NBA Trade Thread #12

[Infinity2152]

Just to look outside the box. We all assume that resigning Giddey is the Plan A and then we look for B and C.

What if there's a team that comes out of left field, they let it to be known to Giddey's people that they want to make him an offer, let's not be naive and think everybody that gets linked to a team 30 seconds after free agency opens and got it done that quick. Josh's people cal the Bulls and say they're looking at (any team here) and they'll offer this in a S&T for Giddey.

What teams offer what. There's Garland in CLE, Fox in SAS, Murray in DEN, LaMelo in CHA, Murray, NOP, Suggs in ORL, depending on their contracts do the Bulls look and think that guy for 1, 2, 3 years makes more sense because they can draft a PG at #12 or get a different guard back in a Vucevic trade. Plenty of teams with new GMs or that flopped in the payoffs are looking at what their future could be right now. Are there some $40M players who other teams think are worth less than Giddey at $35M and are some are really worth more than Giddey to the Bulls.

Thought about the possibility of a Giddey trade. But for what? He's a 22 yr old rare 6'8 PG with great rebounding, passing, and improved shooting. Highest potential guy on the team imo. Everybody's young, so it doesn't make sense to trade him for an older player now. Unless AK is truly insane, and I will abandon all defenses of him from now on, Giddey's trade value should be insanely high, close to untouchable. His contract at $25-$30 mill will be one of the league's best non rookie contracts for the next four years.

Of the guys you mentioned, MAYBE Lamelo gets the ball rolling? But Giddey's been getting better every year, I'd just roll with Giddey.

[ChettheJet]

What you're doing is seeing 100% upside with Giddey, you won't allow that he's got any negatives. Every player has some downsides. If he's as good as you've stated, then there would almost have to be teams that would be wiling to make him a bigger offer than you think the cheap Bulls would. So you have to look at what contingencies might have to be considered.

[sco]

New topic. You're the Bulls GM. Time has run out to make your decision on Coby White. Either we're going to pay him or we're going to trade him. Anybody getting deja vu? Isn't this pretty much the situation with Zach Lavine that got us here? Paying a pretty high-end one-way player a ton of money because we couldn't afford to lose him in FA? Regretting it for years?

When people talk about AK making moves too late, this one is critical. If they are 100% committed to re-signing Coby and are prepared to pay him a Zach Lavine contract, so be it. But time's up for making the Coby trade decision. We know more than enough about Coby at this point to be able to make the decision. The sooner we make it, the sooner we can plan the next steps.

Gun to your head, owner says make up your mind right now, keep or trade. What's your decision? I bring it up because we were rumored to be in talks with the Magic for Coby and they ended up giving up a lot for Bane instead. Bane's better, but I wonder what happened there and if Coby is actually on the block seriously.

Bane was most likely Orlando’s top target and they got him. They apparently liked him for a while and got him pretty quickly this offseason .If they didn’t get Bane then maybe they would have moved on to Coby or someone else.

I don’t think Coby is on the block but the Bulls will certainly listen to offers. If I had to guess there will be interest in him around the league.

What AK and the Bulls will do with Coby is what any of us would do. If there’s a good deal out there that makes sense then trade him. If not keep him and figure out his contract next year.

Let’s not forget that the Bulls can work out a sign and trade next year as a FA as well. There’s still options.

It's pretty axiomatic with a player like Coby, the less time on the contract the more his trade value decreases. By the time you get to S&T, there will be a ton of teams that can make straight offers to Coby without giving up any resources. We might get something back if the buying team wants to egt some money off the books and sends us a contract and assets for absorbing the contract. That's basically all you get in a S&T, unless teams can't outright sign the player. Let's not forget Coby could have a falling out with the Bulls, fall in love with a girl in Dallas, or for any number of reasons say "Screw you guys! You underpaid me for 4 years and you don't want to give me max??? I'm going to the Lakers!". We have NO control.

Coby's trade value was higher at the last deadline, he had one and a half cheap years left. It's higher now than it will be at the deadline, more teams have needs, making off season moves, full cheap year still. It'll be higher at the deadline than when he's an unrestricted free agent. With him, every day you wait and see, the trade value decreases.

