The Dallas Mavericks have experienced no shortage of ups and downs throughout the early goings of the 2021-22 NBA season. Overall, the team finds themselves underachieving with a 14-15 record through 29 games. Could a trade for Myles Turner from the Indiana Pacers help?
It’s clear there are changes that need to occur for the Mavericks. There isn’t enough defensive talent for the unit to be among the better groups in the NBA in that regard. Meanwhile, Dallas has built a team predicated on catch-and-shoot threats around Luka Doncic, but those shooters aren’t necessarily converting at an acceptable clip.
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, changes appear to be needed for the Mavericks. That’s not all that debatable. Now, the real topic of discussion has to do with what exactly does Dallas have the assets to be able to pull off?
According to Bleacher Report’s Zack Buckley, one option that stands out for the Mavericks is Myles Turner from the Indiana, who provides elite defense as a stretch-five.
Myles Turner would be tremendous, especially if the Mavs like putting Porzingis at power forward. (They must, since he keeps finding minutes there.) Turner’s paint protection would be invaluable, and his trusty three-ball would give Luka Doncic even more room to operate.
The idea behind the Mavericks executing a trade to bring Turner, a local product who played his high school basketball Euless-Trinity High School and attended University of Texas, is an intriguing one.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Mavericks-Pacers Trade Lands Myles Turner In Dallas
Turner is signed through the 2022-23 season and would enter free agency barring the event he does not sign a contract extension before then. If he were to land in Dallas, it’s difficult to envision him not being content with the idea of staying long-term.
Again, the issue for the Mavericks wouldn’t be keeping Turner. It’s a matter of how can they make it happen to bring him to Dallas via trade in the first place?
The Mavericks are limited on trade assets given how Josh Green is their best young asset, which…well, let’s just say doesn’t exactly move the needle. Dallas still is limited on draft assets after the Kristaps Porzingis trade, too.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Mavericks-Pacers Trade Lands Myles Turner In Dallas
It doesn’t appear the Dallas Mavericks have much for fitting pieces that help the Indiana Pacers to re-tool around Domantas Sabonis either. The team needs a highly versatile wing in an ideal scenario but the Mavs do not have that to offer. Waiting until he’s a free agent is probably the most likely of options, if anything.
