The Dallas Mavericks are currently 4th in the Western Conference, and they have had a solid start to the season, currently sporting an 8-4 record. However, there is always the possibility for improvement. Perhaps they could make a trade to bolster their roster.
One of the biggest needs for the Mavericks is a solid 3rd option for the team behind Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, a player that can take on some of the scoring load while having the ability to get their own shot. Somebody that fits the bill is Buddy Hield of the Sacramento Kings. Here is a potential trade scenario.
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Buddy Hield
Sacramento Kings Receive: Tim Hardaway Jr., Dorian Finney Smith, and a future first-round pick
Dallas Mavericks Get A Knockdown Shooter
Buddy Hield has been known as one of the best shooters in the league for quite some time now. Currently, Hield is averaging 16.7 PPG while shooting 39.4% from 3PT range on 10.5 attempts. His off-ball game would be a very good combination with Luka Doncic’s playmaking, and he’d give the team a player that can consistently punish defenses from range and demand attention on the floor. It is also important to note that the Dallas Mavericks would be able to offer Buddy Hield a starting role, something that he does not have on the Kings.
It makes sense for the Dallas Mavericks to acquire Hield and improve their offensive capabilities. One of the biggest problems for the Dallas Mavericks during the playoffs last year was the lack of offense around Luka, forcing him to carry a heavy load on that end of the floor.
While Buddy Hield isn’t exactly a premier target in terms of star power, he is a player that can fit some of what the Dallas Mavericks need. A high-level 3PT shooter with some shot creation ability is always useful, especially for a team with few legitimate offensive threats. He isn’t exactly proficient from inside the arc, but he can be very effective when playing to his strengths. Playing with Luka Doncic would get Hield plenty of long-range opportunities and shots that he’s comfortable with.
Sacramento Kings Shorten Their Guard Rotation
It was previously reported that there is a high chance that Buddy Hield would be traded by the Sacramento Kings this year, and it’s easy to see why. The Kings already have 3 solid guards in De’Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton, and Davion Mitchell. Hield is the odd one out, based on his contract and the fact that he is the one coming off the bench this year.
The Sacramento Kings would be getting two solid veterans in return for Hield, as well as a first-round pick. The first-round pick would likely be low value due to the Dallas Mavericks contending in the future, though those picks can still be useful in terms of drafting players who can contribute immediately later in the draft.
Tim Hardaway Jr. is a player that could fill that bench scoring role for the team, and provide some of what Buddy Hield has for the Kings’ offense. Dorian Finney-Smith is a solid shooter (39.4% on 5 attempts from 3PT range last season) and perimeter stopper, and having a 3 and D forward is never a bad thing. While Finney-Smith’s percentages have dipped massively this year, he’ll likely get back to normal at some point, and his shooting will even out. Tim Hardaway Jr. cannot be traded until December 15th, but this deal could happen after that date.
Overall, this seems like a solid deal for both teams, one where each team could benefit. The Mavericks would get a potential third option, while the Kings would get two solid veterans and draft compensation. While this is only a scenario, there are definitely reasons to do it.
