For some teams around the NBA, it’s been a quiet summer. For others, it’s been an eventful one. Some teams have had a notable summer for the players that they lost. Others have had a notable summer for the players they added – or even just the players that they kept.
The Dallas Mavericks mostly fell into the latter camp. Sure, they added some players – Grant Williams was an especially significant addition. Still, none of it would have mattered if they hadn’t retained Kyrie Irving. They did, and now, the Mavericks are focused on improving their roster on the margins.
On the other hand, the Memphis Grizzlies have had a bit of a wild summer. They had a significant loss in Dillon Brooks, and a major addition in Marcus Smart. That feels like a net positive, but still, the Grizzlies could look to replace Brooks. Could they do so by sending Steven Adams to the Mavericks?
The Trade Proposal
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: C Richaun Holmes, G/F Josh Green
Dallas Mavericks Receive: C Steven Adams, G/F John Konchar
Meanwhile, for other teams, this summer has been marked by what might happen. At this point in the offseason, that’s the source of most speculation. There’s a lot of talk and very little action.
James Harden. Damian Lillard. Pascal Siakam. There are players around the league who may get moved. In some cases, they’ve requested trades. In others, a team simply has obvious reasons to move a player. With that in mind, the Mavericks are lucky to have avoided this type of noise.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Steven Adams, Memphis Grizzlies & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Did you expect the Irving situation to be messy? You weren’t alone. Luckily for Dallas, it wasn’t. Irving quietly re-signed with the team. Now, the Mavericks need to improve the group around him and Luka Doncic. Does this deal help them do that?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
We think so. More than anything, this is about upgrading at the center position. The Mavericks have been linked to a lot of bigs. Realistically, players like Clint Capela will cost them more than Adams.
That’s not a knock on Adams. At the very least, he’s significantly more impactful than Holmes. Adams is one of the best offensive rebounders in the NBA. He’s also an elite screensetter and solid pick-and-roll finisher – he’ll be an especially strong compliment to Doncic. Defensively, Adams is a solid rim protector who rebounds exceptionally on that end as well.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Steven Adams, Memphis Grizzlies & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Giving up on Green stings. At the same time, he’s due for a contract next season, and his poor shooting makes him a questionable fit alongside Doncic. By contrast, Konchar is a much more reliable floor spacer. Should the Grizzlies give him up?
Why The Memphis Grizzlies Do The Deal
Adams may be an impactful player. For the Grizzlies, he may be superfluous. This team has plenty of starting-caliber big men. Partly, the Grizzlies do this deal to prioritize Brandon Clarke and Xavier Tillman.
With that said, they won’t salary dump Adams. The Grizzlies need to get a good return for him. They’re getting one here. In simple terms, they’re trading Adams for Green. He may have shooting limitations, but he’s a good, athletic defender. In other words, he’s a perfect Dillon Brooks replacement.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Steven Adams, Memphis Grizzlies & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Sure, Memphis will have to make a choice about him in free agency next summer. If they let him walk, they’re still getting cap relief out of this deal. On the other hand, if Green clicks with this roster, they could be adding a longterm rotation player here. That would make next summer a notable one for Memphis.
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