen Johnson deal. The East is wide open, so the Hawks may want to take a chance on a Trae/Daniels/Rishacher/AD/OO lineup.

The Mavs should then trade Klay or Mann (who they'll need to take back in the deal) for a pass first PG to hold down the fort until Ky returns. But this lineup is huge, young, and promising

Kyrie Irving
Jalen Johnson
Cooper Flagg
PJ Washington
Derrick Lively

Atl fans feel free to tell me if there's no way the Hawks would trade Johnson for AD, or if JJ has no shot of being a 2G. I just thought with his point forward skills, it was possible.

That team's spacing would be hard to see; it looks like the Orlando Magic 2.0.
What's up with
AD SUNS
Booker 76ers
Maxey/Oubre/stuffed MAVS

How is that balanced? (Of course the Mavs send KI to a site of their choice, for Prospect/Picks..?)

[jayjaysee]

If Cooper is the defender everyone thinks he is and the team really wants him controlling the ball at times, then you could try the Dallas Long Bois. Cooper and PJ can both switch some. Christie and Marshall still playing big minutes.

I wouldn’t expect it to work, but if it led to a tank… that would be cool..

Think if you go for Jalen for AD, the next move is trading PJ in a Monk or Sexton or etc trade. Or just trading PJ for the best first available and being okay taking the step back short term (please*)

All of a sudden Jalen has a set back in recovery and he can’t play until after the all star game..

[Astaluego]

If Cooper is the defender everyone thinks he is and the team really wants him controlling the ball at times, then you could try the Dallas Long Bois. Cooper and PJ can both switch some. Christie and Marshall still playing big minutes.

I wouldn’t expect it to work, but if it led to a tank… that would be cool..

Think if you go for Jalen for AD, the next move is trading PJ in a Monk or Sexton or etc trade. Or just trading PJ for the best first available and being okay taking the step back short term (please*)

All of a sudden Jalen has a set back in recovery and he can’t play until after the all star game..

Who do you think would be the best young guard we can aspire to pair with Flagg? From my point of view, we have the 3/4/5 and a good backup 2 covered, as the core of the future.
Lamelo?/Garland?Maxey?..

[jayjaysee]

If Cooper is the defender everyone thinks he is and the team really wants him controlling the ball at times, then you could try the Dallas Long Bois. Cooper and PJ can both switch some. Christie and Marshall still playing big minutes.

I wouldn’t expect it to work, but if it led to a tank… that would be cool..

Think if you go for Jalen for AD, the next move is trading PJ in a Monk or Sexton or etc trade. Or just trading PJ for the best first available and being okay taking the step back short term (please*)

All of a sudden Jalen has a set back in recovery and he can’t play until after the all star game..

Who do you think would be the best young guard we can aspire to pair with Flagg? From my point of view, we have the 3/4/5 and a good backup 2 covered, as the core of the future.
Lamelo?/Garland?Maxey?..

Darryn Peterson hopefully. Dash?

But realistically, I don’t see Dallas trading AD or tanking. So don’t have the assets for that level of guard. Lively, 2029 LAL, 2031 Dallas is the top offer and that probably doesn’t get it done..

So I think you’re looking at Monk, Coby, Sexton. Chris Paul as a couple Dallas posters have wish cast.. If Dallas trims enough to use the small taxMLE, I do think Tyus could be a decent option.

I think IQ is an interesting name if Toronto starts terrible, but IQ looks decent. But by then, I’d guess Dallas already has their stopgap guard?

[Astaluego]

If Cooper is the defender everyone thinks he is and the team really wants him controlling the ball at times, then you could try the Dallas Long Bois. Cooper and PJ can both switch some. Christie and Marshall still playing big minutes.

I wouldn’t expect it to work, but if it led to a tank… that would be cool..

Think if you go for Jalen for AD, the next move is trading PJ in a Monk or Sexton or etc trade. Or just trading PJ for the best first available and being okay taking the step back short term (please*)

All of a sudden Jalen has a set back in recovery and he can’t play until after the all star game..

Who do you think would be the best young guard we can aspire to pair with Flagg? From my point of view, we have the 3/4/5 and a good backup 2 covered, as the core of the future.
Lamelo?/Garland?Maxey?..

Darryn Peterson hopefully. Dash?

But realistically, I don’t see Dallas trading AD or tanking. So don’t have the assets for that level of guard. Lively, 2029 LAL, 2031 Dallas is the top offer and that probably doesn’t get it done..

