The Dallas Mavericks have been great in 2022. This is due to a culmination of factors, including fewer players on Health and Safety Protocols, an improved Luka Doncic, inserting Jalen Brunson into the starting five, and elite defense. Dallas looks to be a surefire playoff team. That’s the first goal. With a talent such as Doncic, as well as supporting pieces like Brunson and Kristaps Porzingis, the Mavericks’ sights need to be set higher. They were recently hit with an unfortunate injury to Tim Hardaway Jr, but the NBA trade deadline is approaching at the right time. Should the Mavericks want to keep their core players, they hold trade exception gold.
The exception comes from the Josh Richardson deal in the offseason. It’s worth $10.9 million, and one of three exceptions in the league over $10 million. This makes a trade for an expiring contract, especially one held by a veteran game-changer, a lot easier to make. Dallas needs to be identifying players to fit the exception.
Dallas Mavericks Have Trade Exception Gold
Backcourt Players – a Dallas Mavericks Priority
Backcourt help that the Mavericks can aim for with their trade exception includes Dennis Schroder from the Boston Celtics, Cory Joseph of the Detroit Pistons, Terrence Ross of the Orlando Magic, and Tomas Satoransky of the New Orleans Pelicans.
Schroder fits into the exception with no problem. More than that, he’s the ideal secondary ball-handler the Mavericks are looking for. He takes Brunson’s previous bench role to guide the second unit. In addition, Schroder is a talented scorer. His scoring punch will be needed after Hardaway Jr’s injury. Boston, however, will have to be convinced that Schroder is not an option to keep in the offseason.
Ross is another good fit. His salary, however, extends outside of the exception, so Dallas would have to include another piece. Ross brings tough defense and great shooting – two things Dallas will welcome. Orlando expects Ross to be a hot trade commodity, so this offer may not be enough.
Joseph and Satoransky are last-ditch options just so that the exception does not go to waste. Joseph remains a steady veteran, but not quite a game-changer. Detroit may move him to shed salary. Satoransky is having a dreadful season with New Orleans, but perhaps a change of scenery is exactly what he needs.
Frontcourt Players
Dallas has plenty of big men. With that being said, another tough interior defender is always welcomed. A move for a solid three/wing can pay off too.
Frontcourt help that the Mavericks can target with their trade exception includes Justin Holiday of the Indiana Pacers, Serge Ibaka of the LA Clippers, and Derrick Favors of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Holiday looks to be a great fit for the Mavericks. He’s long been a terrific bench player in this league and is the ideal wing for Dallas to target. He’s averaging 11 points per game this season and shoots the three at an efficient rate. Holiday is a major upgrade over Sterling Brown, and helps fill the void left by Hardaway Jr’s injury.
The list of the Mavericks’ big men includes the likes of Porzingis, Maxi Kleber, Dwight Powell, Boban Marjanovic, Marquese Chriss, and Moses Brown. It’s an extensive list. If Dallas does not move one in a separate move, then there’s not necessarily a need. Using the exception to add an expiring contract hurts in no way, however.
Ibaka and Favors are both very proven veterans. They’re tough defenders and shot blockers. Dallas has been preaching defense as of late, and these two bring that with their added experience.
All in all, Dallas cannot wait around and waste their trade exception.
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