It’s hard to believe we’re already considering the NBA trade deadline. Yet, here we are. Teams are rounding into shape, and we get a picture of where they stand.
With that in mind, it’s worth noting which teams will be buyers and sellers. The San Antonio Spurs will be sellers. That’s undeniable.
They’re one of the worst teams in the NBA and one of the youngest. So, the Spurs will likely look to move any useful veteran that they’ve got on their roster. As for the Dallas Mavericks, they should be buyers.
Sure, their season has been met with mixed reviews. Still, this team is too talented to give up on the year. If they could add an elite shooter, they could make significant strides.
Could the Spurs’ Doug McDermott be that shooter?
NBA Trade Proposal: Dallas Mavericks Land San Antonio Spurs’ Doug McDermott
San Antonio Spurs Receive: C Richaun Holmes, 2025 Second-Round Pick (TOR via DAL), 2028 Second-Round Pick (MIA via DAL)
Dallas Mavericks Receive: F Doug McDermott
With that said, nobody should be shocked by the Spurs’ shortcomings this year. Perhaps their most optimistic fans had higher expectations.
They may have thought that after drafting Victor Wembanyama, they’d be ready to reach a new tier. That was always wishful thinking.
Yes, Wembanyama has limitless potential. He could be the best player in the NBA someday. Still, he’s a rookie. It was never likely that Wembanyama would launch the Spurs into a new stratosphere.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Doug McDermott, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks Updates
This says nothing about their future. The Spurs have some very exciting days ahead of them. Still, for the time being, they ought to be preparing for those days – the Spurs won’t win much in 2023-24.
Does that mean they should move McDermott?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
Absolutely. There’s no question as to whether the Spurs should move McDermott. He’s on the backend of his career, and the Spurs are rebuilding.
The only question is whether this is enough of a return for the sharpshooting wing. We think it is. McDermott is aging, and he’s a poor defender.
The Spurs won’t land a first-round pick for McDermott.. A pair of second-rounders should satisfy them if they’re putting him on the market. Bringing in Holmes shouldn’t be an issue, either.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Doug McDermott, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks Updates
The Spurs may even want to play him in their efforts to put Wembanyama at the 4. On the other hand, his contract runs up soon – he’s a marginal acquisition no matter what the Spurs plan for him.
Should the Mavericks part with him?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
The Spurs may work Holmes into their rotation. The Mavericks have opted not to do so. This team seems to have more faith in Derrick Lively III, Dwight Powell, and Maxi Kleber than they do in Holmes.
In other words, the Mavericks don’t have a dire need for a big man. They could use a shooter, After Tim Hardaway Jr., this team is a bit light on floor spacing.
For a team with two dynamic playmakers like Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, that’s a problem. These two need play finishers around them to be maximized.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Doug McDermott, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Why not McDermott? He’s among the best shooters in the NBA. He’s also well worth this price. The Mavericks shouldn’t waste time in acquiring him. After all, the deadline will be here before we know it.