So I think you’re looking at Monk, Coby, Sexton. Chris Paul as a couple Dallas posters have wish cast.. If Dallas trims enough to use the small taxMLE, I do think Tyus could be a decent option.

I think IQ is an interesting name if Toronto starts terrible, but IQ looks decent. But by then, I’d guess Dallas already has their stopgap guard?

I hate that in-between state, although I understand it... if you were lucky enough to get a prospect with generational potential, focus all your efforts on surrounding him in the right way... with Christie/Cooper/PJ/Lively, added to the assets that could be obtained through the veterans... they would put us in a very good position for the future.

[YayBasketball]

What kind of overpay does it take for Spurs to come off Harper? Let's say Pels go for it, offer:

#7 + '26 1st (best of MIL/NOP/IND) + '27 1st (best of MIL/NOP)

for
#2 pick.

Can offer a Keldon for McCullom swap if Spurs want, and/or Hawkins thrown in.

Spurs get key Bucks/Pelicans picks adding to their asset chest. Pels get a core piece.

[Scoot McGroot]

Fair enough on Nes and Nemb, but just play Zion at SF. Might be better there anyway with interior d and def reb covered better.

Pretty much kills any chance at a decent defensive team though. Putting a non-intuitive defensive sieve out of position on the perimeter, and usually on the other teams best option, would probably obliterate an entire defensive system, right?

I like Zion. If Indy didn’t have Siakam, he’d make a lot of sense. If Indy decided to swap Siakam for him, I could see the fit. But definitely not trading everyone else of need to just have Zion AND Siakam.

[Tripod]

Garland for Quickley+Dicks+39..?

The Cavs are doing it for the better defensive IQ and also get prospect Dicks. The Raptors are getting the best player, who is an excellent shooter and a long-term partner for Barnes.
Do the Cavs prefer Dicks or Agbaji?

Raps wouldn't do this.

Garland has a 15% trade kicker which adds on 4.5-7 million to his contract depending on the year. Meanwhile IQ has a flat contract that stays at 32.5 for the next 4 years so it will keep getting better and better vs the cap.

If this deal was done, 3 years from now Garlands cap hit would be 19 million more than IQ. Raps won't do that.

The Raps are likely looking for a 3+D type guy if they make a trade and it's likely RJ to move since they need shooting and their non starters don't have high cap hits.

[daoneandonly]

Good reads

https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2025/5/26/24432090/nba-draft-lottery-cooper-flagg-anthony-davis-trade
https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2025/5/27/24434226/anthony-davis-is-the-odd-man-out-for-the-dallas-mavericks-part-2

[Texas Chuck]

Those trades are so absurdly big and all of them depend on the Lakers massively overpaying for Daniel Gafford. This looks like your classic fansite stuff, not any kind of attempt at a realistic AD trade despite their claim at the beginning.

[Mavrelous]

Good reads

https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2025/5/26/24432090/nba-draft-lottery-cooper-flagg-anthony-davis-trade
https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2025/5/27/24434226/anthony-davis-is-the-odd-man-out-for-the-dallas-mavericks-part-2

He had me at the 1st part, the 2nd part is pure comedy...

[daoneandonly]

Good reads

https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2025/5/26/24432090/nba-draft-lottery-cooper-flagg-anthony-davis-trade
https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2025/5/27/24434226/anthony-davis-is-the-odd-man-out-for-the-dallas-mavericks-part-2

He had me at the 1st part, the 2nd part is pure comedy...

I just want Nico and AD gone. It will make all this better

[daoneandonly]

Those trades are so absurdly big and all of them depend on the Lakers massively overpaying for Daniel Gafford. This looks like your classic fansite stuff, not any kind of attempt at a realistic AD trade despite their claim at the beginning.

Oh the trades themselves are as bad and unrealistic as my proposals, I just want AD gone. And I would hope the Mavs dont help LAL in any way shape or form.

[Mavrelous]

Good reads

https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2025/5/26/24432090/nba-draft-lottery-cooper-flagg-anthony-davis-trade
https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2025/5/27/24434226/anthony-davis-is-the-odd-man-out-for-the-dallas-mavericks-part-2

He had me at the 1st part, the 2nd part is pure comedy...

I just want Nico and AD gone. It will make all this better

Me too...
The last thing I want is half ass solution, going into the season with AD and no reliable guard, we'll see what they have planned.

[jayjaysee]

Garland for Quickley+Dicks+39..?

