Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks were probably the most impressive team in the Western Conference last season as a result of how good Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis were together. Even with Luka injured and Porzingis out, the Mavs still almost took down the Clippers in the playoffs and they are a force to be reckoned with this upcoming season. 

Roster wise, the Mavericks are in a good position to be one of the better teams in the Western Conference, but are still missing a playmaker on the wing. They went out this offseason and acquired Josh Richardson to help the team defensively, but he is not a reliable third scoring option next to Luka and Porzingis. 

Going out and trading for DeMar DeRozan not only gives the Mavericks a fantastic wing player to pair with their young core, but gives the Mavericks plenty of financial flexibility. Dallas is rumored to be interested in pursuing Giannis Antetokounmpo if he hits the free agent market next offseason and by moving one of their current contracts to get DeRozan for one-year, Dallas not only makes themselves a legit contender this year, but an actual threat to sign Antetokounmpo next year.

The biggest thing for the Dallas Mavericks this year is that they do not have reliable scorers outside of Luka and Porzingis, which is why bringing in DeMar DeRozan makes sense. DeRozan will not only open up the floor more for the Mavs current stars, but he is more than capable of leading the team when Doncic or Porzingis are out of the game. 

By acquiring DeMar DeRozan, the Mavericks not only become a legit threat in the Western Conference, but one of the best teams in the entire league. Luka Doncic is one of the favorites to win the MVP this season for a reason and with the scoring power of DeRozan and Porzingis next to him, the Dallas Mavericks could be the team to dethrone the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference.