Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
Don’t look now, but the frontcourt is getting awfully crowded in Dallas.
After all, the team just acquired Christian Wood from the Houston Rockets. Recent rumblings suggest that they intend to use him as a sixth man. In all likelihood, he’ll divide his time between the 5 and the 4. Meanwhile, JaVale McGee is expected to start at the former position.
Meanwhile, Maxi Kleber has emerged as a defensive lynchpin for the Mavericks in recent years. In all likelihood, Jason Kidd will continue to lean on him. It feels like a misallocation of resources to have all of those players, and still lack a quality secondary playmaker behind Doncic.
This deal provides that balance for the Mavericks. Russell is only a marginal upgrade over Spencer Dinwiddie, but he is an upgrade.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: D’Angelo Russell, Minnesota Timberwolves & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Following this trade, Dinwiddie could team with Wood in the second unit, giving the Mavericks one of the best bench units in the NBA. Meanwhile, Russell can carry offensive positions where Doncic needs a break.
In other words, the Mavericks would have top-end talent and depth following this deal. That sounds like a formula that at least gives the Mavericks championship potential in 2022-23.
