The first rule in the NBA is this: find a franchise player. If you’ve got one of the best players in the league, you’re in an ideal position. Suddenly, no expense is too great. The objective is to win an NBA title while that player is still in their prime.
The Dallas Mavericks have got a franchise player. Luka Doncic is one of the best playmakers in the NBA. His brilliance knows no bounds. Now, Dallas needs to put the right group around him. They’re off to a good start – Kyrie Irving is talented enough to be any team’s second-best player.
Do the Mavericks have enough? Not necessarily. This team needs to put a better group around Doncic and Irving. They could do so by bolstering the depth of their roster. Alternatively, they could swing a blockbuster deal for one more star. Could Paul George of the Los Angeles Clippers be that star?
The Trade Proposal
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G/F Tim Hardaway Jr., C Richaun Holmes, F/C Maxi Kleber, G/F Josh Green, G Jaden Hardy, 2026 First-Round Pick (Swap – DAL), 2027 First-Round Pick (DAL), 2028 First-Round Pick (Swap – DAL)
Dallas Mavericks Receive: G/F Paul George
It doesn’t even matter how you find that franchise player. If you’re lucky, you draft them. Drafting a franchise player allows you to build around a cost-controlled player. Still, everyone won’t be so lucky. If you don’t draft your franchise player, you’ve got to sign them or trade for them.
With that in mind, the free agency market is beginning to dry up. Superstar players don’t tend to hit the open market anymore. Typically, they’re more inclined to sign extensions and seek a trade if they want one. The Clippers made an exception when they signed Kawhi Leonard. Allegedly, he was keen to join his hometown squad.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers & Dallas Mavericks Updates
How did the Clippers respond? They traded for Leonard’s second star. In a vacuum, that’s defensible. With that said, when you consider that the Clippers traded the Thunder’s new franchise player for him in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, you’ve got to wonder whether the Clippers overpaid. Should Dallas risk overpaying for George?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
Yes. The Clippers shouldn’t regret trading for George. Sure, it looks like a bad decision now – but they did what they had to do. They could not have anticipated that Gilgeous-Alexander would become this type of player.
Jaden Hardy could do the same. It’s just not likely to happen in a Mavericks uniform. This team’s pecking order is established. That’s exactly why they shouldn’t hesitate to move Hardy. The Mavericks are going to build their offense around Doncic and Irving – not Jaden Hardy. They need players who complement that pair.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers & Dallas Mavericks Updates
From that perspective, George is perfect. He’s a 3-and-D wing who doubles as an elite shot-creator. After this deal, the Mavericks would have one of the most talented teams in the entire league. Should the Clippers help them put it together?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
The Clippers would be taking a loss on George here. They didn’t just trade Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for him – they also surrendered a surplus of draft capital. They aren’t getting the same amount back. Meanwhile, the odds of Hardy being as impactful as Gilgeous-Alexander are low.
That’s because the odds of anyone being as impactful as SGA are low. It’s not a knock on Hardy’s potential. He could be a star shot creator in this league. The Clippers should be happy to add him to their roster.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Meanwhile, this team appears to be headed nowhere – and fast. Injuries have consistently destroyed this core’s ability to reach its ceiling. In fact, George is often injured, and that’s a big part of why his value has lessened. With that in mind, two intriguing young players, a first-round pick and a swap is a fine return for him. In the end, the Clippers may need to go out and find a new franchise player soon anyway.
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