Around the NBA, some teams alleviated their fan’s concerns this summer. Others have only exacerbated them. Some teams took care of their business early. Others have still got situations that are unresolved.
Dallas Mavericks fans have had a breezy summer. The Mavericks locked Kyrie Irving into a long-term contract early. This team knows that they’ll be in contention for the title next season. They’ve got upgrades to make, but their status as contenders is cemented.
By contrast, Toronto Raptors fans are on pins and needles. This team has been the subject of constant rumors. We don’t know whether they’ll trade Pascal Siakam or O.G. Anunoby. Once the trade restrictions around the recently extended Jakob Poeltl lift, they could trade him too. Could they trade him to the Mavericks?
The Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F Tim Hardaway Jr., G Jaden Hardy, 2026 First-Round Pick (Top 5 Protected – DAL)
Dallas Mavericks Receive: C Jakob Poeltl
In fact, this is all unexpected. If anything, we’d have expected the roles to be reversed. If we’d made a prediction just months ago, we’d have suspected that Mavericks fans would be anxious.
Think about it. Who’s the most volatile NBA superstar you’ve ever seen? If you’re old enough, you might answer with Dennis Rodman. If you’re older than that, we won’t be able to relate. Still, for many of our readers, the answer would be Kyrie Irving. His drama-free summer came as a surprise to plenty of fans.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jakob Poeltl, Toronto Raptors & Dallas Mavericks Updates
By contrast, the Raptors have been the picture of stability. There is rarely drama around this team. The Raptors aren’t surrounded by rumors because of some locker room controversy. They simply underperformed, and ought to consider rebuilding. Does this deal do enough for them to start rebuilding?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
Absolutely. This deal hits every mark that the Raptors could hope to meet in a Poeltl trade. Obviously, it starts with the first-round pick. The Raptors gave up a protected first to land Poeltl. Now, they’re getting one back. Easy come, easy go.
Still, they might be most excited about Hardy. This is a player with some star potential. Hardy looks like a guard who will be able to create his own shot at will when he hits his prime. That happens to be exactly the type of player that the Raptors have been missing. Hardy could be a perfect long-term partner for Scottie Barnes.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jakob Poeltl, Toronto Raptors & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Finally, Hardaway Jr.’s contract runs half as long as Poeltl’s. If the Raptors have buyer’s remorse over the Poeltl extension, this deal should suit them. It helps them free up their books long-term. Should the Mavericks commit to Poeltl?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
Absolutely. Poeltl could easily be the piece that gets the Mavericks over the top. This team could use a defensive anchor. Meanwhile, Poeltl is among the best defensive big men in the NBA.
He isn’t just a rim protector, either. Poeltl can defend in space to some extent. He’s got some offensive value too. Poeltl can finish in the pick-and-roll, and he’s a good short-roll passer. He’s a perfect complement to this roster, and he’s easily worth the cost Dallas is paying here.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jakob Poeltl, Toronto Raptors & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Sure, it’s a significant enough cost. First-round picks are valuable assets. Parting with Hardy hurts too, although the contending Mavericks may never find enough minutes for the young guard. These are sacrifices the Mavericks would have to make if they were landing Poeltl. If they do, it’ll help their fanbase sleep even easier.
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