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Dallas Mavericks: A trade may be more risk than reward this season

By Reid Hanson

DALLAS, TEXAS - JANUARY 17: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts against the Portland Trail Blazers in the third quarter at American Airlines Center on January 17, 2020 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 Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - JANUARY 17: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts against the Portland Trail Blazers in the third quarter at American Airlines Center on January 17, 2020 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 Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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The Dallas Mavericks may be better served resisting the urge to upgrade at the trade deadline and just rolling with what they have down the stretch.

T-Minus 2 days until the NBA trade deadline and the Dallas Mavericks are expected to be players in the NBA’s annual moving and shaking. With no movable first round picks to speak of, they aren’t exactly flush in tradeable assets. But that doesn’t mean a deal can’t be made.

Armed with Golden State’s second rounder (which figures to be to the top of the round) and Courtney Lee‘s expiring deal, Dallas should be able to swing a mid-level deal to help them down the stretch. But just because the CAN, doesn’t men they SHOULD.

By virtually all accounts, the Dallas Mavericks have significantly exceeded expectations this season. In Luka Doncic‘s second season, this team has gone from a 14th seed in the West to only half of a game behind the 5th seed. Their 31 wins this season are only two wins away from the season total last season. And we’re not even at the break yet.

So it’s understandable Mavs fans are eager to make a move to help put them over the top in the playoffs. But what exactly would we hope to accomplish by making a trade? I’m not saying the Mavs don’t have a real chance at making the Finals but  want to point out how long it takes young teams to  develop into champions.

The Mavs have already made huge strides this season. They have the No. 1 ranked offense in the NBA and they have a league MVP candidate. They’ve accomplished this on the backs of their current roster.

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We’re seeing players like Maxi Kleber, Jalen Brunson, and Dorian Finney-Smith progress by the day. A trade for an unknown role player could put them over the top but it could also disrupt a good thing. Which outcome is more likely? Win a title or disrupt the chemistry and progression? The most ideal options available are likely to cost a pretty penny and a pretty penny the Mavs don’t have.

Dreams of Robert Covington are probably far-fetched (but something I fully endorse if somehow possible). To risk it all on a lower tier role player seems like all the risk and none of the reward.

If the right deal comes around, the Dallas Mavericks should consider it. But just because they have something to play for and own some tradeable assets, does not mean they need to force a trade. This season is already widely successful.

Next. Trade Talk: Robert Covington is in the Mavs sights. dark

What do you think? Do you believe the possible rewards outweigh the risks or are you content rolling with what we have?

  • Published on 02/04/2020 at 13:38 PM
  • Last updated at 02/04/2020 at 13:40 PM
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