How This Trade Impacts Dallas Mavericks

This is a deal that would present a lot of positives for the Dallas Mavericks. From a salary cap perspective, this deal would be a no-brainer.

Russell Westbrook has one less year on his contract than Kristaps Porzingis does. Getting out from under that deal would be considered a win in itself. Porzingis is owed $101.5 million over the next three seasons if he picks up his player option for the 2023-24 season. Westbrook has a player option for next season before his contract is up.

Having Westbrook in the fold could help take Dallas’ offense to the next level. They have been scouring a secondary ball-handler to play alongside Luka Doncic, and Westbrook could be that guy.

His presence would take a ton of pressure off Doncic, who initiated the offensive solely last season too often. He would be provided the chance to play off the ball more with Westbrook running the show.

LATEST NBA NEWS: Predictions for Latest NBA Trade Rumors: Simmons, Siakam, Dragic, Lillard

The addition of Talen Horton-Tucker, who turns 21 in November, would put this deal over the top as a success for Dallas. He has immense potential, especially defensively, where he has the size and length to defend four positions on the court. That is something Dallas could use more of.

Marc Gasol could end up asking to be bought out and retiring. If he ends up playing, he provides Dallas with a steady defender to protect the rim and space the floor offensively.

LATEST NBA NEWS: Predictions for Latest NBA Trade Rumors: Simmons, Siakam, Dragic, Lillard

This would be a no-brainer deal for the Mavericks should it be presented to them. They accomplish too much of what they set out to do this offseason to not be on board. While they are happy with this deal, do the Lakers feel the same way?