- The Dallas Mavericks need a two-way forward who complements Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving
- OG Anunoby is a perfect trade candidate for the team
- The forward would immediately become the No. 3 option for the Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks have been busy making win-now moves all summer, and it is clear that the team’s goal is to be competitive as soon as possible. Aside from retaining Kyrie Irving, the team also added veterans such as Grant Williams and Seth Curry. The Mavericks look to be gearing up for a deep playoff run, but there are still some holes that need to be filled on the roster.
One of the biggest weaknesses for the Dallas Mavericks right now is their lack of a No. 3 option behind Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. However, a trade could end up dealing with that issue. Forward OG Anunoby of the Toronto Raptors could be a perfect option. Here is a potential trade scenario.
Dallas Mavericks Receive: OG Anunoby
Toronto Raptors Receive: Tim Hardaway Jr., Olivier Maxence-Prosper, Second-Round Pick, Second-Round Pick
This deal could potentially work out for both teams involved, and there are benefits involved for both the Dallas Mavericks and the Toronto Raptors. Here is why this is a good trade for both teams.
Dallas Mavericks Land A Two-Way Forward
As of right now, OG Anunoby profiles as an elite 3 and D player, who is capable of guarding multiple positions and spacing the floor. He is a player who is used to playing without the ball, which makes him a solid fit next to two ball-dominant guards like Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Last season, OG Anunoby averaged 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.9 steals a game while shooting 38.7% from 3PT range.
In theory, OG Anunoby is a good fit for the Mavericks not only due to his offensive skill set but also due to his elite perimeter defense. He gives the Mavericks a player that can guard premier wings like Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant. He should make a good defensive tandem with Grant Williams, and it is quite likely that he will seamlessly fit with the squad on that end of the floor. Jason Kidd values defensive-minded players, and Anunoby will definitely become one of his favorite players in a short period of time.
The one risk for the Dallas Mavericks is that OG Anunoby could end up hitting free agency in 2024 if he declines his $19.9 million player option. Anunoby will likely do so, as he probably wants financial security long term. Though there is a threat of him leaving for nothing, there are good reasons for OG Anunoby to stay with Dallas. The Mavericks would likely be willing to pay him the money he wants, and he would also be on a contending team with Doncic at the helm. Texas is also a state with no income tax, which could be beneficial for Anunoby financially.
Though the Dallas Mavericks would have to give up Tim Hardaway Jr. and some future assets in this deal, the upside for the team would be absolutely worth it. This deal would get even better if OG Anunoby were to sign a long-term deal with the franchise. Mark Cuban has shown that he is willing to trade for good players on short-term contracts and try to re-sign them when he acquired Kyrie Irving, and this trade for OG Anunoby would be a similar type of deal.
The Toronto Raptors Move OG Anunoby For Solid Value
If OG Anunoby is dead set on leaving the Toronto Raptors after this season, then it makes sense for the franchise to try and get solid value for him in a trade, rather than risk losing him to a rival team at no cost. This deal from the Dallas Mavericks gives them a solid trade package, one that gives them some future assets that the Raptors can use in their rebuild.
The key in this deal would obviously be prospect Olivier Maxence-Prosper who profiles as a decent defensive forward with good raw physical tools, standing at 6’8 with a 7’1 wingspan. He could potentially develop into a quality player moving forward, especially when put through the Toronto Raptors’ development program. On top of receiving Maxence-Prosper, the Raptors would also get two second-round picks as draft compensation.
Tim Hardaway Jr.’s contract would mostly be used in this trade for salary-matching purposes, but he could also help the Toronto Raptors with his 3PT shooting ability immediately. The Raptors were bottom-10 in the league in 3PTs attempted last season, and it is clear that their spacing was an issue. Hardaway Jr. would likely play a bench role for the Raptors as a sixth man, and last season, he averaged 14.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, and Hardaway Jr. also shot the 3PT shot at an efficient 38.5% clip.
Overall, this is a deal that gets the Toronto Raptors a decent return for a player who could leave in free agency after this season. Though they missed their chance to move Anunoby at the peak of his trade value, this deal would allow them to still get a trade package that is good value now.
The Dallas Mavericks Could Reach The Next Level With This Trade
Though Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving make up one of the best duos in the league, the Mavericks are still missing another good two-way presence on the roster. OG Anunoby could be the answer for them on both ends of the floor, and his skill set suggests that he is the missing piece for the franchise.
We will see if the Dallas Mavericks and the Toronto Raptors agree on a trade with this framework in the future. This is a deal that makes sense from the current positions of both franchises and if OG Anunoby is available, the Mavericks have to try and acquire him.
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