The Dallas Mavericks had a remarkable season, making it all the way to the NBA Finals before ultimately falling short. In a major offseason move, the Mavericks acquired Klay Thompson in a multi-team sign-and-trade deal, sending Josh Green to the Charlotte Hornets and securing Thompson with a three-year, $50 million contract.
Meanwhile, Julius Randle, who had an impressive 2023-24 season averaging 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists over 46 games, has been in the spotlight due to his recent injury. Randle dislocated his right shoulder on January 27th during a game against the Miami Heat and subsequently underwent season-ending surgery on April 4th after attempts to rehabilitate the injury proved insufficient. With Randle sidelined, the Knicks relied heavily on Jalen Brunson, who led the team through a tough playoff run.
The Knicks have also been active in the offseason, signing OG Anunoby to a new contract and re-signing Jalen Brunson. Additionally, they made a significant trade to acquire Mikal Bridges, further solidifying their roster. These moves suggest that the Knicks are retooling and might be willing to part with Randle to optimize their new lineup.
For the Mavericks, adding Julius Randle to their roster could create a formidable Big 4, featuring Doncic, Irving, Thompson, and Randle. This combination of talent could provide the Mavericks with the firepower and versatility needed to make another deep playoff run and potentially capture the championship.
The Trade Proposal
Mavericks receive: Julius Randle
Knicks receive: PJ Washington, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Maxi Kleber, 2025 first-round pick
This trade proposal aims to bolster the Dallas Mavericks’ frontcourt by adding Julius Randle, a versatile forward who can score, rebound, and create plays. For the New York Knicks, this deal provides an opportunity to acquire valuable assets while moving on from Randle, especially after his shoulder injury and the recent roster changes.
The Mavericks would gain a proven All-Star in Randle, who averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game before his injury. Pairing him with Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson would create a formidable lineup, making Dallas a serious contender in the Western Conference.
The New York Knicks would receive PJ Washington, a young forward with potential, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, a promising rookie, and Maxi Kleber, a solid role player who adds depth and versatility. Additionally, the 2025 first-round pick offers future value, allowing the Knicks to continue building around their restructured core, including newly acquired Mikal Bridges and re-signed players like Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby. This trade aligns with the Knicks’ strategy to balance their roster and secure assets for the future.
Why The Mavs Should Try To Make This
The Dallas Mavericks would benefit immensely from this trade, creating a formidable starting lineup featuring Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, Julius Randle, and Dereck Lively II. This lineup addresses the key weaknesses they faced in their Finals loss to the Boston Celtics, particularly the need for additional offensive firepower.
Last season, the Mavericks’ offense often relied heavily on Doncic and Irving, which made them predictable and easier to defend in high-stakes situations. Despite their best efforts, they lacked the depth needed to overpower a robust Celtics defense. The addition of Klay Thompson already bolsters their perimeter shooting and spacing. Adding Randle, a versatile scorer who averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game before his injury, would provide another dynamic offensive option, making it harder for defenses to double-team Doncic or Irving.
PJ Washington has been a valuable player for the Mavericks, contributing significantly with his defensive prowess and versatility. However, Randle’s offensive capabilities far exceed those of Washington, providing a substantial upgrade in scoring and playmaking. Moreover, the defensive responsibilities can be distributed among other players, including Klay Thompson and Quentin Grimes, who was acquired from Detroit in exchange for Tim Hardaway Jr.
Grimes, known for his strong defensive skills, can help fill the gap left by Washington on the defensive end, while Thompson’s championship experience and defensive abilities further fortify the team’s overall defense. This trade would thus balance the Mavericks’ need for enhanced offensive capabilities while maintaining a solid defensive foundation.
By making this trade, the Mavericks not only improve their starting lineup but also position themselves as a top contender in the Western Conference. The combined talents of Doncic, Irving, Thompson, and Randle would create a well-rounded, high-scoring team capable of competing at the highest level and making another deep playoff run.
How The Knicks Could Exploit Their Strengths
The New York Knicks, with a core of Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Donte DiVincenzo, have built a solid offensive lineup to support Brunson. During the playoffs, the Knicks showcased their offensive prowess even in the absence of Julius Randle, indicating their potential to reach the Eastern Conference Finals if not for the injury setbacks. With fewer injuries, the Knicks could have been strong contenders against Boston.
Adding PJ Washington in place of Randle offers several benefits. Washington is an excellent three-point shooter, providing a reliable open-shot option that Randle lacked. Additionally, Washington’s defensive abilities are superior to Randle’s, making him a more versatile and impactful player on both ends of the court for the role that this team needs. Not a star, but an impactful two-way player. This trade would enhance the Knicks’ spacing and overall defensive strategy, crucial elements for deep playoff runs.
Maxi Kleber fills a critical gap left by Isaiah Hartenstein’s departure in free agency. Kleber’s ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting makes him an ideal backup for Mitchell Robinson, ensuring the Knicks maintain their offensive spacing and defensive integrity. This addition strengthens the Knicks’ bench and provides a solid rotational player who can contribute immediately.
Olivier-Maxence Prosper is an intriguing prospect with potential, adding depth to the Knicks’ future. The inclusion of a 2025 first-round pick further bolsters the Knicks’ asset base, giving them flexibility for future trades or draft opportunities. This trade aligns with New York’s strategy to build a balanced and competitive team, ready to exploit their strengths and make significant playoff strides.
Who Would Win This Trade?
Evaluating this trade, it’s clear that both the Mavericks and the Knicks stand to gain significantly, but in different ways. For the Mavericks, acquiring Julius Randle provides an immediate upgrade in their frontcourt. Randle’s versatility and offensive prowess would complement Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving perfectly. The addition of Klay Thompson has already bolstered their perimeter game, and Randle’s ability to score inside and out would make the Mavericks one of the most balanced and dangerous offensive teams in the league. This could be the move that finally pushes Dallas over the hump and makes them a top contender in the Western Conference.
On the Knicks’ side, they get a mix of immediate and future value. PJ Washington’s ability to hit open threes and play solid defense makes him a better fit alongside Jalen Brunson and the recently acquired Mikal Bridges. This trade would allow the Knicks to maintain their offensive output while significantly improving their defensive flexibility. Maxi Kleber fills a crucial need as a backup center who can also stretch the floor, fitting perfectly behind Mitchell Robinson and replacing the departed Isaiah Hartenstein. The addition of Olivier-Maxence Prosper and a 2025 first-round pick adds depth and future potential to the Knicks’ roster.
From a strategic perspective, the Knicks might emerge as the long-term winners of this trade. They receive a versatile defender in Washington, a reliable backup in Kleber, a promising young prospect in Prosper, and a valuable future first-round pick. This aligns well with their current roster construction, which focuses on a balanced attack and solid defense, as seen in their playoff performance without Randle. This trade allows them to build around their new core while maintaining flexibility for future moves.
However, the Mavericks might see more immediate success. By adding Randle, they assemble a formidable Big 4 that can compete with any team in the league. Randle’s ability to create his own shot and contribute across multiple facets of the game makes him an ideal addition. This trade would address the Mavericks’ need for additional scoring and rebounding, making them a well-rounded and potent team ready for another deep playoff run.
