Every team in the NBA has its own intentions. Some are clear, while others are a little bit murky. We know which teams are all-in on the 2023-24 season. Some teams are on the fence. One of those teams is the Toronto Raptors.
We don’t know what they’re going to do. There’s plenty of talent on this roster. With that said, there are vast discrepancies in the ages of their players. Moreover, the Raptors are clueing up a disappointing 2022-23 season. With that in mind, plenty of fans think that they’d do well to rebuild their roster.
By contrast, nobody wants the Dallas Mavericks to rebuild. This team is clearly contending. With a star duo in Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks have no other choice. With that said, they could use a deeper supporting cast around that duo. Could they build it by acquiring Gary Trent Jr. from the Raptors?
The Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F Tim Hardaway Jr., 2026 First-Round Pick (Top 5 Protected – DAL)
Dallas Mavericks Receive: G/F Gary Trent Jr.
What determines a team’s intentions? More than anything, their roster. Talent isn’t the only factor. Teams also look at readiness. They need to determine who the most important player on their team is. Then, they need to determine whether he’s ready to lead a deep playoff run.
Look at the Raptors. The best player on this team is Pascal Siakam. That’s irrefutable. Is he the most important player on this team? That’s a different question. Most would hold that Scottie Barnes has earned that distinction. Unlike Siakam, Barnes isn’t ready.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Gary Trent Jr, Toronto Raptors & Dallas Mavericks Updates
On the other hand, there’s no ambiguity in Dallas. The best player on the team is Luka Doncic. The most important player on the team is Luka Doncic. He’s ready. Now, Dallas is tasked with putting the best team possible around Doncic. Does adding Trent Jr. help?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
We know what you’re thinking. Dallas is set in the backcourt. Why are they adding another guard? Well, for starters, Trent Jr. isn’t strictly a guard. He’s a disruptive defender who can play the 3 for stretches. Trent Jr. gives this team some added roster versatility.
Moreover, Dallas could use a third guard. If they could stagger Doncic and Irving to an extent, they could keep an elite offensive creator on the floor for most of every game. In that sense, Trent Jr. would be the perfect rotation player for this team. He can fill a low-usage role alongside either star guard as a 3-and-D.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Gary Trent Jr, Toronto Raptors & Dallas Mavericks Updates
At the same time, Trent Jr. can create his own shot at times, too. This is a well-rounded player who will make Dallas a better team. If the Raptors make him available, they should look to add him. Should the Raptors make him available?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
That’s a more difficult question. The Raptors don’t need to move Trent Jr. He’s young enough to be part of a rebuild. With that said, moving him for draft capital could be justified as well.
After all, Trent Jr. is on an expiring contract. That’s why Toronto only gets a (lightly) protected pick for him. Trent Jr. could be a one-year rental for the Mavericks. That’s defensible for a contender, but Toronto needs to decide on Trent Jr.’s long-term future with the team. They could decide that if they’re rebuilding, they cannot offer him a big contract.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Gary Trent Jr, Toronto Raptors & Dallas Mavericks Updates
So, we’ve got them moving him. The Raptors shouldn’t mind taking on Hardaway Jr.’s contract – it’s not especially onerous in terms of length or annual value. In other words, it’s a small price to pay for a rebuilding team to land a protected first. Now, it just depends on what the Raptors’ intentions are.
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