F/C Moritz Wagner – Washington Wizards 

Moritz Wagner began his career with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018, but was sent to the Washington Wizards as part of a three-team trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Lakers. Last year with the Wizards, Wagner averaged 8.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and shot 54.5% from the floor and 31.3% from three-point range in 45 regular season games.

Entering his third year in the league, Moritz Wagner is a guy who could take a big step in his career given his potential shooting abilities as a big man and he does not come at a high price. He is owed $2.1M this season, making a potential trade for him very do-able for the Dallas Mavericks. 

When looking at the Mavericks’ needs as a team, it is very clear to see that they are weaker in their frontcourt than they are in their backcourt, especially with Porzingis’ injury history. Maxi Kleber was a solid backup power-forward last season, but with Dwight Powell coming off of an Achilles injury, it may be smart for the Mavericks to be looking long-term right now and bring in a young, talented big man.

Given his height and abilities to shoot, Moritz Wagner’s playstyle is very comparable to the likes of Kristaps Porzingis. They both are stretch big men who can space the court and score from virtually anywhere on the court and while Porzingis is a much better defensive player, Wagner could learn a lot from the Latvian big man. 

For a low price, the Mavericks could bring in a great young big man that Porzingis could mentor, potentially building this Dallas frontcourt for the foreseeable future. While he is still developing, Moritz Wagner is a guy who can come in and help the Mavs now off the bench.