We're re-signing Giddey. Take that as fact. All this wait and see is cap. Coby's been here 6 years. We know how athletic he is. We know how good a shooter. We know how short his arms are. We know he doesn't focus on defense and spends most of his energy on the other end. He's started like 500 games here. We know that with a Giddey/White backcourt, who the hell is going to guard Curry? Who's guarding Ja Morant? Who's fouling out in the second quarter guarding SGA or Brunson? If Coby becomes more consistent, he's a less athletic Zach Lavine with better ballhandling. Which is a fine player, but not next to Giddey. We can't keep ignoring the fact that Giddey is pretty much entrenched at PG, our SG needs to be a good defender. Look at the Finals.

I'm on the fence with Coby. On the one hand, we talk about his trade value, but we really haven't gotten any market confirmation a trade value that he's worth very much right now. I'm thinking at least 2 1sts, to get more than a yawn. And even then, are those picks likely non-lotto picks? Despite the intuitive view of value around here, he may just not have a lot of GM fans out there. In that case, we just keep him and see what he does. My point is that there may just not be that high of an opportunity cost to just watch him this season. Sure we could lose him for nothing, but that situation would likely be in a scenario where we weren't willing to pay him top $ because he just wasn't worth it. To my prior point, the real opportunity cost of that, right now anyway, only seems to be a 2 couple of non-lotto 1sts.

[Infinity2152]

What you're doing is seeing 100% upside with Giddey, you won't allow that he's got any negatives. Every player has some downsides. If he's as good as you've stated, then there would almost have to be teams that would be wiling to make him a bigger offer than you think the cheap Bulls would. So you have to look at what contingencies might have to be considered.

Bro, I'm considering Giddey's limitations. NBA starter average salary I think is over $20 mill. Average age is around 25, 26. Talking asset wise, all Giddey has to be to be worth his contract factoring in his age is replacement starter level. I'm not saying he's a superstar or the chosen one. He'll be 22 locked up for 4 years probably. If he doesn't get one bit better, he should be above average starter. People are seeing the same upside or more with Matas with far less to show for it. Don't see any reason why Giddey shouldn't consistently be what he was to end the season last year. There are no other teams that can make him an offer besides the Nets, unless the Bulls agree to it, and the Nets are not shopping in free agency. He has very few options, he would get much more than $30 mill next offseason, imo. He's in the same bind as Kuminga, Naz Reid and every other RFA, only one team can make a straight cap offer without involving the home team.

I've seen proposals the Bulls may offer $5 yrs/$125, I think that would be fantastic. Whether he stays or not he should be an appreciating asset. It'll be a super discount if he's a $50 mill player in two years and we're paying $25 mill. If he's just a $25-$30 mill player, we're still ok.

Am I confident his stats and numbers will stand up well to comparable players in the same pay scale, absolutely. By a lot of advanced metrics too. He's a unique player, not a lot of 6'8, rebounding, passing guards, there's value in unique guys. I'm not going to use guys making $50 mill or on rookie contracts as comps. The $25-$30 mill tier is Terry Rozier, not Steph Curry or Ja Morant.

[Dan Z]

Coby should've been dealt at the deadline this season, his value is limited by needing a new contract.

I'd happily take a mid first round pick but nobody will offer that.

Orlando was the only team I could see doing that, but they're out now.

Are there any teams that might offer future picks for him?

My guess is he's not traded and AK just re-signs him.

Teams that would offer future picks to me would be win now teams with older vets right now. A team trades for Coby, presuming he's a long term piece and starter. Teams with a set core or star(s) don't care about future rookies much. So, Clippers, Warriors, Bucks, Lakers, TWolves, Mavericks are the teams I'd target. Too good to tank, old stars, could use a consistent 20pt scorer right now. I know, some of those teams would have to acquire picks to make it work, but I'd approach those teams and wait. Teams are going to get desperate after the KD trade, cheap available scorers are hard to get.

Let's say the TWolves had White instead of Conley. Playoffs round 1: Conley averaged 6pts, 3rbs, 2assts. Round 2: 8pts, 3rbs, 5 assts. Round 3: 4 pts, 2 rbs, 2 assts. Swap White for Coby, they might be in the Finals about to win a championship.

Common thought is he's being re-signed. I'm sorry, to me he's not as good as prime Lavine. Would not expect that to go over well with the fanbase, does anyone see any way that Giddey/White works defensively? Letting a player of Coby's caliber get to unrestricted FA and re-signing him then should be a fireable offense. We're basically forced to pay top dollar, or lose him and get a measly $12 mill in cap space. Opposite of good cap management. Try to get equivalent assets now, instead of probably overpaying a bad fit.

