The first season under head coach Jason Kidd went extremely well for the Dallas Mavericks. He instilled a game plan that resulted in the team winning its first playoff series since they won the NBA Championship in 2011.
While the outcome in the Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors was a disappointing one, Dallas took a step in the right direction. Now, this offseason, it is time for the front office to get to work and continue improving the roster.
One position that has been mentioned as a need for the Mavericks is the center spot. They have done a great job surrounding Luka Doncic with players that fit his style on both ends of the court, but a man in the middle is what many believe to be the missing piece.
The center market this offseason could be a robust one. There are some solid players available in free agency, headlined by Deandre Ayton and Mitchell Robinson. The trade market could also present some interesting options.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: This Trade Sends Indiana Pacers Star Myles Turner To Dallas Mavericks
One of the more popular names that could be available via trade is Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers. Had he not suffered a foot injury during the season, he likely would have been moved ahead of the deadline.
Teams that were interested in him at the time can now try their hand at acquiring him again. One former executive that spoke to NBA Analysis Network believes Turner would be a great fit for the Mavericks.
“Dallas’ need for a rim protector has been talked about a lot. Myles Turner seems like a clean fit there. His 3-point shooting hasn’t been where you’d ideally want it the last few years, but he can still shoot it. He’s gotten better as a finisher and has more length than their other bigs. He hasn’t really played with a passer like Luka before and he’d benefit from their spacing. If he can stay healthy, there’s a lot to like about that fit.”
Turner is a premier rim protector. He has led the NBA in blocks per game twice in his career and would have made it three had he qualified this season. When he is not blocking shots, he makes it difficult to score around the basket as he had one of the best shooting percentages allowed at the rim in the league.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: This Trade Sends Indiana Pacers Star Myles Turner To Dallas Mavericks
While his 3-point shooting percentage has plateaued a little bit, he could see an increase in production from that standpoint playing off of Luka Doncic as the executive suggested. Doncic makes everyone around him better and is a maestro with the ball in his hands. Turner would have plenty of wide-open opportunities off of passes from him.
While Turner is seemingly a great fit, figuring out compensation to send to the Pacers could be tough. Lacking high-upside, young players to include in the deal, Indiana would assuredly look for draft compensation to make up for it.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: This Trade Sends Indiana Pacers Star Myles Turner To Dallas Mavericks
Would the No. 26 pick and a future first-round pick, as the earliest Dallas can part with one is 2025, be enough to get the Pacers to the negotiating table? It would be hard to imagine Indiana can’t do better than that on the trade market.
