Dallas Mavericks 2025 Trade thread -- Roster and Cap -- 1st page updated on July 1st

[arkuo]

PJ hit the game winner against OKC which advanced us in the playoffs. AD would have sat that game out because he got a paper cut from the $100 bill in his wallet

If you use 1 game or 1 series to define PJ being better than AD, or you would rather keep PJ over AD. Then I really have nothing to say. For me, I prefer having Irving/AD as the clear cut all star level 1/2 punch.

Never said PJ was better, I said Dallas should keep him over AD and there are many reasons why

1. AD's trade value would return much better pieces
2. PJ is closer to Flagg's timeline
3. PJ is more available and a better teammate
4. PJ's new contract will be less expensive, so more flexibility
5. PJ is willing to do anything asked of him, AD is not.
6. West is stacked, Dallas sint going anywhere this year with Ky out. So waste to have AD at his age

The hope is for PJ to give a hometown discount and agree to come off the bench (albeit play the same number of minutes as a starter)

But it all starts with a hometown discount. An ambitious agent who wants $35M per and a starting role destroys all of that.

Jalen Brunson is a perfect example of this.

[Darren]

This is correct.

If I had the choice, Gaff and Klay need to be offloaded. Gaff and AD at the same time on the court doesn't have much synergy

On top of that. They have to start seriously thinking about developing Lively even further. You can't have him constantly playing around 20 mins because he has to share a spot with 2 additional centers in AD and Gaff... They have to find a way to play him for 30+ mins. Otherwise what's the point, right? He'll just stay as he is with no further development.

This.

Which is why I'm in favor of starting Lively. He needs court time. We know he's better than Mitchell Robinson and what he's currently doing in NY now. But he has to show us. Give him 35 mins a night at C. AD closes at C in the 4th quarter for the time being.

Lively's part of Flagg's timeline now. He needs to develop into something.

I believe so. Or else, the whole frontcourt doesn't work. Lively would be left opened a lot. And the driving lane would be very crowded. This makes things easy for opposing team to defend somehow. Lively is the ultimate X factor in such situation. The decision making, offball movement, outside jumper percentage, free throw percentage, and offensive rebound would matter a lot. Last season, Lively is bothered by injuries and loss of Luka Doncic. Obviously, Flagg is not the same type of player of Luka. Flagg only averages 4 assists per game. Being a lob threat could work. Both Lively and AD serves as lob threat might not work very well unfortunately. Lively has to be able to hit 3 from corners regularly with a tall frontcourt. When AD sits, Lively has to run pick-n-roll with Flagg or being a lone post threat for an inside-out playing style. This is pretty much like 26yo Shaq on Lakers team. This could effectively open up shooters on perimeter with quick passes.

Defensively, being strong but durable is a tough task. Playing more minutes without being held out of foul troubles where maintaining effectiveness is a difficult task if you believe the Mavs are forced to part ways with Gafford. To me, I prefer to keep Gafford and PJ until it's proven okay to let go of either or both players. But you can't get back values if you can't keep Gafford after the season. Lively should be able to get rebounding position and alters way more shots with that frames. Opponents are still very eager to fly around Lively at the rim. This tells you something. Gafford makes them paid a lot. Potentially, Lively should be able to do way more with the height and swingspan. I think core muscles building (not shoulder but muscles alongside the back bones and around the diaphragm could impact the balances and coordination a lot. This will in turn impact total game plays and closing minutes of Lively.

The growth of Lively is the key to success. It would directly affect the frontcourt rotation, strategies and momentum to the game. Should Lively be able to become a game changer, the Mavs have good chance to do something special. It should be a busy summer for Lively.

[arkuo]

On top of that. They have to start seriously thinking about developing Lively even further. You can't have him constantly playing around 20 mins because he has to share a spot with 2 additional centers in AD and Gaff... They have to find a way to play him for 30+ mins. Otherwise what's the point, right? He'll just stay as he is with no further development.

This.

Which is why I'm in favor of starting Lively. He needs court time. We know he's better than Mitchell Robinson and what he's currently doing in NY now. But he has to show us. Give him 35 mins a night at C. AD closes at C in the 4th quarter for the time being.

Lively's part of Flagg's timeline now. He needs to develop into something.

