The Dallas Mavericks have made plenty of moves this summer to set themselves up well for the future. While they brought in a total of six new players - Santi Aldama, Zaccharie Risacher, Morez Johnson Jr., Marcus Sasser, Sergio De Larrea, and Tarik Biberovic - the Mavs may still not be done.
One look at the Mavs' depth chart makes the problem quite clear. There are three capable centers on the roster: Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, and Moussa Cisse. There will be lineups in which Aldama and Johnson Jr. will play small-ball center.
The depth is even more impressive in the power forward spot. Between Cooper Flagg, P.J. Washington, Johnson Jr., and Aldama, that is four rotation players whose best position is power forward. Risacher and Caleb Martin can also play the power forward when needed.
Obviously, some of these names will spend time playing the small forward. Add the newly extended Naji Marshall into the mix, and the Mavs have one of the deepest frontcourt rotations in the league. The Mavericks realistically have seven forwards who deserve to get rotation minutes. The best way out of this dilemma is to move on from at least one of these players in a trade. In contrast to the frontcourt rotation, the Mavs' guard depth leaves plenty to be desired.
It's time to trade either Daniel Gafford or P.J. Washington for a guard
They have 16 players under contract. They have to part ways with at least one player before the season. Recent reports indicate Klay Thompson as the most likely departure candidate, whether through a trade or a buyout.
It behooves the Mavs to turn one of their frontcourt veterans into a capable guard. A trade involving Gafford or Washington is the best way to do that.
Washington makes $19.8 million next season, and Gafford is due $17.2 million. Neither of these contracts is very team-friendly, but there should be plenty of teams interested in acquiring starting-caliber veterans making that amount.
More importantly, however, the Mavs need to balance out their roster. They have a ton of depth in the frontcourt, but their backcourt is bereft of proven contributors.
Kyrie Irving, Sasser, and De Larrea make up the point guard rotation. Max Christie and Tarik Biberovic are the only shooting guards on the roster. As exciting as Biberovic and De Larrea are, how much of a positive impact they can make in their rookie campaigns remains to be seen.
It's not like Sasser and Christie are the most proven veterans out there. Add the fact that Kyrie will want to take it easy after his ACL tear, and the Mavs could certainly use more quality and depth in the backcourt.
There are plenty of teams desperate for frontcourt help, like the Hornets, Clippers, Pelicans, and the Warriors. There should be an opportunity for the Mavs to turn either Gafford or Washington into a capable guard. Only then can they feel good about the overall balance, depth, and quality of their roster.
If the Mavs do end up trading one of these guys, there wouldn't be any ill will from the fans. Without those two, the Mavs don't make their 2024 NBA Finals run.
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