The Dallas Mavericks just made one of the most shocking trades in NBA history, moving on from their 25-year-old franchise cornerstone, Luka Doncic, in exchange for Anthony Davis. It’s a gamble, no doubt.
They’re betting that Davis’ elite defense, paired with Kyrie Irving’s shot-making and Klay Thompson’s experience, can keep them in the championship conversation. But let’s be real—this roster is far from complete. The Mavericks are no longer built around an offensive superstar like Luka, meaning they need to reshape their team to maximize Davis’ strengths and avoid wasting this high-risk, high-reward move.
The problem? Davis is 31, has a long history of injuries, and isn’t a one-man offensive engine. Unlike Luka Doncic, who could carry an entire offense on his back, Davis thrives in a system where he has strong playmakers feeding him the ball and an elite defensive infrastructure around him.
Right now, the Mavericks have neither. They lack a true pass-first point guard, are thin in the frontcourt, and still don’t have the elite wing defenders necessary to truly compete with teams like the Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder. In other words, the Mavericks are not done making moves.
The Mavericks need to act fast and make a few more moves to solidify themselves as legitimate contenders and can’t afford to sit back. Here are three trades the Mavericks must explore to give AD the best possible supporting cast and avoid the disaster scenario of wasting this blockbuster deal.
More Defense By Acquiring Herbert Jones
Potential Trade Details
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Herbert Jones
New Orleans Pelicans: Quentin Grimes, Naji Marshall, 2025 Second-Round Pick (DEN/PHI)
The Mavericks just made a franchise-altering move by acquiring Anthony Davis, but if they want to maximize his impact, they need to add more perimeter defense. Enter Herbert Jones—a 6’8” defensive ace with a 7’0” wingspan who can guard multiple positions at an elite level. It isn’t a surprise that the Mavericks have reportedly shown interest in Jones earlier in the season, and they should push to close the deal.
Jones has established himself as one of the best wing defenders in the NBA, consistently locking down some of the league’s top scorers. Offensively, Jones has made strides in his three-point shooting, which was a major weakness early in his career.
He’s shooting 36.6% from three over his career, making him a legitimate floor spacer who won’t clog the paint for Davis and Kyrie Irving. Jones also excels as a cutter, making timely off-ball movements that fit perfectly alongside playmakers like Irving. While he won’t be a primary offensive option, his ability to hit open shots and finish at the rim makes him an ideal complementary piece.
For Dallas, giving up Quentin Grimes, Naji Marshall, and a 2025 second-round pick is a reasonable price for an elite defensive wing who fits their needs perfectly. Losing Grimes stings since he’s a promising young shooter, but Jones brings a higher defensive upside.
The Mavericks would instantly improve their versatility and perimeter toughness, which is essential in a playoff race loaded with elite scorers such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jayson Tatum, Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker. If the Pelicans are open to moving Jones, Dallas should pounce.
Two-Way Wing Play With De’Andre Hunter
Potential Trade Details
Dallas Mavericks Receive: De’Andre Hunter
Atlanta Hawks Receive: P.J. Washington, Quentin Grimes, 2025 Second-Round Pick (DEN/PHI)
If the Mavericks want more size and versatility on the wing, De’Andre Hunter is another strong trade target. At 6’8” with a 7’2” wingspan, Hunter provides the kind of length and defensive ability that Dallas needs to complement Davis.
He’s a physical defender who can take on tough assignments, and his size allows him to match up against power forwards as well. While he may not be as elite defensively as Herbert Jones, Hunter is still a strong two-way player who can provide valuable minutes in a playoff setting.
Offensively, Hunter brings more scoring ability than Jones. He’s averaging a career-high 18.9 points per game this season while shooting 38.2% from three, proving he can be a reliable floor spacer.
Unlike Jones, Hunter has shown the ability to create his own shot in spurts, which adds another layer to Dallas’ offense. While Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson will be the primary shot creators, having a bigger wing who can hit mid-range jumpers and attack closeouts gives the Mavericks another weapon in their half-court sets.
The trade package—P.J. Washington, Quentin Grimes, and a 2025 second-round pick—is fair value for a player of Hunter’s caliber. Washington is a solid contributor, but Davis makes him redundant in the frontcourt, and Grimes is promising but not a game-changer.
For the Mavericks, getting a starting-caliber wing who can guard multiple positions and contribute offensively is well worth the price. Hunter’s contract ($23,303,571 and $24,910,714 over the next two seasons) is hefty, but if Dallas is serious about contending, adding a reliable two-way wing is a must.
A Smart Move For Keldon Johnson
Potential Trade Details
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Keldon Johnson
San Antonio Spurs Receive: P.J. Washington, Quentin Grimes, 2025 Second-Round Pick (DEN/PHI)
Keldon Johnson offers the Mavericks a blend of physicality, scoring, and defensive upside that could help them solidify their wing rotation. At 6’5” and 220 pounds, Johnson is a strong, physical presence who can attack the rim, rebound, and defend multiple positions.
He’s currently averaging 12.4 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, showing he can be a high-volume scorer when needed. While his role would be smaller in Dallas, he could thrive as a secondary or tertiary option alongside Davis and Irving.
One of Johnson’s biggest assets is his ability to get to the basket. He’s a relentless driver who plays with a level of physicality that the Mavericks could use, especially when Kyrie Irving is off the floor. His three-point shooting has been inconsistent (career 35.3%), but he’s capable of knocking down open shots. More importantly, he adds toughness and rebounding from the wing position—an area where Dallas has lacked depth in recent years.
The proposed deal—P.J. Washington, Quentin Grimes, and a 2025 second-round pick—is a solid return for the Spurs, who are still in rebuilding mode. From Dallas’ perspective, they’re adding a proven scorer who fits well next to Davis and Irving without giving up too much.
Johnson may not be the elite defender that Jones or Hunter is, but his combination of size, scoring, and versatility makes him a valuable asset. If the Mavericks want a wing who can contribute immediately and bring an edge to their lineup, Johnson is an excellent target.
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