Dallas Mavericks: 1 Possible trade scenario to solve their issues

With the NBA offseason just beginning, draft rumors and trade speculations are starting to take place. Last week, The Athletic’s John Hollinger reported that the Dallas Mavericks are expected to ship their number 10th pick, along with the contracts of JaVale McGee and possibly Davis Bertans for an immediate impact player.

But who could Dallas possibly acquire? What sort of player could be the one to help get them over the hump?

Some possible names that have been floated around include Pascal Siakam, Bradley Beal and DeMar DeRozan.

I worked my magic in ESPN’s trade machine and here is one idea I came up with for the Dallas Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks trade: 

Tim Hardaway Jr.

JaVale McGee

10th Overall Pick

Chicago Bulls send: 

DeMar DeRozan

Alex Caruso

Assuming Kyrie Irving does leave, then this would be a move that would give the Dallas Mavericks an extra scorer on top of a proven defender.

Pairing DeRozan next to Luka Doncic would allow the team’s all-star to play both on and off ball, as he can either work as a decoy to get the Bulls player more opportunities. If you remember, last season the Chicago star made the all-star game for his sixth appearance.

He averaged 24.5 points on 50.4 percent shooting. The only downfall is he isn’t a consistent three-point shooter. Otherwise, this is a trade that could bring more offensive firepower.

As for Caruso, he would bring defensive skills to a team already lacking. This past season he made NBA All-Defensive First Team. During a period of eight games, Caruso posted around two steals a game, while averaging 2.8. For the season he finished with 226 deflection, sixth best in the league. He is also a solid guard who can knock down open threes when called upon.

But what about the Big Man struggles?

It is expected that Christian Wood will leave Dallas in free agency. Assuming McGee gets traded and Wood leaves, Dallas only true big man on contract would be Maxi Kleber.

Making another trade would be out of reach.

As far as free agency, some names to keep at eye out on include: Nikola Vucevic, Al Horford, Brook Lopez and Naz Reid.

Realistically, I could see Dallas signing either Vucevic (a proven rebounder/scorer) or Brook Lopez (a defensive anchor down low). Assuming this happens then the Dallas Mavericks could sign Dwight Powell back to a veterans minimum.

Only time will tell if Dallas decides to make any moves. However, with Doncic getting older and Irving possibly on the move, the time is now or never.