The Dallas Mavericks are still reeling from the shocking decision to trade Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, with fans still not coming to terms with the deal. The front office seems eager to move on, as do the players, who need to reckon with their own basketball futures by helping Dallas be competitive.
They’ve looked great when Anthony Davis is healthy, going 4-0 in those games, three of them coming without Kyrie Irving. The competitive DNA of this team is incredible as they legitimately could remain strong next season despite Irving being ruled out for most of the season with an ACL tear. Nonetheless, the Mavericks have winning hopes.
However, the team needs to make additional trades to ensure they’re competitive for contention next season by the time Irving is healthy. As a result, we have come up with three blockbuster additions the Mavericks should consider this summer.
Herb Jones
Trade Details
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Herb Jones
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Daniel Gafford, Olivier Maxence-Prosper, 2025 First-Round Pick (DAL), 2031 First-Round Pick (DAL)
Herb Jones is one of the premier 3-and-D forwards in the NBA and was heavily on the Mavericks’ trade radar in the winter before he suffered a season-ending injury. Jones is expected to be back next season and averaged 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists before his injury. He’s an excellent perimeter defender, arguably one of the best in the NBA, and his addition would help the Mavs lean into their defensive identity.
Dallas made it clear that trading Doncic was a move to reinforce the team’s defense as much as anything. There’s no greater reinforcement than Jones to be a full-time starter, whether it’s in the backcourt as he has played in the post or his more recent positions across the frontcourt.
Losing Daniel Gafford, who’s averaging 2.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks, will be a blow. However, the Mavs will hope Davis can play some minutes at the five when Dereck Lively II is on the bench or if Kai Jones’ midseason performances can land him a contract for next season as an end-of-the-bench big.
Jones’ addition makes Dallas legitimately one of the best on-paper defensive teams in many years.
Anfernee Simons
Trade Details
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Anfernee Simons
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall, 2026 First-Round Pick Swap (DAL)
Soon after Irving’s injury, we suggested the Mavericks make a move for Anfernee Simons. The 25-year-old guard is seeing his talents go to waste on the Portland Trail Blazers, who already seem prepared to move on without him, given the talented guards coming through on the roster. Simons might not be long for Portland, and Dallas needs a guard like him to shoulder the load in Irving’s absence.
Simons can lead the team’s offense as the primary ball-handler until Irving’s return. He’s also well-adjusted to playing as an off-ball two-guard. In reality, he’d help Irving’s transition from rehab to on-court play, carrying most of the on-ball load while Irving gets his feet under him. Their duo could be a free-scoring backcourt pairing complemented by incredible frontcourt defenders.
Klay Thompson is a veteran but will bring those great instincts to a young Blazers squad looking to break the Playoff hump. Naji Marshall has averaged 19.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists over the last nine games and could be a highly productive forward for the team. The Mavericks get exactly what they need with Simons, who’s a guard with room to grow and a skillset that would fit into the team.
Kevin Durant
Trade Details
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns Receive: PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford, Naji Marshall, Caleb Martin, 2025 First-Round Pick (DAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
The ultimate whale for the Mavericks this summer will be Kevin Durant. Not only is the Phoenix Suns forward expected to leave the franchise in the summer, but many believe the Mavericks could be his top destination. He’s averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists this season, but might not play again after suffering an injury last night.
Durant is turning 38 years old next season, but his production and style of play have shown little to no regression in recent years. The Mavericks have a Kyrie-shaped offensive hole to fill, something Durant could do in the short term. Even though his tenure alongside Irving on the Brooklyn Nets blew up, the pair have remained close friends and might relish the chance to be teammates again.
The Mavericks will have to give up four quality players, a potential 2025 lottery pick, and the 2029 pick the Lakers sent them for Doncic. It allows the Suns to balance their books with multiple mid-sized contracts, while the Mavericks push even further into their win-now direction by making such a trade.
This will be a polarizing suggestion, but Durant’s addition undoubtedly makes the Mavericks better built to compete in the Playoffs, but it might lead to significant regular-season struggles with a greatly depleted rotation.
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