Whether or not we're able to move Vucevic probably plays a huge role. Think the most probable deal for Coby would be with Dallas for Lively or Gafford plus picks, and that's not happening unless we move a center or two. Deal just makes too much sense. After Flagg, they'll have too many quality bigs and no good guards with Kyrie out for the year.

Conley is there for his point guard skills (passing) and is better at that than Coby, but your point still stands (find a win now team and ask if they're interested in Coby). How many picks would you ask for? I don't think I'd trade him for just one, but that depends on the rest of the details.

I agree with you that Dallas could use better guards, but don't see them trading Lively. I like Gafford, but don't think I'd trade Coby for him.

[Dan Z]

The Pacers traded their 2025 pick (#23) to New Orleans to get their 2026 pick back.

I'm surprised that New Orleans did that trade.

I thought this trade was worth noting because I know some of you would like to trade for a late first round pick in the upcoming draft.

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/280818/Pacers-Trade-No-23-Pick-To-Pelicans-To-Reclaim-Own-2026-First-Rounder

[Infinity2152]

Orlando was the only team I could see doing that, but they're out now.

Are there any teams that might offer future picks for him?

My guess is he's not traded and AK just re-signs him.

Teams that would offer future picks to me would be win now teams with older vets right now. A team trades for Coby, presuming he's a long term piece and starter. Teams with a set core or star(s) don't care about future rookies much. So, Clippers, Warriors, Bucks, Lakers, TWolves, Mavericks are the teams I'd target. Too good to tank, old stars, could use a consistent 20pt scorer right now. I know, some of those teams would have to acquire picks to make it work, but I'd approach those teams and wait. Teams are going to get desperate after the KD trade, cheap available scorers are hard to get.

Let's say the TWolves had White instead of Conley. Playoffs round 1: Conley averaged 6pts, 3rbs, 2assts. Round 2: 8pts, 3rbs, 5 assts. Round 3: 4 pts, 2 rbs, 2 assts. Swap White for Coby, they might be in the Finals about to win a championship.

Common thought is he's being re-signed. I'm sorry, to me he's not as good as prime Lavine. Would not expect that to go over well with the fanbase, does anyone see any way that Giddey/White works defensively? Letting a player of Coby's caliber get to unrestricted FA and re-signing him then should be a fireable offense. We're basically forced to pay top dollar, or lose him and get a measly $12 mill in cap space. Opposite of good cap management. Try to get equivalent assets now, instead of probably overpaying a bad fit.

Whether or not we're able to move Vucevic probably plays a huge role. Think the most probable deal for Coby would be with Dallas for Lively or Gafford plus picks, and that's not happening unless we move a center or two. Deal just makes too much sense. After Flagg, they'll have too many quality bigs and no good guards with Kyrie out for the year.

Conley is there for his point guard skills (passing) and is better at that than Coby, but your point still stands (find a win now team and ask if they're interested in Coby). How many picks would you ask for? I don't think I'd trade him for just one, but that depends on the rest of the details.

I agree with you that Dallas could use better guards, but don't see them trading Lively. I like Gafford, but don't think I'd trade Coby for him.

Going to the Wolves, I'd want Naz Reid and a future pick, probably. They get to push off the money issue for a year and upgrade from Conley to Coby. Ant's their main player and he has the ball a lot in his hands anyways. Be hard to double with Coby and Ant on the floor. With Dallas, of course they won't want to give up Lively, but it's Lively or nothing. No Kyrie, just traded for AD, about to draft Flagg, they need the swap WAY more than we do.


Coby would be replacing a lot of what they lost with Luka, scoring, three-point shooting, shot creator, but way cheaper. AD brings everything Lively does, but better. Kyrie comes back, Coby and Kyrie share the playmaking. Coby's probably better than Luka defensively, lol.

They could have gotten just about anyone for Luka and they took AD and1 pick. They plan on him being the starting center for years.

[NocioniHomie]

The Pacers traded their 2025 pick (#23) to New Orleans to get their 2026 pick back.

I'm surprised that New Orleans did that trade.

I thought this trade was worth noting because I know some of you would like to trade for a late first round pick in the upcoming draft.

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/280818/Pacers-Trade-No-23-Pick-To-Pelicans-To-Reclaim-Own-2026-First-Rounder

Portland 1rst and #45 for #11?

[Dan Z]

Teams that would offer future picks to me would be win now teams with older vets right now. A team trades for Coby, presuming he's a long term piece and starter. Teams with a set core or star(s) don't care about future rookies much. So, Clippers, Warriors, Bucks, Lakers, TWolves, Mavericks are the teams I'd target. Too good to tank, old stars, could use a consistent 20pt scorer right now. I know, some of those teams would have to acquire picks to make it work, but I'd approach those teams and wait. Teams are going to get desperate after the KD trade, cheap available scorers are hard to get.

