Dallas Mavericks: Can they get Ricky Rubio at the NBA Trade Deadline?
By Reid Hanson
Years ago, Mark Cuban’s Dallas Mavericks were built on deadline trades, not free agency. Could acquiring Ricky Rubio at the deadline get them back on the path to success?
The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching (2pm Thursday) and the Dallas Mavericks are surprisingly considering the possibly of being “buyers” despite their “sellers” positioning. At 22-34 the Mavs are separated from the final playoff spot by four teams. Most teams in this position would be sellers. But these Dallas Mavericks are not most teams.
As Marc Stein reported, Mark Cuban may be willing to take on a contract if he was able to get draft compensation in return.
Mark Cuban tells ESPN that Dallas is willing to take on contracts in advance of Thursday's trade deadline if draft compensation is attached.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 21, 2017
Over at FanSided’s Smoking Cuban, Isaac Harris broke down four possible trades that would fit this description. But what if the Dallas Mavericks didn’t just buy a draft pick (let’s be honest, that’s essentially what this is doing)? What if the Mavs actually took on a player with skill?
Like the good ‘ol days, right?
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In the 90’s Mark Cuban’s Dallas Mavericks were the wheelers and dealers of the NBA. If there was a trade rumor, you could bet the Mavs were involved. By dealing, Mark Cuban turned the Dallas Mavericks into an actual desirable location.
Recent years have started resembling that forgettable early-Cuban era. The Mavs try every offseason to lure a superstar and every offseason they fail. Maybe it’s time to give up on free agency for a while and focus on trades. Maybe it’s time to look into a player like Ricky Rubio.
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Ricky Rubio – Something for Nothing
Ricky Rubio, point guard, is unquestionably on the trading block. Recent reports have linked him to the New York Knicks in exchange for Derrick Rose. The Minnesota Timberwolves are said to want to clear the way for promising rookie PG Chris Dunn (their 5th overall pick) and would rather collect an expiring contract than a long-term commitment.
Rubio is still owed roughly $29M over the next two seasons (after this one) so the T-wolves would be happy taking on Rose’s expiring contract. These are exactly the kinds of waters Mark Cuban used to bathe in. Getting something for nothing is there for the taking if only Cuban would give up on his 2017 free agency dreams.
Ricky Rubio is overpaid. That much is sure. The 6’4” 26-year old has never been able to develop the scoring element of his game and is currently averaging only 8.9 points per game this season (worst of his career). But again, we’re talking something for nothing here.
Trading expiring contracts like Andrew Bogut and Deron Williams wouldn’t hurt the Dallas Mavericks this year or in future years. Bogut is an injury-prone big who never fit in and will never come back after this season. Deron Williams has been nice but the 32-year old is nearing the end of his career and not a player the Mavs could build around.
Williams, the Mavs current starting PG, is averaging 13.1 points, 6.9 assists, 2.6 rebounds, and 0.6 steals per game. Rubio may average less than nine points but he’s also averaging 8.4 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game. Besides scoring, Rubio is a clear upgrade on the starting unit. Throw in his superior defensive capabilities and age, and he’s a pretty good potential addition.
There are a multitude of great star players (especially at PG) hitting free agency the next two seasons. If the Dallas Mavericks acquired Ricky Rubio and his salary they would most assuredly be priced out of the pending free agency bidding war. But if we’re being honest what has cap space for max deals mattered in the past for the Mavs? Why would it matter now?
Next: Why the Mavs will be buyers at the deadline
It’s time the Dallas Mavericks start bargain hunting once again. It’s time Mark Cuban gives up the dream of courting free agents and starts building the Mavs like he did over a decade ago. Ricky Rubio is in the prime of his career and is there for the taking. If only the Mavs would just give up on free agency.