I believe so. Or else, the whole frontcourt doesn't work. Lively would be left opened a lot. And the driving lane would be very crowded. This makes things easy for opposing team to defend somehow. Lively is the ultimate X factor in such situation. The decision making, offball movement, outside jumper percentage, free throw percentage, and offensive rebound would matter a lot. Last season, Lively is bothered by injuries and loss of Luka Doncic. Obviously, Flagg is not the same type of player of Luka. Flagg only averages 4 assists per game. Being a lob threat could work. Both Lively and AD serves as lob threat might not work very well unfortunately. Lively has to be able to hit 3 from corners regularly with a tall frontcourt. When AD sits, Lively has to run pick-n-roll with Flagg or being a lone post threat for an inside-out playing style. This is pretty much like 26yo Shaq on Lakers team. This could effectively open up shooters on perimeter with quick passes.

Defensively, being strong but durable is a tough task. Playing more minutes without being held out of foul troubles where maintaining effectiveness is a difficult task if you believe the Mavs are forced to part ways with Gafford. To me, I prefer to keep Gafford and PJ until it's proven okay to let go of either or both players. But you can't get back values if you can't keep Gafford after the season. Lively should be able to get rebounding position and alters way more shots with that frames. Opponents are still very eager to fly around Lively at the rim. This tells you something. Gafford makes them paid a lot. Potentially, Lively should be able to do way more with the height and swingspan. I think core muscles building (not shoulder but muscles alongside the back bones and around the diaphragm could impact the balances and coordination a lot. This will in turn impact total game plays and closing minutes of Lively.

The growth of Lively is the key to success. It would directly affect the frontcourt rotation, strategies and momentum to the game. Should Lively be able to become a game changer, the Mavs have good chance to do something special. It should be a busy summer for Lively.

Flagg made Malauach look like an NBA player in Duke. He'd do even better with D-Live.

[arkuo]

Any chance we get Phil Handy as an assistant coach? Kyrie and AD have a great relationship with him.

[Darren]

If you use 1 game or 1 series to define PJ being better than AD, or you would rather keep PJ over AD. Then I really have nothing to say. For me, I prefer having Irving/AD as the clear cut all star level 1/2 punch.

Never said PJ was better, I said Dallas should keep him over AD and there are many reasons why

1. AD's trade value would return much better pieces
2. PJ is closer to Flagg's timeline
3. PJ is more available and a better teammate
4. PJ's new contract will be less expensive, so more flexibility
5. PJ is willing to do anything asked of him, AD is not.
6. West is stacked, Dallas sint going anywhere this year with Ky out. So waste to have AD at his age

The hope is for PJ to give a hometown discount and agree to come off the bench (albeit play the same number of minutes as a starter)

But it all starts with a hometown discount. An ambitious agent who wants $35M per and a starting role destroys all of that.

I think so as well. Let's practice with Flagg and figure things out before really moving on from Gafford or PJ. You never know if Flagg can play 3, 2, or 1 without actually playing single minutes on NBA floor. If you have to make quick decision, then bring back a quick guard defender, spot up threat with playmaking skills. PJ cannot guard random 1 the way DFS has been doing in the past. With 6-7 frame, PJ size issue could affect the effectiveness against playoff opponents. To name a few, PJ is not guarding bigger frontcourt KP, KD, Kawhi very well. Nor is PJ being effective against speedy backcourts such as Ja Morant. PJ is strictly a 3/4. So is Gafford. Gafford is only 6-10. There're quite some matchups Gafford might not be able to perform effectively, says Wemby, Reid, Markkannen...etc.

BTW PJ or Gafford, I lane towards keeping Gafford if the asking price is reasonable. PJ is reductant to Flagg, Marshall, Martin and so on. Against speedy backcourt, the Mavs only have christie and Kyrie. PJ failed the Ja Morant assignment mightily last playoff on both ends actually. To win anything, you have to be able to guard any opponents. That being said, I should say, I would keep Gafford instead since Lively and Gafford have difference in strength. If Flagg is as good as advertised but can't guard speedy backcourt as well, PJ's minutes are limited. You also have Marshall and Martin around for those limited minutes. Then, you'd better get back values sooner than later.

