Dallas Mavericks Receive: G Devonte’ Graham
Charlotte Hornets Receive: G Jalen Brunson, G Tyrell Terry, DAL 2022 2nd Round Pick
After a breakout season last year, things have seemed to have cooled off a bit for Devonte’ Graham in Charlotte. He was their “go-to” scorer last season and now this year, with the additions of Gordon Hayward and LaMelo Ball, as well as Terry Rozier and P.J. Washington playing at higher levels, Graham does not have the ball in his hands as much.
In 17 games this year, Graham is averaging just 13.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 6.2 assists and is shooting 33.6% from three-point range. Given the Hornets depth in the backcourt and both Terry Rozier and LaMelo Ball being focal points for their offense, Graham is a guy who could very much end up being traded near the trade deadline.
Now in his third season in the league, Jalen Brunson has been a very reliable back-up point guard and is continuing to improve. Brunson is just 24-years old and already has championship pedigree. Brunson was a 2x NCAA Champion with Villanova and earned a slew of awards not too long ago in college. In 2018, Brunson was awarded the Naismith Men’s College Basketball Player of the Year award and was also the recipient of the John R. Wooden Award for the most outstanding collegiate basketball player in the country. While he is a younger guard and still learning the do’s and don’ts of the NBA, he knows what it takes to win, which can be very valuable for a younger franchise.
On the topic of youth, Tyrell Terry was just drafted by the Mavericks 31st overall and brings a lot to the table in terms of versatility. Given his length and taller stature compared to most guards, he is more than capable of guarding numerous positions and with him being a three-point threat, he could grow into a valuable role player for Charlotte.
There are pros and cons to this trade for both teams, but ultimately it does make a lot of sense for both the Hornets and the Mavericks. Let’s take a closer look as to how both teams benefit from this trade.
