At this year’s NBA trade deadline, the Dallas Mavericks shocked the world. Kyrie Irving has always been a risk. The Mavericks acquired him anyway. This summer, there was every possibility that Irving would leave the team in free agency.
He didn’t. If you’re a Mavericks fan, you must have breathed a sigh of relief this summer. Irving will remain a Maverick. Now, there’s another question to ask: what will the Mavericks do next?
After all, their work isn’t done. The Mavericks need to put the best roster that they can around Irving and Luka Doncic. Meanwhile, this team has needs. The Mavericks could use some wing depth. Perhaps more importantly, they could use a defensive anchor. With that in mind, here are three deals that they think they should consider.
Trade No. 1 – Mavericks Acquire Jae’Sean Tate From Rockets
Houston Rockets Receive: C Dwight Powell, G/F Josh Green
Dallas Mavericks Receive: F Jae’Sean Tate
Perhaps this deal would have suited the Houston Rockets a year ago. This team has been rebuilding for three seasons. This year, they’re looking to take a step forward. Here, we’ve got the Rockets giving up the best player in a trade.
At the same time, the Rockets have a logjam of wings. They already let Kenyon Martin Jr. go for practically nothing. With Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and Cameron Whitmore on the roster, it may be hard to find minutes for Tate. That’s before considering the likelihood that Kevin Porter Kr. will spend some time at the 3 as well.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jae’Sean Tate, Houston Rockets & Dallas Mavericks Updates
So for the Rockets, this is simple. They’re flipping a 3/4 for Green, who’s more like a 3/2. This deal gives them more positional flexibility. Meanwhile, it lands the Mavericks Tate. His ability to defend multiple positions and make plays will be a great addition to this roster. With that said, the Mavericks may have higher priorities.
Trade No. 2 – Mavericks Acquire Clint Capela From Hawks
Atlanta Hawks Receive: G/F Tim Hardaway Jr., 2027 First-Round Pick (DAL)
Dallas Mavericks Receive: C Clint Capela
Meanwhile, the Mavericks have been widely linked to Capela. That makes sense. This is exactly the type of player that the Mavericks need.
After all, this team is clearly looking for a rim protector. Sure, the Mavericks just acquired Richuan Holmes, but he’s closer to an elite backup than a strong starter. Derrick Lively III has a lot of potential, but he’ll be a rookie, and the Mavericks are a win-now team. Capela would answer a lot of questions for this team.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks & Dallas Mavericks Updates
This is one way they could acquire him. There is another. The Mavericks could acquire Capela outright. On the other hand, they could play the role of facilitator. Here’s a deal that has them doing just that.
Trade No. 3 – Mavericks Facilitate Pascal Siakam To Hawks
Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F DeAndre Hunter, G/F Tim Hardaway Jr., F Jalen Johnson, 2024 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – SAC via ATL), 2027 First-Round Pick (DAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (ATL)
Atlanta Hawks Receive: F/C Pascal Siakam
Dallas Mavericks Receive: C Clint Capela
Of course, this deal is no different from the other deal from Dallas’ perspective. They’re flipping Hardaway Jr. and a first-round pick for Capela. They won’t be concerned with where the assets are headed.
By contrast, it’s vastly different from the Atlanta Hawks’ perspective. In the previous deal, they were gaining a role player and a first-round pick. Here, they’re landing a superstar. If the Hawks, as rumored, want Siakam, this is a fair price to pay for him. His two-way play would be a huge benefit to a team built around Trae Young.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors & Dallas Mavericks Updates
On the other hand, the Toronto Raptors may have outgrown Siakam. This team had a disappointing 2022-23. Perhaps that’s why they’re rumored to be considering moving Siakam to build around Scottie Barnes. If the Mavericks want to help them do that, why shouldn’t they?
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