In the NBA, talent comes first. If you don’t have enough to compete, you might as well rebuild. A contending team needs a franchise player; in today’s league, that franchise player needs a co-star.
By that standard, the Dallas Mavericks are set. Luka Doncic is one of the best players in the NBA. Kyrie Irving is an outstanding co-star. So, why are the Mavericks having a relatively unimpressive 2023-24 season?
Well, Irving’s injuries haven’t helped. Still, more broadly, this team needs some depth. The Mavericks could use a third option in their frontcourt. How about Miles Bridges of the Charlotte Hornets?
NBA Trade Proposal
Charlotte Hornets Receive: C Richaun Holmes, 2027 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – DAL)
Dallas Mavericks Receive: F Miles Bridges, G/F Cody Martin
Talent is a team’s first priority. It’s not their only priority. A team has to weigh several factors if they hope to build an NBA championship.
Health matters. We’ve learned that lesson from watching the Mavericks this year. When Irving is absent, they struggle. Experience matters, too. As a rule of thumb, younger teams typically struggle to win games.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Miles Bridges, Charlotte Hornets, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Unfortunately, the Hornets have struggled on both of those fronts this year. This team is young, and LaMelo Ball is injury-prone. For those two reasons, the Hornets are one of the worst teams in the NBA in spite of being talented. Should they send more talent away?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
Sure. It doesn’t matter how much talent the Hornets have – they’re one of the worst teams in the NBA. At this point in the season, it’s too late for the Hornets to salvage their season.
Unfortunately, it’s also too late to salvage Bridges’ trade value. He was the focal point of some troubling legal issues last summer. Bridges is also on an expiring contract. He’s a distressed asset – Bridges isn’t going to fetch the Hornets a haul.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Miles Bridges, Charlotte Hornets, Dallas Mavericks Updates
So, a lottery protected first ought to suffice for them. The Hornets could use this asset to improve their roster during the upcoming offseason. In the meantime, they should be content to improve their lottery odds. Should the Mavericks give up an asset?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
Bridges is a risk. His off-court personality is clearly volatile. He may also leave in free agency. The Mavericks may be moving a lottery-protected first for a half-season rental here.
At the same time, a player like Bridges isn’t typically available at this price. Meanwhile, the Mavericks have the talent to make a title run. They might as well exploit a buy-low opportunity on Bridges to shore up their roster.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Miles Bridges, Charlotte Hornets, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Don’t overlook Martin, either. He’s not a star, but he’s a solid 3-and-D wing who should improve this team’s rotation. After all, the Mavericks already have their top-end talent.
