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Dallas Mavericks: 4 Trade possibilities if Dennis Smith Jr. doesn’t fit

By Adithya Prabakaran

Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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DALLAS, TEXAS – DECEMBER 10: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles the ball against Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic in the second half at American Airlines Center on December 10, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS – DECEMBER 10: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles the ball against Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic in the second half at American Airlines Center on December 10, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Orlando Magic

For fans wanting to trade DSJ, this was the desired location. The hope was for the Mavs to get former Longhorn center, Mo Bamba. Bamba hasn’t done much for Orlando this season averaging a mere 6.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG, and 1.4 BLKPG according to ESPN. He hasn’t shot particularly well either only shooting 47.5% from the field and 28.8% from 3.

With that said, this would provide the Mavs with an interesting front court option.By trading for Bamba, they wouldn’t be locked into paying for the services of Jordan. Even though Bamba isn’t the greatest floor spacer, he’s still better than Deandre Jordan and Dwight Powell. In addition, Bamba’s defensive potential could draw the ire of Cuban, Carlisle, and Nelson.

It seems like the Mavs could have a future trade partner in Orlando in the event DSJ and the Mavs don’t work out. Dallas could send DSJ and Wes Matthew in exchange for Jonathan Simmons, DJ Augustin, and Mo Bamba. This would work for both salary caps and the Mavs get the offense it needs to compliment Luka.

But what if Bamba wasn’t the intended target? What if the Mavs were looking at Johnathan Isaac or even Aaron Gordon? The trade above could be with Isaac instead of Bamba. Also a trade for Aaron Gordon with DSJ and Wes Matthews could work. Both these players provide the Mavs with better floor spacing and more scoring potential than Bamba.

Gordon signed a 4 yr/ $84M contract extension this summer, but history has proven that hasn’t stopped teams from trading their “franchise cornerstones.” Gordon could be a great addition as an athletic stretch 4 who could provide stability at the 4, something the Mavs could use now with Dirk playing in a reduced role.

Johnathan Isaac would also be an interesting prospect as he has the potential to be a super star in this league. He is a 6’11” combo forward who can score from anywhere. (Even if the consistency isn’t up their yet) Isaac, Augustin, and Simmons could be the trade package Orlando sends providing all types of offense for the Mavs.

The Mavs could be in good hands if they trade with Orlando, but this still isn’t the best trade the Mavs could conduct.

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