Let's say the TWolves had White instead of Conley. Playoffs round 1: Conley averaged 6pts, 3rbs, 2assts. Round 2: 8pts, 3rbs, 5 assts. Round 3: 4 pts, 2 rbs, 2 assts. Swap White for Coby, they might be in the Finals about to win a championship.

Common thought is he's being re-signed. I'm sorry, to me he's not as good as prime Lavine. Would not expect that to go over well with the fanbase, does anyone see any way that Giddey/White works defensively? Letting a player of Coby's caliber get to unrestricted FA and re-signing him then should be a fireable offense. We're basically forced to pay top dollar, or lose him and get a measly $12 mill in cap space. Opposite of good cap management. Try to get equivalent assets now, instead of probably overpaying a bad fit.

Whether or not we're able to move Vucevic probably plays a huge role. Think the most probable deal for Coby would be with Dallas for Lively or Gafford plus picks, and that's not happening unless we move a center or two. Deal just makes too much sense. After Flagg, they'll have too many quality bigs and no good guards with Kyrie out for the year.

Conley is there for his point guard skills (passing) and is better at that than Coby, but your point still stands (find a win now team and ask if they're interested in Coby). How many picks would you ask for? I don't think I'd trade him for just one, but that depends on the rest of the details.

I agree with you that Dallas could use better guards, but don't see them trading Lively. I like Gafford, but don't think I'd trade Coby for him.

Going to the Wolves, I'd want Naz Reid and a future pick, probably. They get to push off the money issue for a year and upgrade from Conley to Coby. Ant's their main player and he has the ball a lot in his hands anyways. Be hard to double with Coby and Ant on the floor. With Dallas, of course they won't want to give up Lively, but it's Lively or nothing. No Kyrie, just traded for AD, about to draft Flagg, they need the swap WAY more than we do.


Coby would be replacing a lot of what they lost with Luka, scoring, three-point shooting, shot creator, but way cheaper. AD brings everything Lively does, but better. Kyrie comes back, Coby and Kyrie share the playmaking. Coby's probably better than Luka defensively, lol.

They could have gotten just about anyone for Luka and they took AD and1 pick. They plan on him being the starting center for years.

They also got Max Christie who is a decent player.

I think AD typically plays PF and prefers to play there...? I doubt they'd want to give up a young solid center (still on his rookie contract) for Coby and would be willing to move on if that's the case.

They're not in a bad situation, regardless of the Luka trade (because they're getting Flagg).

The only pick Minnesota can trade are the draft rights to whoever they select at #16. That's it...no future picks at all. I'd be surprised if they gave that up, plus Naz, for Coby, but who knows.

[Dan Z]

The Pacers traded their 2025 pick (#23) to New Orleans to get their 2026 pick back.

I'm surprised that New Orleans did that trade.

I thought this trade was worth noting because I know some of you would like to trade for a late first round pick in the upcoming draft.

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/280818/Pacers-Trade-No-23-Pick-To-Pelicans-To-Reclaim-Own-2026-First-Rounder

Portland 1rst and #45 for #11?

Sure, but I doubt Portland does that deal.

[Infinity2152]

Conley is there for his point guard skills (passing) and is better at that than Coby, but your point still stands (find a win now team and ask if they're interested in Coby). How many picks would you ask for? I don't think I'd trade him for just one, but that depends on the rest of the details.

I agree with you that Dallas could use better guards, but don't see them trading Lively. I like Gafford, but don't think I'd trade Coby for him.

Going to the Wolves, I'd want Naz Reid and a future pick, probably. They get to push off the money issue for a year and upgrade from Conley to Coby. Ant's their main player and he has the ball a lot in his hands anyways. Be hard to double with Coby and Ant on the floor. With Dallas, of course they won't want to give up Lively, but it's Lively or nothing. No Kyrie, just traded for AD, about to draft Flagg, they need the swap WAY more than we do.


Coby would be replacing a lot of what they lost with Luka, scoring, three-point shooting, shot creator, but way cheaper. AD brings everything Lively does, but better. Kyrie comes back, Coby and Kyrie share the playmaking. Coby's probably better than Luka defensively, lol.

They could have gotten just about anyone for Luka and they took AD and1 pick. They plan on him being the starting center for years.

