Would this trade make sense for the Dallas Mavericks?

The Dallas Mavericks appear to be in a situation where making a major move could be logical but they need to be careful of how they execute given they are limited on trade assets.

A player like Simmons who can get to the rim, cut off the ball, play in the dunker’s spot, and be an elite overall defensive presence has clear upside. He would also be the secondary ball handler the Mavericks attempted to acquire in the offseason but failed to do so.

There would be somewhat of a risk for the Mavericks to consider, though. Taking on Kemba Walker certainly has its own red flags, but so does the potential fit of Ben Simmons with a ball dominant perimeter player like Luka Doncic.

Simmons has clear limitations within the half-court as he isn’t a shot creator and has struggled to convert consistently from the free throw line. The Mavericks would need him to play a point forward role with Kristaps Porzingis’ shooting offering needing spacing at the five spot.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mavericks’ Luka Doncic Interested In Playing With Sixers’ Ben Simmons

The added defensive versatility of having Simmons spend time defensively either switching ball screens or serving as the low-man in help defense would elevate the Mavericks’ half-court defense in needed ways. Taking a flier on Walker’s shot creation would be intriguing as well.