Dallas Mavericks Receive: F Kelly Oubre Jr., G Ish Smith
Charlotte Hornets Receive: F Maxi Kleber, C Dwight Powell, 2022 Second-Round Pick
The Dallas Mavericks have reportedly pursued Kelly Oubre Jr. in the past, as he was who the team targeted from the Golden State Warriors at the trade deadline. That deal was centered around Kristaps Porzingis. In this scenario with the Charlotte Hornets, Porzingis remains in Dallas.
The Mavericks acquire Oubre and point guard Ish Smith from the Hornets. Smith signed a two-year, $9.2 million deal with the second year being non-guaranteed.
Heading to Charlotte in this deal is two frontcourt players in Maxi Kleber and Dwight Powell. The Hornets are acquiring a 2022 second-round pick as well.
For the Hornets, this deal will help them continue to reshape their frontcourt. Both centers from last season, Cody Zeller and Bismack Biyombo hit free agency this past offseason. Looking to make an upgrade, the team traded for Mason Plumlee during the 2021 NBA Draft. Now, they add more options with Kleber and Powell.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ben Simmons’ Main Goal With Trade Is To Be No. 1 Option
Kleber is a versatile frontcourt player that can fill in at power forward as well. He is a solid 3-point shooter and offers some rim protection as well. Adding another capable defender to the mix won’t hurt Charlotte, as they have plenty of offensive firepower but not many players to keep opposing teams from scoring themselves.
Powell is another capable big man that can soak up some minutes in the frontcourt. This will enable the Hornets to bring along some of their younger front-court players, such as Kai Jones and Vernon Carey Jr. a little slower and not thrust them into prominent roles right away.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ben Simmons’ Main Goal With Trade Is To Be No. 1 Option
The Hornets might want to find another veteran point guard option for their bench with Smith being part of the trade unless rookie James Bouknight shows he can handle the second unit early on. They have plenty of depth on the wing to compensate for the loss of Oubre.
Now, let’s take a look at how this trade impacts the Mavericks.