They also got Max Christie who is a decent player.

I think AD typically plays PF and prefers to play there...? I doubt they'd want to give up a young solid center (still on his rookie contract) for Coby and would be willing to move on if that's the case.

They're not in a bad situation, regardless of the Luka trade (because they're getting Flagg).

The only pick Minnesota can trade are the draft rights to whoever they select at #16. That's it...no future picks at all. I'd be surprised if they gave that up, plus Naz, for Coby, but who knows.

I know AD prefers PF. They're drafting Flagg. Both will start. Unless the thought is Lively will start over Flagg, best Lively will get is backup minutes. They also have Gafford and PJ Washington. They actually have no use for Lively right now. Thier 4 big man roster is crazy solid without him.

Getting Flagg doesn't replace Luka because Luka is effectively a guard, doing guard things. You replace him with a big, you still need to use a big to get another guard type. Lively's maybe the third most valuable big man vs a pretty young 20 pt starter guard.

And yeah, Minny's not an ideal trade team. Example of what a Coby upgrade could have meant for that team, if the cost was basically a future first or two. Lack of scoring outside Ant really hurt them in the WCF. What if the deal was Coby/Pat Will for Conley/Reid/#16? They're against the cap so few ways to try to get better, but they're absolutely a top contender. They give up a pick but get two players that can contribute right now. Pat's at least a 6'7 3&D body they can throw out there, and maybe he turns it around.

[Dan Z]

Going to the Wolves, I'd want Naz Reid and a future pick, probably. They get to push off the money issue for a year and upgrade from Conley to Coby. Ant's their main player and he has the ball a lot in his hands anyways. Be hard to double with Coby and Ant on the floor. With Dallas, of course they won't want to give up Lively, but it's Lively or nothing. No Kyrie, just traded for AD, about to draft Flagg, they need the swap WAY more than we do.


Coby would be replacing a lot of what they lost with Luka, scoring, three-point shooting, shot creator, but way cheaper. AD brings everything Lively does, but better. Kyrie comes back, Coby and Kyrie share the playmaking. Coby's probably better than Luka defensively, lol.

They could have gotten just about anyone for Luka and they took AD and1 pick. They plan on him being the starting center for years.

They also got Max Christie who is a decent player.

I think AD typically plays PF and prefers to play there...? I doubt they'd want to give up a young solid center (still on his rookie contract) for Coby and would be willing to move on if that's the case.

They're not in a bad situation, regardless of the Luka trade (because they're getting Flagg).

The only pick Minnesota can trade are the draft rights to whoever they select at #16. That's it...no future picks at all. I'd be surprised if they gave that up, plus Naz, for Coby, but who knows.

I know AD prefers PF. They're drafting Flagg. Both will start. Unless the thought is Lively will start over Flagg, best Lively will get is backup minutes. They also have Gafford and PJ Washington. They actually have no use for Lively right now. Thier 4 big man roster is crazy solid without him.

Getting Flagg doesn't replace Luka because Luka is effectively a guard, doing guard things. You replace him with a big, you still need to use a big to get another guard type. Lively's maybe the third most valuable big man vs a pretty young 20 pt starter guard.

I don't see any reason why Cooper Flagg can't play the small forward position.

AD at PF, Flagg at SF, Lively/Gafford at C. PJ off the bench.

I agree that they should consolidate, but they're more likely to trade PJ or Gafford to do so IMO. But, if they don't do that the depth is helpful. Lively only played in 36 games this season and AD only played in 51.

[ChettheJet]

The Pacers traded their 2025 pick (#23) to New Orleans to get their 2026 pick back.

I'm surprised that New Orleans did that trade.

I thought this trade was worth noting because I know some of you would like to trade for a late first round pick in the upcoming draft.

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/280818/Pacers-Trade-No-23-Pick-To-Pelicans-To-Reclaim-Own-2026-First-Rounder

Portland 1rst and #45 for #11?

To me this is IND seeing that they want to bring back the team that's in the Finals, they have a roster full of signed contracts and if they add someone it's going to be a veteran for the rotation. A rookie this summer does them no good since he'd never play. Next summer, Finals and a win or not, they have some contracts expire to they have room for a rookie.

PORT getting their pick back is a maybe but not conveyed it's going to be in the lottery if they're sending to the Bulls it's #15 at best so you wouldn't think #45 is enough to move back a minimum of 4 slots.

I think a PORT deal returning their pick makes is the most valuable. If the Bulls can get a pick back in some trade I would much rather have it come in 2026 than after #12 this year when there will be more open roster sots.