The Cavs are doing it for the better defensive IQ and also get prospect Dicks. The Raptors are getting the best player, who is an excellent shooter and a long-term partner for Barnes.
Do the Cavs prefer Dicks or Agbaji?

I really don’t understand why Cleveland would want to get worse like this.

[oldncreaky]

Garland for Quickley+Dicks+39..?

The Cavs are doing it for the better defensive IQ and also get prospect Dicks. The Raptors are getting the best player, who is an excellent shooter and a long-term partner for Barnes.
Do the Cavs prefer Dicks or Agbaji?

I really don’t understand why Cleveland would want to get worse like this.

Money and the new CBA.

IQ's flat contract will probably look really nice in 12-18 months as long as he can produce at the level he has as a starter -- especially since CLE will have 2 max players taking 60% of the cap, and a bunch of high-level role players (Allen, Hunter, Strus, maybe Wade) that fit well with the 2-star core and have to be paid. OTOH, paying almost 30% of the cap for Garland seems like a luxury, particularly when he gets targeted in the playoffs.

Also think CLE would prefer Agbaji (over Dick), who looks like a much better prospect to be a bench piece on a contender if he can simply maintain last season's shooting.

TOR would win the trade on talent by quite a bit. But I'm not at all a fan of a team devoting 80% of the cap to 3 players like Garland, Ingram and Barnes. All 3 are really good, and fine in a vacuum, but that core has too many flaws and gaps to lead TOR to anything more than an expensive first round exit.

[jayjaysee]

Garland for Quickley+Dicks+39..?

The Cavs are doing it for the better defensive IQ and also get prospect Dicks. The Raptors are getting the best player, who is an excellent shooter and a long-term partner for Barnes.
Do the Cavs prefer Dicks or Agbaji?

I really don’t understand why Cleveland would want to get worse like this.

Money and the new CBA.

IQ's flat contract will probably look really nice in 12-18 months as long as he can produce at the level he has as a starter -- especially since CLE will have 2 max players taking 60% of the cap, and a bunch of high-level role players (Allen, Hunter, Strus, maybe Wade) that fit well with the 2-star core and have to be paid. OTOH, paying almost 30% of the cap for Garland seems like a luxury, particularly when he gets targeted in the playoffs.

Also think CLE would prefer Agbaji (over Dick), who looks like a much better prospect to be a bench piece on a contender if he can simply maintain last season's shooting.

TOR would win the trade on talent by quite a bit. But I'm not at all a fan of a team devoting 80% of the cap to 3 players like Garland, Ingram and Barnes. All 3 are really good, and fine in a vacuum, but that core has too many flaws and gaps to lead TOR to anything more than an expensive first round exit.

Yeah, I think if they can get Garland, they get him… Trade Ingram to build a defense around Barnes/Garland.

And for Cleveland, if they are concerned about financials… I don’t think IQ saves enough money to justify the talent loss / risk. It’s like splitting the pain between talent loss / financial gain.

If they’re cutting costs, they should just look for the best youth piece/package for Garland, dump some of the returned salary and probably keep both Merrill and Jerome?

If they’re working on fit, I’d think they can do better than IQ. Or make Toronto pay more I guess.

[daoneandonly]

I know its not his natural position and we have enough forwards, but I think the Mavs should explore an AD for Jalen Johnson deal. The East is wide open, so the Hawks may want to take a chance on a Trae/Daniels/Rishacher/AD/OO lineup.

The Mavs should then trade Klay or Mann (who they'll need to take back in the deal) for a pass first PG to hold down the fort until Ky returns. But this lineup is huge, young, and promising

Kyrie Irving
Jalen Johnson
Cooper Flagg
PJ Washington
Derrick Lively

Atl fans feel free to tell me if there's no way the Hawks would trade Johnson for AD, or if JJ has no shot of being a 2G. I just thought with his point forward skills, it was possible.

That team's spacing would be hard to see; it looks like the Orlando Magic 2.0.

What about some type of 3 way with Dallas getting Trey Murphy III instead? And Pels maybe getting assets from Atl (Risacher maybe?) as a building block?

[Klomp]

I have a gut feeling that Minnesota POBO Tim Connelly has yet another big trade in him.....I haven't centered in yet on who it might be for sure. Might be someone we've pegged for a while in Durant. Might be a total surprise though too....I don't know why, but I have wondered for a while if Memphis will indeed be committed to re-sign Jaren Jackson Jr to a massive deal. It seems like a money move the small-market Grizzlies would make, and I think Minnesota has pieces that would interest the Grizzlies and fit the culture there.