One NBA writer believes the Dallas Mavericks will try to trade for a third star next season for Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report thinks the Mavericks will be aggressive if a star player becomes available on the trade market in 2023-24.
“Karl-Anthony Towns would be a strong target with his floor-spacing ability, rebounding and passing chops,” Swartz wrote in his latest NBA trade column. “The Toronto Raptors and Chicago Bulls also have rosters worth keeping an eye on should their seasons start to go south. Keeping Dončić happy will forever be the priority in Dallas. As of right now, this roster is far from championship-worthy. The Mavericks likely need a third star to push them toward the top of the West. Whenever a star player becomes disgruntled, expect the Mavs to be in pursuit.”
The Mavericks were only 5-11 last season when Doncic and Irving were in the lineup together, per StatMuse. Dallas, though, quickly re-signed Irving in free agency this offseason.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Irving re-signed with the Mavericks on the first day of free agency on a three-year, $126 million contract. The NBA champion averaged 27.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists in 20 games with the Mavericks last season. He finished the 2022-23 season with averages of 27.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.5 assists with the Brooklyn Nets and Mavericks.
Meanwhile, Doncic averaged 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.0 assists last season for the Mavericks. He recorded 36 double-doubles and 10 triple-doubles in 66 starts.
The Mavericks went 38-44 last season. They missed the play-in tournament after reaching the Western Conference Finals in 2022. Dallas re-signed Irving and Dwight Powell, signed Dante Exum, Seth Curry and Derrick Jones Jr. and acquired Grant Williams and Richaun Holmes this offseason.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Doncic signed a five-year, $215 million extension with the Mavericks in August 2021. He’ll make $40 million next season. The Mavericks must keep Doncic happy so he doesn’t request a trade.
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