[Infinity2152]

They also got Max Christie who is a decent player.

I think AD typically plays PF and prefers to play there...? I doubt they'd want to give up a young solid center (still on his rookie contract) for Coby and would be willing to move on if that's the case.

They're not in a bad situation, regardless of the Luka trade (because they're getting Flagg).

The only pick Minnesota can trade are the draft rights to whoever they select at #16. That's it...no future picks at all. I'd be surprised if they gave that up, plus Naz, for Coby, but who knows.

I know AD prefers PF. They're drafting Flagg. Both will start. Unless the thought is Lively will start over Flagg, best Lively will get is backup minutes. They also have Gafford and PJ Washington. They actually have no use for Lively right now. Thier 4 big man roster is crazy solid without him.

Getting Flagg doesn't replace Luka because Luka is effectively a guard, doing guard things. You replace him with a big, you still need to use a big to get another guard type. Lively's maybe the third most valuable big man vs a pretty young 20 pt starter guard.

I don't see any reason why Cooper Flagg can't play the small forward position.

AD at PF, Flagg at SF, Lively/Gafford at C. PJ off the bench.

I agree that they should consolidate, but they're more likely to trade PJ or Gafford to do so IMO. But, if they don't do that the depth is helpful. Lively only played in 36 games this season and AD only played in 51.

Even if we go with the chance that Flagg is a SF. PJ Washington played 32 mins at PF last season. Way more than Lively at center, even in the games Lively played. Given how many games Lively missed, keeping him as AD insurance doesn't seem a good idea. Gafford doesn't get you the return in trade Lively does and is just as good right now. Flagg is the young big of the future now.

Dallas has no incentive to be bad or wait for Lively to develop while they're paying Kyrie and AD max and Klay Thompson is at SF. Even with Kyrie's injury, they're likely to try to compete. Lineup of Coby, Klay, Flagg, Washington, AD with Gafford, Christie, Jaden Hardy off the bench could win a lot of games.

[pipfan]

I suggested Coby to Dallas
PJ Washington to OKC
Dieng/rights to #15 to Chic (once the contract counts and can be traded)

Dallas gets a much needed backcourt scorer
OKC goes for 70+ wins and adds awesome depth with Washington, especially since Chet misses games
Bulls add Newell (#12), Coward (#15) and Dieng and take a step back. They'd have more cap space next summer (without Coby's hold) and a lot of young talent

This year they go with
Ball/Ayo
Giddey/Coward
Matas/Huerter/PWill
Newell/Dieng/PWill
Vuc (trade him too)/Collins/JSmith
Still have Carter, Terry, Phillips for deep bench

That's a HUGE upgrade on D, and give Matas plenty of looks to develop offensively.

[Dan Z]

I know AD prefers PF. They're drafting Flagg. Both will start. Unless the thought is Lively will start over Flagg, best Lively will get is backup minutes. They also have Gafford and PJ Washington. They actually have no use for Lively right now. Thier 4 big man roster is crazy solid without him.

Getting Flagg doesn't replace Luka because Luka is effectively a guard, doing guard things. You replace him with a big, you still need to use a big to get another guard type. Lively's maybe the third most valuable big man vs a pretty young 20 pt starter guard.

I don't see any reason why Cooper Flagg can't play the small forward position.

AD at PF, Flagg at SF, Lively/Gafford at C. PJ off the bench.

I agree that they should consolidate, but they're more likely to trade PJ or Gafford to do so IMO. But, if they don't do that the depth is helpful. Lively only played in 36 games this season and AD only played in 51.

Even if we go with the unlikely chance that Flagg is a SF. PJ Washington played 32 mins at PF last season. Way more than Lively at center, even in the games Lively played. Given how many games Lively missed, keeping him as AD insurance doesn't seem a good idea. Gafford doesn't get you the return in trade Lively does and is just as good right now. Flagg is the young big of the future now.

Dallas has no incentive to be bad or wait for Lively to develop while they're paying Kyrie and AD max and Klay Thompson is at SF. Even with Kyrie's injury, they're likely to try to compete. Lineup of Coby, Klay, Flagg, Washington, AD with Gafford, Christie, Jaden Hardy off the bench could win a lot of games.

I agree that they're looking to win now and could use an upgrade at the guard positions, but I doubt they'll trade Lively. He's young, developing and still on his rookie deal.

If Lively and a pick is what it takes to get Coby then I'd move on if I'm the Mavs.

