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Dallas Mavericks: Will the Mavericks stay at five?

By Carl Daley

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 23: Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, reacts during the game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on December 23, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 23: Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, reacts during the game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on December 23, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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The Dallas Mavericks are in a favorable situation heading into the 2018 NBA Draft. The team can go in many different directions but is a trade likely?

The Dallas Mavericks have a couple of big decisions this week as the 2018 NBA Draft will commence on Thursday. The team has a slew of needs however they have the roster flexibility and building blocks for something great.

Aging vets aside, this is the draft that Dallas can really sink their teeth into and find a high-quality player anywhere in the top five. But is the team looking to select higher than their fifth overall selection?

There has been a fairly prevalent rumor floating around that says the Mavericks are looking to make a deal with the Atlanta Hawks, a team that has stated that they would like to trade down.

The Mavericks likely have eyes on Luka Doncic as he seems to be the best foreign-born player entering the draft. He can score (seemingly at will) and is a 6’8 shooting guard, what more could you ask for?

The Hawks are fine moving back especially if its only a two-spot jump as it appears they do not have a special interest in any player outside of the top five. Deandre Ayton and Marvin Bagley will likely be off the board so realistically it is down to what kind of player you like. 

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Mo Mamba is a defensive big man who can rebound and has a ton of size/upside to go along with his skillset. Jaren Jackson Jr is also another defensive big man except he can shoot the three.

Both men are rim protectors and both men should bring down their fair share of rebounds. Then you have Michael Porter Jr (MPJ) and Doncic who are both insanely talented players with some question marks.

Both men are known to be scorers and playmakers but can MPJ’s back hold up during the grueling NBA season? Can Doncic make the full transition from the Euro leagues to the NBA?

Both players represent a risk but they also represent what the Dallas Mavericks need the most, a top-tier scoring threat. Realistically the Hawks could be sitting there with the feeling that no matter where they fall in the top five they can get a player who can help their team immediately.

It is seemingly all about preference and if the Mavericks want Doncic specifically, they may need to part ways with some players or a pick to move up. The Hawks could use a powerful big man so a trade up scenario would not be that costly.

The main issue would be how much sense would it make for the Mavericks to pay the cost to move up. It is not like they will suffer tremendously if they have to stay at five and could end up landing Doncic anyway.

But even if they don’t Jackson and Mamba would make excellent additions to this team. The Mavericks much like the Hawks are at a point where they simply cannot lose in this draft, a top-five pick with this much talent heading to the NBA should assure both franchises a productive player for years to come.

Next: Dallas Cowboys: Should the team trade for DeSean Jackson?

At the end of the day, Doncic would make the most sense for the Dallas Mavericks but the team should have a talented player falling to them regardless.

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