5 Dallas Mavericks trades most likely to happen at the NBA Trade Deadline
Over the past 10 games, the Dallas Mavericks have gone 4-6. To put it in better terms, over the past four games the team has gone 3-1, with the one loss being an eight-point deficit to the Utah Jazz.
So, things are headed in a positive direction right?
Not necessarily! In a packed Western Conference, Dallas can climb all the way to the number four seed, and fall to the tenth in any given day. Yet, with all the ups and downs, one thing is for certain: Luka Doncic needs help. In his past two games, the 2023 all-star has averaged 41 and 53 points. (We don’t include the Phoenix game since he left after a mere 3 minutes.)
The biggest needs for the team come down to scoring and physical play.
Aside from Christian Wood and Spencer Dinwiddie, no other Maverick is averaging above 15 points. Let’s get the Mavs some help.
Here are five realistic trade options to help the team at the deadline:
1. Closing the deal on Cam Reddish
One deal that has been floating around for a while is Reddish to Dallas. Nico Harrison and company have shown plenty of interest in the Knicks star.
There is a reason why. One of his biggest assets is his perimeter defense. His 7’1 wingspan allows him to be a threat on the passing end, while also contesting a variety of shots.
While his offensive game needs some work, especially from long range shooting, it is no doubt he would be extra wing Dallas has been looking for. If Dallas and New York can meet in the middle, then there is no doubt I can see this trade happening.
Now, all the Mavs have to do is find a 5 -6 million dollar expiring contract.
2. Dallas Mavericks close in on Bojan Bogdanovic
One player the Dallas Mavericks have been linked too is Pistons’ forward Bogdanovic. The sharp shooter is averaging 21.4 points on 48.7 percent shooting.
For the month of January he is averaging 23.3 points. while knocking down 44 percent of his shots from three. Against Dallas Monday, he put in 29 points, while hitting 66.7 percent of his attempts.
Not to mention, he has great perimeter defense like Reddish.
Adding a player of his caliber would help the team overcome Reggie Bullock’s poor shooting and Tim Hardaway Jr. inconsistency. This would give Doncic an extra scorer on the floor, and allow Dinwiddie to move back to the bench, somewhere he thrived last season.
Assuming Dallas is willingly to let go of multiple of their role players and a couple of draft picks, then there is no reason why the trade can’t happen.
I believe there is a 70 percent chance this trade happens.
3. What about the other Bogdanovic?
Bogdan Bogdanovic is another player the team has shown connection. The current Atlanta Hawks player is a quality shooter that can do a little bit of everything: shot from the three, cut to the bask, and knock down mid-range shots.
Over his career, he has averaged 14.3 points, including 15 points the last two seasons. The 6’5 guard could help alleviate the press off Doncic, as he has the ability to knock clutch shots.
The realistic chance of a trade like this happening is mid-level, however I see this as a realistic option.
You see, the team wants to do everything in their power to replace Jalen Brunson’s production. Getting one of the Bogdanovic’s is a positive start.
4. Dallas Mavericks finally gets Buddy
Last week I wrote about how Buddy Hield and Myles Turner would be great additions to the team. However, with Turner signing an extension, the attention now focuses on Hield. The 6’4 guard has been linked to Dallas in the past, but this time I can finally see the needle moving.
Bleacher Report writer Eric Pincus pitched the idea of Hield coming to Dallas for Davis Bertans, Josh Green, and draft compensations.
Assuming this trade goes through, it would give the team a true scorer. Over his career, he has averaged 16.1 points, with last season being one of his best years at 18.2 points.
I put this on my realistic list because of the multiple times the team has been linked to Hield. Could this finally be the year?
5. What about a blockbuster trade?
Lastly, the idea of aquiring Zach Lavine seems unrealistic. However, one splashing trade I can see Dallas going all in for is D’Angelo Russell.
The savvy point guard would be an excellent option to replace the loss of Brunson. The nine-year veteran is scoring 17.8 points.
His presence would allow the team’s offense to play Doncic off-ball, while also giving them another guard who isn’t afraid to drive to the lane.
The biggest worry is his dip in scoring, as this is the first time since 2018 he has averaged below 18 points. Yet, given the playing time he is still very productive.
The chances of Dallas pulling off a blockbuster are slim, but if they do, this is the one option I see happening.
With the trade deadline less than a week away Dallas must find solutions to help Doncic and company get over the hump.
In Harrison we trust!