Lively isn't "AD insurance" because AD can play the PF position.

PJ doesn't matter much. Good player, but he's not getting in the way of AD or Flagg.

PJ or Klay are probably the players they'd be looking to trade for a guard.

[Infinity2152]

I don't see any reason why Cooper Flagg can't play the small forward position.

AD at PF, Flagg at SF, Lively/Gafford at C. PJ off the bench.

I agree that they should consolidate, but they're more likely to trade PJ or Gafford to do so IMO. But, if they don't do that the depth is helpful. Lively only played in 36 games this season and AD only played in 51.

Even if we go with the unlikely chance that Flagg is a SF. PJ Washington played 32 mins at PF last season. Way more than Lively at center, even in the games Lively played. Given how many games Lively missed, keeping him as AD insurance doesn't seem a good idea. Gafford doesn't get you the return in trade Lively does and is just as good right now. Flagg is the young big of the future now.

Dallas has no incentive to be bad or wait for Lively to develop while they're paying Kyrie and AD max and Klay Thompson is at SF. Even with Kyrie's injury, they're likely to try to compete. Lineup of Coby, Klay, Flagg, Washington, AD with Gafford, Christie, Jaden Hardy off the bench could win a lot of games.

I agree that they're looking to win now and could use an upgrade at the guard positions, but I doubt they'll trade Lively. He's young, developing and still on his rookie deal.

If Lively and a pick is what it takes to get Coby then I'd move on if I'm the Mavs.

Lively isn't "AD insurance" because AD can play the PF position.

PJ doesn't matter much. Good player, but he's not getting in the way of AD or Flagg.

PJ or Klay are probably the players they'd be looking to trade for a guard.

You mentioned the depth was helpful because of the injuries. Keeping the guy who missed the most games (Lively) vs any of the others who missed less games is not a good plan for depth. Mavericks have made it clear they prefer to play PJ Washington to Lively, they're on the same team already and Washington plays way more minutes. Yes, AD can play PF and yet Washington continues to get more minutes than Lively. Again, sure they may prefer to move another player like Washington or Gafford. They're likely not getting the same return and Lively's contributions are easily replaced by guys already on the roster.

If the Mavs move on, they move on. Doesn't mean we should demand less in a trade. I'm the Mavs, I take the deal. Agree to disagree. It's arguable that Lively is a better player than Coby in the first place, especially with his injury history vs Coby's. When they drafted Lively, they didn't know they'd be adding AD and Cooper Flagg on his rookie contract. Actually, even if AD plays PF, with their current roster, Gafford starts, not Lively.

[Dan Z]

Even if we go with the unlikely chance that Flagg is a SF. PJ Washington played 32 mins at PF last season. Way more than Lively at center, even in the games Lively played. Given how many games Lively missed, keeping him as AD insurance doesn't seem a good idea. Gafford doesn't get you the return in trade Lively does and is just as good right now. Flagg is the young big of the future now.

Dallas has no incentive to be bad or wait for Lively to develop while they're paying Kyrie and AD max and Klay Thompson is at SF. Even with Kyrie's injury, they're likely to try to compete. Lineup of Coby, Klay, Flagg, Washington, AD with Gafford, Christie, Jaden Hardy off the bench could win a lot of games.

I agree that they're looking to win now and could use an upgrade at the guard positions, but I doubt they'll trade Lively. He's young, developing and still on his rookie deal.

If Lively and a pick is what it takes to get Coby then I'd move on if I'm the Mavs.

Lively isn't "AD insurance" because AD can play the PF position.

PJ doesn't matter much. Good player, but he's not getting in the way of AD or Flagg.

PJ or Klay are probably the players they'd be looking to trade for a guard.

You mentioned the depth was helpful because of the injuries. Keeping the guy who missed the most games (Lively) vs any of the others who missed less games is not a good plan for depth. Mavericks have made it clear they prefer to play PJ Washington to Lively, they're on the same team already and Washington plays way more minutes. Yes, AD can play PF and yet Washington continues to get more minutes than Lively. Again, sure they may prefer to move another player like Washington or Gafford. They're likely not getting the same return and Lively's contributions are easily replaced by guys already on the roster.

You'd give up on a promising 21 year old center (he turned 21 in February)?

I wouldn't and I bet the Mavs won't either.

Yes, PJ played more minutes. He's a vet and was healthier.



