- The Mavericks should look to trade for a player in an expiring contract
- Dallas must address the need for an important interior presence on defense
- A third scoring option should be a key factor in trade talks for the Mavs
As the NBA’s 2023-24 season unfolds, the Dallas Mavericks find themselves at a pivotal crossroads. Armed with two of the league’s brightest stars in Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks have their sights set on a deep playoff run and, ultimately, an NBA championship. However, in the relentless quest for basketball glory, the need for additional support has become evident.
These five intriguing trade scenarios could bolster the Mavericks’ chances of securing the coveted title, addressing critical needs such as a star-caliber center, a third scoring option alongside Doncic and Irving, an interior defensive presence, and another skilled ball handler. Each proposed trade opens the door to new possibilities, offering a glimpse into the potential reshaping of the Mavericks’ roster as they strive for basketball excellence.
5. Myles Turner
Indiana Pacers receive: Tim Hardaway Jr., Dereck Lively, 2028 first-round pick
Dallas Mavericks receive: Myles Turner
The first trade proposal revolves around the Dallas Mavericks acquiring Myles Turner from the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Tim Hardaway Jr., Dereck Lively, and a 2028 first-round pick. This trade aims to address the Mavericks’ need for an elite center while also bolstering their interior defense.
Myles Turner is one of the premier shot-blockers in the league and a reliable rim protector. His defensive prowess is undeniable, and he has the ability to significantly improve the Mavericks’ interior presence. Turner’s three-point shooting also aligns with the modern NBA style of play, providing spacing for Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving to operate.
However, parting ways with Tim Hardaway Jr., who has been a consistent scoring threat and a key perimeter shooter, could impact the Mavericks’ offensive firepower. Additionally, Dereck Lively, a young and promising prospect, represents future potential for the Mavericks.
Giving up a 2028 first-round pick further sacrifices the team’s future assets in order to compete right now against the most elite teams in the Western Conference, but with Doncic and Irving as the primary scorers, plus Jaden Hardy’s ascent to a bigger role in the rotation, Dallas should pull the trigger on this move.
4. Pascal Siakam
Toronto Raptors receive: Tim Hardaway Jr., Richaun Holmes, Maxi Kleber, 2026 second-round pick
Dallas Mavericks receive: Pascal Siakam
In the second trade scenario, the Dallas Mavericks aim to acquire Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors. To do so, they offer Tim Hardaway Jr., Richaun Holmes, Maxi Kleber, and a 2026 second-round pick. Siakam’s expiring contract in 2024 adds financial flexibility to the Mavericks’ future roster moves and significantly lowers Siakam’s trade value.
Pascal Siakam brings a well-rounded skill set to the table. He can score from all over the court, defend multiple positions, and create opportunities for his teammates. Siakam’s versatility aligns with the Mavericks’ needs for a third scoring option and defensive presence. Additionally, the expiring contract provides financial relief for the Mavericks to pursue future free agents in the market if this move doesn’t mesh well, like Christian Wood, who’s gone to the Lakers.
However, this trade would mean the departure of Richaun Holmes, who could be a valuable defensive anchor for the team with Dwight Powell’s lack of interior defense. Maxi Kleber’s defensive skills and three-point shooting would also be missed, even though Grant Williams could fill that space coming from the Celtics on a 3-year deal.
3. Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls receive: Tim Hardaway Jr., Richaun Holmes, Maxi Kleber, 2025 first-round, 2028 first-round
Dallas Mavericks receive: Zach LaVine
The third trade idea involves the Dallas Mavericks acquiring Zach LaVine from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Tim Hardaway Jr., Richaun Holmes, Maxi Kleber, a 2025 first-round pick, and a 2028 first-round pick. Zach LaVine would be the Mavericks’ third scoring option alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, a formidable trio of pure scorers.
Zach LaVine is a high-scoring guard known for his athleticism and shot-creating abilities. His three-point shooting and ability to thrive in transition would add a new dimension to the Mavericks’ offense. He could take some of the scoring load off Doncic and Irving, making the team more formidable in high-pressure situations.
However, this trade comes at a significant cost. Losing Holmes and Kleber, a versatile forward with defensive skills, might weaken the Mavericks’ frontcourt depth. Furthermore, parting ways with two first-round picks is a substantial investment while also losing a ton of defensive presence.
On the contrary, Dallas would opt to play a high-tempo style looking to outscore rival teams, and with such good scorers linking together, success wouldn’t be unrealistic with that plan. Even though Dallas would have trouble finding the right role for their 3 guards, eventually, things should come to place with all that talent.
2. DeMar DeRozan
Chicago Bulls receive: Tim Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber, 2025 first-round pick
Dallas Mavericks receive: DeMar DeRozan
In the fourth trade scenario, the Dallas Mavericks would acquire DeMar DeRozan from the Chicago Bulls, whose contract expires in 2024. In return, the Bulls would receive Tim Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber, and a 2025 first-round pick.
DeMar DeRozan is a proven scorer with a polished mid-range game, which could complement the Mavericks’ perimeter-focused offense. He provides another scoring option and could take over in clutch situations. His expiring contract also offers financial flexibility for the Mavericks in the near future and a much lower value based on his deal duration and age.
Nonetheless, this trade would involve the loss of Maxi Kleber, a valuable 3-and-D player, and a first-round pick, which impacts the team’s long-term assets. The Bulls would get a solid scorer in Hardaway Jr. and a versatile forward in Kleber, making this a trade with mutual benefits if they decide to retool the roster.
A trio with Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and DeMar DeRozan would be a great fit, judging by their positions on the court, and the three of them would be an excellent complement to each other. With DeRozan’s isolation mastery, Luka and Kyrie wouldn’t be forced to take all the offensive tasks every time they step on the court.
1. Donovan Mitchell
Cleveland Cavaliers receive: Tim Hardaway Jr., Richaun Holmes, Josh Green, 2026 first-round pick, 2027 swap pick, 2028 first-round pick
Dallas Mavericks receive: Donovan Mitchell
The fifth and final trade proposal sees the Dallas Mavericks acquiring Donovan Mitchell from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Tim Hardaway Jr., Richaun Holmes, Josh Green, a 2026 first-round pick, a 2027 swap pick, and a 2028 first-round pick.
Donovan Mitchell is a dynamic guard with a scoring ability that can provide the necessary firepower alongside Doncic and Irving. His strong defensive skills and experience in high-pressure playoff situations make him an attractive addition. Mitchell’s ball-handling and ability to create his own shot align with the Mavericks’ needs.
Nonetheless, this trade requires a significant number of assets from the Mavericks. Losing Richaun Holmes, and promising young talent in Josh Green is a substantial sacrifice. The loss of multiple future first-round picks also diminishes the team’s future draft capital. Nonetheless, acquiring Mitchell would mean the Mavs could stagnate Luka and Kyrie in a much better situation with a second scorer alongside them, like Donovan is.
In case of acquiring the talented guard from the Cavs, Dallas could use Doncic as a distraction away from the ball, making great use of the unique gravity that he presents for opposing teams like Steph Curry does for the Warriors. Putting together a Big 3 with so much firepower would alleviate a lot of issues in the scoring department for the Mavs.
In summary, these trade proposals all offer unique solutions to the Dallas Mavericks’ needs for a center, a third scoring option, interior defense, and another ball handler. However, each trade involves a trade-off between immediate improvement and the loss of valuable assets, both in terms of player personnel and draft picks. The Mavericks’ front office must carefully evaluate the short-term and long-term implications of each trade before making a decision. Their choices will significantly impact the team’s prospects in the 2023-24 season and beyond.
