How This Trade Impacts Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks have been attempting to move Kristaps Porzingis but to no avail. If they saw this offer come across from the Boston Celtics, it would be one that they readily accept.
While none of the players acquired have the ceiling of Porzingis, it helps Dallas get some salary relief. Al Horford has only two years remaining on his deal, Dennis Schroder signed a one-year deal in free agency and Aaron Nesmith has three years remaining on a rookie deal that is a fraction of the price of Porzingis’ contract.
This deal would lengthen Dallas’ rotation as well. Horford can help soak up minutes at both frontcourt spots, giving Jason Kidd some versatility. He can play alongside virtually any other of the frontcourt players the Mavericks have at their disposal.
Schroder would fit the bill as the secondary ball-handler Dallas has been looking for all season to pair with Luka Doncic. He had his struggles with the Los Angeles Lakers at times last season but finished second in Sixth Man of the Year voting during the 2019-20 season.
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Nesmith fits the mold of the kind of players the Mavericks have been targeting this offseason. Like Reggie Bullock and Sterling Brown are both sharpshooters that can get after it defensively. Nesmith fits that same mold and will provide solid depth on the wings.
Getting back two first-round picks, which it cost to acquire Porzingis from the New York Knicks, would be a steal. Dallas is looking to win now, but having extra draft assets to swing another deal or add cheaper talent to the roster is never a bad thing.
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While the Mavericks will lack a second star next to Doncic by dealing Porzingis, they are in a better spot financially down the road and have the assets to swing another trade should another All-Star level player become available.
