The rumors about a possible Kristaps Porzingis departure from the Dallas Mavericks have been swirling for the last couple of weeks. He has had his fair share of struggles this season, particularly with injuries, but it’s important to note that he’s still a very effective player. Porzingis is averaging 20.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. He definitely contributes, but his shooting and defense are lacking this season. However, at only 25-years-old, Porzingis is still a very valuable option, but one with a hefty contract. Here are some potential trade packages for the Dallas big man.
Kristaps Porzingis: Potential Trade Packages
San Antonio Pushes for Kristaps Porzingis
The trade: The San Antonio Spurs send LaMarcus Aldridge and Keldon Johnson to the Mavericks for Porzingis.
The league was made aware that Aldridge and the Spurs are ready to part ways. Aldridge isn’t the player he used to be, but can still dominate the paint offensively while offering the potential to be a threat from three-point range. He’s a player that can easily succeed in the pick-and-roll with Luka Doncic. In addition, his $24 million contract comes off the books this offseason. Dallas, with Doncic, can use that cash to attract another star.
Johnson sweetens this deal. The combo-forward is just 21-years-old and is averaging 14 points and 7 rebounds per game. He offers talent now as well as the upside to growing alongside Doncic. Dallas would certainly want him if they are giving up someone they consider a franchise cornerstone.
San Antonio can continue their playoff push this season with Porzingis. DeMar DeRozan continues to play well, and the team has a plethora of young and talented guards, most notably Dejounte Murray. This move helps them immediately and also gives them another block to build on.
Orlando Gives In on the Season, Builds for the Future
The trade: The Orlando Magic send Nikola Vucevic and Evan Fournier to the Mavericks for Porzingis and James Johnson.
Orlando is not doing well this season and poised to miss the playoffs. However, they have a solid young core, so it may be time for them to sell and build for the future. Porzingis offers help now, although he’s not at Vucevic’s level at the moment. With that being said, he keeps them semi-competitive (but lottery-bound) while also being another piece to add to their core. Johnson is still a solid player but is a throw-in here due to his expiring contract.
Vucevic makes Dallas a major playoff threat this season. The All-Star is averaging about 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. In addition, he’s shooting 41 percent from three. He’s also on a solid contract that’s set to expire when he’s 33-years-old, so he’ll remain in his prime during that time.
Fournier is a fantastic option as well. His contract is expiring, likely causing Orlando to accept letting him go if they decide to essentially tank. He’s averaging close to 19 points per game this season, and he’ll be a great complement to Doncic. While Doncic is off the floor, Fournier can also take ball-handling duties.
Sacramento Exchanges Shooting for Kristaps Porzingis
The trade: The Sacramento Kings send Buddy Hield and Richaun Holmes to the Mavericks for Porzingis and Wesley Iwundu.
Sacramento is in a similar boat to Orlando, but in this trade, they let go of Hield, who has also been in plenty of rumors.
Hield gives the Mavericks much-needed shooting. They’ve struggled in the three-point department since trading Seth Curry, and Hield immediately addresses this issue. He’ll have endless good looks playing alongside Doncic, and can easily average over 20 points per game.
Holmes is also one of the league’s underappreciated players. This season, he’s averaging 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. He’ll instantly become the Mavericks’ starting center, as well as a major lob threat for Doncic. Holmes also improves the team’s defense.
Sacramento will have to get creative with Porzingis due to the players they have, but he can certainly start at center for them. He should continue to do well offensively paired with De’Aaron Fox. Iwundu is also a solid addition for wing depth and defense.
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