The Dallas Mavericks added another sturdy defender to their frontcourt. Taking Morez Johnson Jr. with the No. 9 pick was a bit polarizing, given his lack of offensive development, but he has the physical tools to be an absolute matchup nightmare next to Cooper Flagg.
That's why Masai Ujiri and company shouldn't stop there. They have a bit of a frontcourt logjam, but it might not be tough to find trade suitors for the likes of P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, or Dereck Lively II.
Moreover, with the Oklahoma City Thunder taking Michigan's Aday Mara, it looks like they might be open to listening to offers for Chet Holmgren. If that's the case, the Mavericks should at least inquire about his price.
Chet Holmgren would be a solid addition for the Mavericks
Holmgren's reputation and trade value may have taken a big hit after failing to compete with Victor Wembanyama in the playoffs. Still, he's a young and very good two-way player who has already flashed his Defensive Player of the Year potential.
The Mavericks could have a jumbo frontcourt with him and Lively -- assuming they keep their big man -- and they can also play him at the five in some matchups. He's not a bruiser, but that's what Johnson Jr. is there for.
Holmgren was the No. 2 pick in the draft just four years ago. His numbers have remained consistent in every year, and while he's not the type of stretch big who'll drop 25 a night, he can do a little bit of everything at a high level -- just like Flagg.
Mara was a late bloomer in NBA Draft stock, and it's easy to see why in the age of guys like Holmgren, Wembanyama and Zach Edey. The Thunder wouldn't just want to put two big guys who can't shoot from deep on the same floor in Mara and Isaiah Hartenstein, so the Mavericks would have to include someone like P.J. Washington in a trade. He's a big enough forward to defend and make up for losing Holmgren's shooting.
The Mavs are a young, rebuilding team with a new head coach, and as such, they should be in the business of adding as much talent as possible. They have to worry about finding the right talent first, and then focus on their fit.
Of course, Flagg has to be at the center of every single move they make, but there's no reason to believe Holmgren wouldn't be a solid fit next to him. They both play defense, and they're both long, switchable defenders who run the court and fill their lanes well. They're also both willing creators for other players.
The Thunder must realize they may not be able to pay all their guys in the long run. And with a new big man in town and coming off a bad playoff series, the Mavs might be able to get Holmgren for more of a discount than we all had thought at this time last year.
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