[arkuo]

Never said PJ was better, I said Dallas should keep him over AD and there are many reasons why

1. AD's trade value would return much better pieces
2. PJ is closer to Flagg's timeline
3. PJ is more available and a better teammate
4. PJ's new contract will be less expensive, so more flexibility
5. PJ is willing to do anything asked of him, AD is not.
6. West is stacked, Dallas sint going anywhere this year with Ky out. So waste to have AD at his age

The hope is for PJ to give a hometown discount and agree to come off the bench (albeit play the same number of minutes as a starter)

But it all starts with a hometown discount. An ambitious agent who wants $35M per and a starting role destroys all of that.

I think so as well. Let's practice with Flagg and figure things out before really moving on from Gafford or PJ. You never know if Flagg can play 3, 2, or 1 without actually playing single minutes on NBA floor. If you have to make quick decision, then bring back a quick guard defender, spot up threat with playmaking skills. PJ cannot guard random 1 the way DFS has been doing in the past. With 6-7 frame, PJ size issue could affect the effectiveness against playoff opponents. PJ is strictly a 3/4. So is Gafford. Gafford is only 6-10. There're quite some matchups Gafford might not be able to perform effectively.

BTW PJ or Gafford, I lane towards keeping Gafford if the asking price is reasonable. PJ is reductant to Flagg, Marshall, Martin and so on. Against speedy backcourt, the Mavs only have christie and Kyrie. PJ failed the Ja Morant assignment mightily last playoff on both ends actually. To win anything, you have to be able to guard any opponents. That being said, I should say, I would keep Gafford instead since Lively and Gafford have difference in strength. If Flagg is as good as advertised but can't guard speedy backcourt as well, PJ's minutes are limited. You also have Marshall and Martin around for those limited minutes. Then, you'd better get back values sooner than later.

Kidd said he'll speak to Coach K and Grant Hill. We'll probably get a better picture come draft night. Hope Flagg plays summer league. That would be interesting to watch.

[arkuo]

If Pelinka gets desperate, do you accept Austin Reaves for Gaff straight up?

i know the effects from the Laker side since we've since Gaff and Luka play together. Than shortens their learning curve. But I haven't watched a lot of Austin Reaves' game to make an informed decision about fit.

[ACMFFL]

Ofc I do but I can't see it tbh. Not even a fan of Reaves, he's nothing special, but the value is too good.
But ehi, Pelinka owes us a ton, so yeah he should definitely swap Reaves with Gaff

[Archx]

If include the first year of Flagg’s salary, then we will be over the 2nd apron.

They'll have aprox 2.2M wiggle room until the 2nd apron. Any vet min contract and they'll be over.

Really get lost on how you get 2.2M. Per summary, we are only 12.5M under 2nd apron. But Flagg first year salary is 13.8M

You're correct. I was looking at 2023 rookie contracts year. Either way, Mavs are screwed, because we still have no clue what Kyrie will do and Nico already hinted Kyrie will demand big paycheck. Not sure if anything changed, we'll see about that. But no matter what, they'll be locked way above 2nd apron and that is in a year where every team will look how to avoid it.

If Pelinka gets desperate, do you accept Austin Reaves for Gaff straight up?

Unfortunately AR will command a lot more than just Gafford. Yes he **** the bed in the playoffs but he's a rising star who can still develop a lot more just by going to the gym and get stronger. Dude already played like an all star when both Luka and Lebron were out. Lakers insiders saying there is almost no chance he gets traded unless some seriously huge offer comes along.

[ACMFFL]

After signing Flagg we are ~1M above the 2nd apron (incentives count towards the apron) with 14 players under contract.
I think Mavs have a lot of options to go below the 2nd apron, Hardy and OMax are easily moveable, Powell could just renounce his PO and sign a multi years deal at the min, trade Gafford for a cheaper but serviceable guard, etc.

[arkuo]

Unfortunately AR will command a lot more than just Gafford. Yes he **** the bed in the playoffs but he's a rising star who can still develop a lot more just by going to the gym and get stronger. Dude already played like an all star when both Luka and Lebron were out. Lakers insiders saying there is almost no chance he gets traded unless some seriously huge offer comes along.

This will suck for the Lakers. It will be tall learning curve if they haven't accepted that Luka, AR and Lebron together is an early playoff round exit.

