RealGM

I really think Dallas should deal AD, let KI walk on his option or let him rehab/expire and rebuild around Flagg/Lively. The best deal for them is AD to Philly for the #3 and PG13 (and hope George still has something left)

But, this deal might work
AD for JGreen/JSmith/Landale/#10

EDIT-Smith goes to Chi, who sends the #12 to Dallas (this gives Dallas another young guy and keeps their cap sheet clean. JSmith is the exact type of PF Chi needs with Matas at the 3 and they can extend him this summer)


Hou ends up with a very interesting top 8
FVV/Reed
Amen/Reed
Brooks/Eason
AD/Eason
Sengun/Adams
Whitmore is 9th man-sign vets for depth

Dallas rolls drafts Egor or KJ at #10 and goes with
Christie/Egor or KJ (Irving later if he comes back)
JGreen/Klay
Flagg/Martin
#12/PJ Washington
Lively/Gafford
Deep bench of Prosper, Hardy, Marshall, Williams
Dallas has their pick next year, and would probably be a bottom 10 team (unless KI comes back early and Flagg is a monster rookie). That's a fun lineup, and they'd have 2026 cap space to play with

https://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2461474

I tried something quite similar a few days ago if you want to see some of the feedback.

I'm a Mavs homer so I had Reed instead of Jock.

Texas Chuck wrote:https://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2461474

I tried something quite similar a few days ago if you want to see some of the feedback.

I'm a Mavs homer so I had Reed instead of Jock.

As you should have, as well as Mavs 2029 pick returned. Not because AD is that good, but also because Green is that bad

I think a trade for AD would have to include Reed, not sure if that would be a sticking point for Houston but if they think FVV has a few more good years in the tank they could be pretty tough the next few seasons. Personally I’d rather keep Sheppard because in theory he’s a perfect fit with Amen and Sengun

No way this happens

Texas Chuck wrote:https://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2461474

I tried something quite similar a few days ago if you want to see some of the feedback.

I'm a Mavs homer so I had Reed instead of Jock.

I thought it might be a bit light for AD-didn't realize Hou had the Mavs' 2029 pick. That's an easy addition to add more value

I think Hou needs to keep Reed-they need the shooting this year

A 32 year old injury prone player is not in the Rockets plans.

Looking at right now, this is good for the Bulls. They get the instant starter at the 4 for #12 who would take a year or two before he could become a starter. The problem is that in a year Smith becomes a RFA. The Bulls could have to match a front loaded contact offer or have to work a S&T if it's too high. Then they could be in trouble after resigning Giddey this summer, and looking at White, Heurter and Dosunmu and Collins as UFA and Ball as an option. They look really good for one year then they have to decide if opening up the wallet to bring that group back is worth it or they have to guess at which guys they need and which are expendable and if they try to pull in new FAs which ones buy in to what they were doing. And you're counting on Bulls management to get that right

Kiss of Death wrote:A 32 year old injury prone player is not in the Rockets plans.

I understand that AD is a risk, but he's still a top 10 guy. With Eason around, he can eat more RS minutes. Houston can sign vets too
I think FVV/Amen/Brooks/AD/Sengun could easily win a title.

Make it a 3 way, give me LaMelo Ball instead. I think you need playmaker as core piece to rebuild. Even if Demin is available at 10, I am not sure I pull the trigger on this AD trade. I'd consider Zion with Herb before entertaining this idea.

If Demin is not a part of the trade, I won't even agree to the deal. Those players coming back are not good enough to be built around. At least, LaMelo can shoot, pass and dribble anywhere. And the playing style is entertaining. I am okay building around Lively, Flagg, LaMelo. Then, trade for Herb. And look for a cheaper starter in combo guard mode at some point. If 2-5 are set, it's easier to find a combo guard in draft assuming the record won't be too bad with Flagg as leader. That means you can only get rotation players. Combo guards are available every year even at early second round.

Darren wrote:Make it a 3 way, give me LaMelo Ball instead. I think you need playmaker as core piece to rebuild. Even if Demin is available at 10, I am not sure I pull the trigger on this AD trade. I'd consider Zion with Herb before entertaining this idea.

Not sure, what would this look like?

I think Char should consider trading Ball, but his value is low. Better for them to take VJ and roll with
Ball/NSmith
VJ/Green
Miller/GWilliams
Bridges/Salaun
MWilliams/Nurkic
Okogie/Diabate as deep bench, plus #33/34

Go for the Playin and start to win some games-then see where you're at next summer

Dallas can still build around Flagg/Lively while being one of the best teams in the NBA next season by keeping Davis.

zimpy27 wrote:Dallas can still build around Flagg/Lively while being one of the best teams in the NBA next season by keeping Davis.

That requires Flagg not being a bust and being ready very early. And requires Lively to build off his rookie season, instead of his sophomore.

Now if you trade AD this summer, you have a year to watch the kids develop, tank, and build a roster in the 2026-2027 offseason.

Now you have say “2-3” high quality young players around Flagg instead of just one? Maybe you get lucky and have AJ or Peterson and you don’t even really know who will be your best player in 2-3 years… you have maybe reset you cap situation to try and add a good vet FA to go with Kyrie and help the kids (if PJ isn’t still around)…

zimpy27 wrote:Dallas can still build around Flagg/Lively while being one of the best teams in the NBA next season by keeping Davis.

That's just wishful thinking, I hope wouldn't be prevalent once Nico is gone.
AD has shown nothing but being great 2nd option, he has exactly 2 deep PO runs in 13 years career, one was as flukey as deepnruns can be...
Just turn the page and move on.
AD would've been great next to Luka, not instead of him.