Dallas Mavericks Receive: G Eric Gordon, G D.J. Augustin, HOU 2024 2nd Round Pick, HOU 2026 2nd Round Pick

Houston Rockets Receive: C Dwight Powell, G Trey Burke, DAL 2024 1st Round Pick (Lottery-Protected)

Dwight Powell is definitely a tradeable player on the Dallas Mavericks roster as the 2021-22 season approaches, especially since he is owed $22.1M over the next two seasons.

Powell played in just 58 games last season as he recovered from a ruptured Achilles during the 2019-20 season. Still, before his injury, he was an impactful center that could score in the paint and create second-chance opportunities on offense. 

The Mavericks like Dwight Powell, hence why they gave him a long-term deal ahead of the 2020-21 season, but they now have Kristaps Porzingis, Boban Marjanovic, Willie Cauley-Stein, and Moses Brown in their frontcourt this season. Dallas does not necessarily need five centers on their roster, which is why they can afford to move Powell and his above-value contract. 

The same can be said about Trey Burke, who is owed $6.5M over the next two years. With Jalen Brunson emerging as a key backcourt option for Dallas and they would be getting D.J. Augustin in this deal, there would be no need for Burke anymore on the Mavericks roster. 

READ MORE: Predictions for Latest NBA Trade Rumors: Simmons, Siakam, Dragic, Lillard

Both Eric Gordon and D.J. Augustin are older players now who are not as impactful as they used to be, but they are both still guys who can contribute meaningful minutes at crucial points in games.

Augustin has averaged 9.7 points, 4.0 assists, and has shot 37.9% from three-point range for his career. He has always been undervalued as a productive point guard. He could be the key secondary ball-handler Dallas still needs next to Luka Doncic, especially since Goran Dragic may not be a realistic buyout option for them. 

As for Eric Gordon, he has always been an impactful wing during his time with the Houston Rockets and could continue doing so for the Mavericks.

READ MORE: Predictions for Latest NBA Trade Rumors: Simmons, Siakam, Dragic, Lillard

Gordon suffered a groin injury last season that only limited him to playing in a total of 27 games, but Gordon still managed to average 17.8 points, 2.6 assists, and shoot 43.3% from the floor. 

Taking on two contracts of two older players may not be advantageous to the Mavericks, but overall these are two guys who can play right away and have clauses in their contracts for “early termination.” Now, let’s take a look at if this trade makes sense for both teams involved.