The Dallas Mavericks have been rolling to start 2022. With that being said, there are still some improvements that can be made. Dallas has a rare superstar in Luka Doncic, so they have to maximize their roster at any given chance. Right now, Dallas is good enough to make the playoffs and be competitive, but look to be right outside of the true contenders’ bubble. Here are three trades the team could look into to help.
Dallas Mavericks: Three Trades to Help the Team
Upgrades on the Wing and Backcourt
The trade: Dallas sends Dwight Powell to the Orlando Magic and Frank Ntilikina to the Charlotte Hornets. Orlando sends Terrence Ross and Michael Carter-Williams to Dallas and Mo Bamba to Charlotte. Charlotte sends PJ Washington and JT Thor to Orlando.
Powell has long been a fixture in the Dallas rotation, but he’s never been quite the game-changer. Dallas can give more minutes to Marquese Chriss and Moses Brown with this trade. In addition, Ntilikina seems to be out of the rotation.
Successful teams always have strong wing players. Dallas doesn’t have many, but Ross is a welcomed addition. He’s extremely athletic, plays tough defense, and can shoot the three. His skill set would be perfect in Dallas, whether it be as a possible starter or a main player off the bench. In addition, Jalen Brunson is now in the starting line-up. Dallas needs a reliable backup point guard, so veteran Carter-Williams comes into play.
Orlando gains experience in Powell and a weapon in Washington here. Charlotte also solves their center issue with Bamba.
A Saga Comes to an End
The trade: Dallas sends Tim Hardaway Jr, Maxi Kleber, Trey Burke, and a future first to the Philadelphia 76ers for Ben Simmons and Isaiah Joe.
Philadelphia has to trade Simmons. The relationship between the player and team is broken and clearly beyond repair.
Simmons’ fit in Dallas is interesting. He wouldn’t be the primary ball-handler with Doncic around. With that being said, Dallas desperately needs a reliable handler with Doncic off the court. Dallas could also get creative and use Simmons in the frontcourt, where he’d have to mesh with Kristaps Porzingis. There’s potential there, as Porzingis spreads the floor. Either way, Simmons’ overall talent and elite defense are worth the sacrifice here for Dallas. They have to go all-in before Doncic’s extension really kicks in.
Simmons’ trade value is also lower than it should be now. For this reason, Philadelphia could look to add help right now, which they get here from Dallas. Philadelphia has a team built to contend. Hardaway Jr. is another added offensive weapon and also played well alongside Seth Curry while the pair were in Dallas. Kleber is a great defender and will form a strong frontcourt with Joel Embiid. Lastly, Burke is another veteran playmaker off the bench.
The Dallas Mavericks get their big man
The trade: Dallas sends Powell, Reggie Bullock, and Dorian Finney-Smith to the Indiana Pacers for Myles Turner and Justin Holiday.
There have been plenty of rumors regarding the Mavericks’ interest in Turner. Not only is he from Dallas, but he’s a great two-way center whose fit is easy to see on the team. Turner’s elite rim-protecting will be welcomed, even though the Mavericks’ defense has been much improved. Turner can also score inside and shoot from deep, which is great for a Doncic-led offense. Holiday is a great option to have on the wing, although he’s older than the players leaving the Mavericks in this trade. With that being said, this can open up playing time for Josh Green.
Powell is a favorite of current Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle. It would be no surprise to see Carlisle wanting Powell on his new team. Bullock is a “three-and-d” specialist, although he’s struggled with Dallas. Finney-Smith is a fan favorite in Dallas, but his time may be approaching an end. He’s a great trade asset, but also a player Dallas would like to keep. With that being said, his contract is coming to an end this offseason and it’s difficult to see how Dallas could afford to keep him.
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