Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal 

If Onkongwu has got the goods, he’ll be able to show them off in Dallas. 

In all likelihood, he’d be their starting center from day one. Sure, Christian Wood’s floor spacing is valuable, but Onkongwu’s defensive presence ought to outweigh it. 

Assuming the Mavs even retain Wood in free agency, that is. Even if they do, he’s a combo big. Wood can come off the bench and play 30 minutes a game, both as the team’s 5 and as a 4 alongside Onkongwu. 

Meanwhile, vertical spacing counts too. Onkongwu provides plenty of it. He’d be a perfect pick-and-roll partner for Doncic, and – more importantly – bolster this team’s defense. 

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Onyeka Okongwu, Atlanta Hawks & Dallas Mavericks Updates

All told, the Mavericks would do well to give him this opportunity.