If the Mavs move on, they move on. Doesn't mean we should demand less in a trade. I'm the Mavs, I take the deal. Agree to disagree. It's arguable that Lively is a better player than Coby in the first place, especially with his injury history vs Coby's.

[Dan Z]

Even if we go with the unlikely chance that Flagg is a SF. PJ Washington played 32 mins at PF last season. Way more than Lively at center, even in the games Lively played. Given how many games Lively missed, keeping him as AD insurance doesn't seem a good idea. Gafford doesn't get you the return in trade Lively does and is just as good right now. Flagg is the young big of the future now.

Dallas has no incentive to be bad or wait for Lively to develop while they're paying Kyrie and AD max and Klay Thompson is at SF. Even with Kyrie's injury, they're likely to try to compete. Lineup of Coby, Klay, Flagg, Washington, AD with Gafford, Christie, Jaden Hardy off the bench could win a lot of games.

I agree that they're looking to win now and could use an upgrade at the guard positions, but I doubt they'll trade Lively. He's young, developing and still on his rookie deal.

If Lively and a pick is what it takes to get Coby then I'd move on if I'm the Mavs.

Lively isn't "AD insurance" because AD can play the PF position.

PJ doesn't matter much. Good player, but he's not getting in the way of AD or Flagg.

PJ or Klay are probably the players they'd be looking to trade for a guard.

You mentioned the depth was helpful because of the injuries. Keeping the guy who missed the most games (Lively) vs any of the others who missed less games is not a good plan for depth. Mavericks have made it clear they prefer to play PJ Washington to Lively, they're on the same team already and Washington plays way more minutes. Yes, AD can play PF and yet Washington continues to get more minutes than Lively. Again, sure they may prefer to move another player like Washington or Gafford. They're likely not getting the same return and Lively's contributions are easily replaced by guys already on the roster.

If the Mavs move on, they move on. Doesn't mean we should demand less in a trade. I'm the Mavs, I take the deal. Agree to disagree. It's arguable that Lively is a better player than Coby in the first place, especially with his injury history vs Coby's. When they drafted Lively, they didn't know they'd be adding AD and Cooper Flagg on his rookie contract. Actually, even if AD plays PF, with their current roster, Gafford starts, not Lively.

We also don't know what the Mavs think of Kyrie Irving going forward. He might miss the entire season and after that he's a free agent. Do they re-sign him?

If they trade for Coby he'll also be up for a new contract in a year.

[Infinity2152]

I agree that they're looking to win now and could use an upgrade at the guard positions, but I doubt they'll trade Lively. He's young, developing and still on his rookie deal.

If Lively and a pick is what it takes to get Coby then I'd move on if I'm the Mavs.

Lively isn't "AD insurance" because AD can play the PF position.

PJ doesn't matter much. Good player, but he's not getting in the way of AD or Flagg.

PJ or Klay are probably the players they'd be looking to trade for a guard.

You mentioned the depth was helpful because of the injuries. Keeping the guy who missed the most games (Lively) vs any of the others who missed less games is not a good plan for depth. Mavericks have made it clear they prefer to play PJ Washington to Lively, they're on the same team already and Washington plays way more minutes. Yes, AD can play PF and yet Washington continues to get more minutes than Lively. Again, sure they may prefer to move another player like Washington or Gafford. They're likely not getting the same return and Lively's contributions are easily replaced by guys already on the roster.

If the Mavs move on, they move on. Doesn't mean we should demand less in a trade. I'm the Mavs, I take the deal. Agree to disagree. It's arguable that Lively is a better player than Coby in the first place, especially with his injury history vs Coby's. When they drafted Lively, they didn't know they'd be adding AD and Cooper Flagg on his rookie contract. Actually, even if AD plays PF, with their current roster, Gafford starts, not Lively.

We also don't know what the Mavs think of Kyrie Irving going forward. He might miss the entire season and after that he's a free agent. Do they re-sign him?

If they trade for Coby he'll also be up for a new contract in a year.

I think that's a plus for them. If they don't re-sign Irving, Coby's a much cheaper replacement. They're going to need talented guards, I think Coby qualifies. He's better than a lot of starting guard options. Much younger than Kyrie and Klay, if you want a relatively young talent to run with Flagg. Lively has one more cheap year than Coby, then you have to pay him too.

I think Coby's going to be a fair deal (unless it's us) and a good player for whoever gets him in 2026. We're the team most likely to overpay him. I just don't think a Giddey/White backcourt works against good teams in the playoffs.

Like I said, they could take it or not. It's a fair trade for both sides I think.