This offseason, the Dallas Mavericks will have one way to ensure that they remain in title contention for the foreseeable — a trade. With that in mind, based on the reports that have come out over the course of the season, multiple stars will be available. There are likely none that will be as talented or highly touted as Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant.
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle is a skilled scorer, as is Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan. Toronto Raptors wing RJ Barrett is among the league’s most underrated players. Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball is on the cusp of being a perennial All-Star.
Durant is a two-time NBA Finals MVP who’s bound for the Hall of Fame.
Mavs Have No Choice But To Trade For Kevin Durant
Durant has a generational skillset at 6-foot-11, which has allowed him to be one of five NBA/ABA players to record 30,000+ points, 7,500+ rebounds, 4,500+ assists, 1,000+ blocks, and 1,000+ steals. Even former Chicago Bulls wing Michael Jordan and Los Angeles Lakers wing Kobe Bryant, universally regarded as legendary sports figures, were unable to accomplish that feat. Even better, he’s still playing at an elite level.
None of the criticisms about his leadership change the fact that he’s averaging 26.7 points per game on .529-.399-.819 shooting splits because of his touch and instincts. Nor do they change that he’s averaging 4.3 assists per game as a tertiary playmaker because of his high basketball IQ. Durant is also averaging 1.3 blocks per game, a credit to his length and effort.
That being said, there’s little doubt that Durant is who the Mavericks should target this offseason. When Kyrie Irving returns, he should have no trouble meshing with him offensively. Not only are they both dynamic scorers and playmakers, they were teammates on the Brooklyn Nets. The versatility and pre-existing chemistry should allow for a great synergy.
There’s also the reality that there’s no telling how Irving looks when he gets back. Having Durant takes pressure off of Irving, who doesn’t have to be their No. 1 option. In fact, because Durant excels in isolation, Irving may not have to constantly break down the defense off-the-dribble.
Keeping Klay Thompson
Trading for Durant might get tricky, but both the Mavericks and Suns would be negotiating from a place of desperation. Thus, there could be an urgency to get the deal done.
Regardless, if Dallas was to trade for the 15-time All-Star, PJ Washington would seemingly be included in the trade. However, Durant is a highly-paid player, so the Mavs would need to add more salary. Fortunately, Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II make Daniel Gafford somewhat expendable. Furthermore, Caleb Martin hasn’t had time to incorporate himself into their core and may not get that chance this season. Adding in Naji Marshall and Dwight Powell would make salaries match. The Mavericks could also add in their 2025 first-round pick, currently slotted at No. 13, especially if they prefer to keep Klay Thompson.
Is a rotation of Irving, Durant, Davis, Thompson, Lively, Max Christie, and Jaden Hardy good enough to win it all next season? Only time would tell. All that can be sure is that everyone would feel a lot better about the Mavs than they do now.
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