Knicks gave them the blueprint. If they are able to turn Reaves and Lebron to Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, and somehow have enough money left for an all star big man, they should advance.

Lakers pairing Luka with Reaves is similar to Dallas pairing Luka and Harrison Barnes. it will take trial and error to get it right.

[arkuo]

IMO Reaves and Coby White are very similar players. Anyone who gets these guys will have the privilege of handing them $30M a year for 3 or 4 years.


Luka at $70M. Reaves at $30M and Lebron at $52M. That 75% of the cap? That means another round of big men at the vet min.

[Teffer10]

We'd be damn lucky to get Reaves for Gaff and their pick back.
It would probably take something like Gaff/PJ just to Lakers to even consider answering the phone.
Hell, I'm not so sure I'd be disappointed if we traded AD back to them in a package deal including Reaves.

The **** up thing, we should have him now anyway.

[Mavrelous]

IMO Reaves and Coby White are very similar players. Anyone who gets these guys will have the privilege of handing them $30M a year for 3 or 4 years.

Reaves is a PG, he can run a good offense, White can't, Sexton is cheaper (asset wise) than White and just as good IMO.

[ACMFFL]

We'd be damn lucky to get Reaves for Gaff and their pick back.
It would probably take something like Gaff/PJ just to Lakers to even consider answering the phone.
Hell, I'm not so sure I'd be disappointed if we traded AD back to them in a package deal including Reaves.

The **** up thing, we should have him now anyway.

I would tbh.
Reaves has only 1 year left and I doubt he won't test his market in FA if he leaves LA.

[arkuo]

What are the chances we run it back with the same group and just sign Tyus Jones to the minimum and draft Flagg?

Been reading he might leave Phoenix for a better situation.

[Michaellam1987]

PJ hit the game winner against OKC which advanced us in the playoffs. AD would have sat that game out because he got a paper cut from the $100 bill in his wallet

If you use 1 game or 1 series to define PJ being better than AD, or you would rather keep PJ over AD. Then I really have nothing to say. For me, I prefer having Irving/AD as the clear cut all star level 1/2 punch.

Never said PJ was better, I said Dallas should keep him over AD and there are many reasons why

1. AD's trade value would return much better pieces
2. PJ is closer to Flagg's timeline
3. PJ is more available and a better teammate
4. PJ's new contract will be less expensive, so more flexibility
5. PJ is willing to do anything asked of him, AD is not.
6. West is stacked, Dallas sint going anywhere this year with Ky out. So waste to have AD at his age

Then what is the plan after trading AD. How about Kyrie? Trade him as well? Resign him? Or see him leave as FA?

[Darren]

If Pelinka gets desperate, do you accept Austin Reaves for Gaff straight up?

i know the effects from the Laker side since we've since Gaff and Luka play together. Than shortens their learning curve. But I haven't watched a lot of Austin Reaves' game to make an informed decision about fit.

You'd better not. Reaves asks for max and underperforms against Minny. If defense wins championships, let's not entertain Reaves trade. Gafford is more valuable player on playoff floor. Reaves is just the second coming of Chandler Parsons or Harrison Barnes. Reaves is not even Josh Howard or Devin Harris.

Streaky offensive player with suspected defense on Eddy Curry terms. That's easily Keith Van Horn.

[41Dirk41]

IMO Reaves and Coby White are very similar players. Anyone who gets these guys will have the privilege of handing them $30M a year for 3 or 4 years.


Luka at $70M. Reaves at $30M and Lebron at $52M. That 75% of the cap? That means another round of big men at the vet min.

Good luck Pelinka, this trio can't guard a chair. Together.

**** Fakers

[Maverick41]

DAL receives: Lonzo Ball + Jalen Smith
CHI receives: Gafford + Hardy

DAL gets 2 guys on 2 year deals. Lonzo becomes the starting guard for half the season and can easily play with Kyrie later when he gets back. Smith is a downgrade from Gaff, but at he provides something different at the position: some shooting. We cut a little money. Even better if we can somehow offload Powell in the deal too. Yes i know that Lonzo doesn't provide the creation ability of some of the other guards mentioned but he's also a really good defender and it would force the ball more into Flagg's hands.

CHI gets the best player in the deal in Gaff. They take Hardy as well for C. White insurance in case he leaves the following offseason.