With the NBA Trade Deadline less than a month away, massive questions about the Dallas Mavericks roster will have to be answered. With the season in a tailspin, it is imperative that the Mavericks move
quickly to set up the future and build around Cooper Flagg. Obviously there are players who aren’t available, and more than likely will remain Mavericks, but there is a group of players the Mavericks MUST trade.
With all that being said, let the trades commence…
Anthony Davis
Mavericks receive: Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kennard
Atlanta Hawks receive: Anthony Davis
Before I dive into the explanation, it must be said that any Davis trade is more than likely off the table due to his recent finger injury. Now, if the Hawks were still willing to trade for the often injured big man, I expect the package to be very light, with the price going down every time he gets injured. Kennard and Porzingis being the only return will scare off many fans, but this situation is similar to Kristaps Porzingis, who the Mavericks wanted to trade no matter what. While it is unlikely that Davis is traded, any package would likely look like this, as the Mavericks would continue to endure the failures of Nico Harrison.
Kyrie Irving
Mavericks receive: Fred VanVleet, Reed Sheppard, 2026 CHI second, 2027 PHX first
Rockets receive: Kyrie Irving
While trading Kyrie is very unlikely, a trade request is still a possibility. If Kyrie wants to move on, the Mavericks should have a variety of options, one of them certainly being Houston. The Rockets are in desperate need of a perimeter scoring threat, and Irving’s existing friendship with Kevin Durant could seal the deal. For the Mavericks, Reed Sheppard is a very intriguing young guard, and would provide much needed shooting. VanVleet and some draft picks help to round out this trade, which would have a monumental effect on the Western conference playoff picture.
Daniel Gafford
Mavericks receive: Sam Hauser, Xavier Tillman, 2032 first round pick
Celtics receive: Daniel Gafford
While Kyrie and A.D. are unlikely to be traded, it feels inevitable that Daniel Gafford will be playing on a new team after the Feb. 5 deadline. This package would make sense for the Celtics, who have exceeded expectations this season, even with lackluster center play. Gafford would provide consistent play at the position, which may be the only thing holding them back from title contention. The Mavericks would not only get Sam Hauser, who could provide elite floor spacing, but also a future first, which they desperately need as they enter the Cooper Flagg era.
Naji Marshall
Mavericks receive: Kelly Olynyk, 2030 First Round Pick
Spurs receive: Naji Marshall, Jaden Hardy
Perhaps no Maverick has done more for their trade value this year than Naji Marshall, who has become one of the best bench wings in the NBA. Every single contender would be interested in Marshall, but San Antonio provides an extremely intriguing package, with the Mavericks getting their 2030 first round pick back. Rebuilding the draft coffers is the first step in building around Flagg, and specifically getting their own picks back allows for greater flexibility.
Klay Thompson
Mavericks receive: Kenrich Williams, Ousmane Dieng, three second round picks
Thunder receive: Klay Thompson
Similar to Marshall, Klay will have plenty of suitors as his microwave shooting off the bench could prove valuable to any contender. The Thunder desperately need more floor spacing, and Thompson would provide a cheap option to instantly improve their offense. For the Mavericks, this trade boils down to Ousmane Dieng’s expiring contract, and getting multiple second round picks. It is imperative that the Mavericks get more bites at the proverbial apple, as Nico Harrison’s disregard for these picks means the Mavericks have less chances to find cheap talent.
