Sport DFW
FanSided

What the Harrison Barnes trade means for the Dallas Mavericks

By Reid Hanson

DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 02: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles the ball against Damyean Dotson #21 of the New York Knicks at American Airlines Center on November 02, 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 - NOVEMBER 02: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles the ball against Damyean Dotson #21 of the New York Knicks at American Airlines Center on November 02, 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) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Dallas Mavericks traded their starting forward, Harrison Barnes, to the Sacramento Kings last night leading many to wonder, ‘what’s next?’

For the second time in in six days the Dallas Mavericks pulled off a major trade. Last week it was the winter blockbuster that involved Kristaps Porzingis, Dennis Smith Jr., two first round picks, Tim Hardaway Jr., a bag of Funyuns, and a couple other guys. This week it was third-year Mavericks starter, Harrison Barnes.

The awkward timing of the trade (midway through the third quarter) wasn’t ideal, and neither was the bounty the Dallas Mavericks received in return: Zach Randolph and Justin Jackson. These days, Randolph is seen as nothing more than an expiring contract. Jackson, 23, offers a little something in return, but he’s hardly expected to preform to the level of Barnes.

The trade was an effort to save money for next season. Pure and simple. Barnes was expected to pick up his player option subsequently costing $25 million against the cap. This would leave the Dallas Mavericks with virtually nothing to spend in free agency as they attempt to build a team around Luka Doncic and the recently acquired Porzingis.

With Randolph’s $11.7 salary off the books, the Mavs would basically be exchanging Jackson’s $5 million for Barnes’ $25 million (according to spotrac.com). This summer Dallas should be able to court a premiere free agent or sign a nice temporary collection of supporting actors.

More from Dallas Mavericks

The biggest question is what the heck do they do this season. They traded away three of their starters to New York last week, and the main commodity they got in return is on the shelf for the rest of the year. That basically leaves Tim Hardaway Jr to fill the role of missing four starters.

Yikes. Normally, this would all be seen as a great opportunity for organic tanking, but since Dallas sent their top pick to Atlanta, tanking doesn’t make much sense.

Technically, if Dallas stinks bad enough they can keep their pick but it’s statistically unlikely to happen therefore we can’t consider it a realistic strategy, can we?

Seriously, I’m really asking because the plan next year is easy to see. The plan this year? Not so easy to see.

The trade deadline hasn’t even passed us yet so it’s possible more moves are on the way. Does anyone want Courtney Lee or Dwight Powell?

Next. Why Hardaway is the most critical Mav right now. dark

The Dallas Mavericks have traded away four of their five starters and are aggressively remaking their roster and adding financial flexibility for next season. Beyond that, we don’t know much more.

  • Published on 02/07/2019 at 13:01 PM
  • Last updated at 02/07/2019 at 12:49 PM
Home/Dallas Mavericks