The Dallas Mavericks are now just hours away from Tuesday night’s Draft, where they currently hold the #9 and #30 picks. This three-team swap adds some complexity to the conversation, so let’s get right to it!
Prior Trade Talks:
- Sacramento Kings for Malik Monk
- Philadelphia 76ers for former MVP Joel Embiid
- Oklahoma City Thunder for Isaiah Joe
- San Antonio Spurs for Keldon Johnson
Once again joining me for this potential transaction are MMB’s Jack Nowicki and Bryan Porter.
The trade proposal
The Mavericks move Daniel Gafford to the Lakers and pick up Cameron Johnson (DEN), Jarred Vanderbilt (LAL), the #26 pick (DEN) in this year’s draft and the #25 pick (LAL) in this year’s draft.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets get Caleb Martin (DAL), Dalton Knecht (LAL), the #30 pick (DAL) and the #48 pick (DAL) in this year’s draft.
The discussion
Mike: After Nico Harrison’s infamous dealings with the Lakers, they’re quite possibly the last team I’d want to deal with. The only exception to that rule would be if the Mavs were obvious winners. For that to be the case, I believe a three-team deal like this would be necessary. Here Dallas winds up with the same number of picks in this year’s draft, but much improved ones at that. They keep #9, and make #30 and #48 into #25 and #26. Those aren’t particularly high, but they are a massive improvement. My biggest reservation is helping the Lakers with arguably their largest need, while trading the only center that is currently reliable without moving into the top 20 in the draft.
Bryan: I hear that, and I’m not keen to help the Lakers either… which is why we aren’t. Daniel Gafford, in my mind, has an incredibly narrow skillset that happens to match up with Luka Doncic’s strengths, but is nothing special. Getting a first round pick for him rocks. Picks #25 and #26 would be an offer too good for teams looking to add young end of rotation guys with specific skillsets, such as Detroit at #21, Toronto at #19, or Charlotte at #18 – we would still have a path to a pick in the teens, or could use #9 and #25 to potentially move up to #7 or #8 if none of the lead guards are going to fall to us at #9.
Mike: This proposal setting us up for a second move solves any gripe I had about not moving into the top 20! Some pick wheeling-and-dealing that sees #25 and #26 turn into one of the #18-#21 range really changes the complexion of this proposal as it stands. If we could swing that one-two punch to end up with a top 10 and top 20 pick in this draft, then I think I’m all out of complaints. Also, with all due respect to him, getting off Caleb Martin is a big win for the Mavs’ wing-heavy team. The only question then is whether the Nuggets real need to shed money is great enough for them to take on Martin and Knecht to do so.
Jack: Overall, this trade would make a lot of sense if #25 and #26 could be packaged in a trade-up like Bryan mentioned and you echoed. It has been reported multiple times that the Mavericks want to move up in the draft, and having #25 and #26 gives them real ammo to do so. The addition of Cam Johnson also fills a crucial need within the Mavericks starting lineup, as his shooting would pair perfectly next to Cooper Flagg. My only concern would be the addition of yet another older role player, as Johnson is already 30 years old. This trade does make sense for both other teams, but I wonder if Knecht would be sent elsewhere as Denver needs to save as much money as possible.
Bryan: Knecht also has a team option next year, so they could not exercise it and keep roughly $4 million off their books. Also, I agree Johnson would fill a key shooting role for Dallas this year, then fall off the books for flexibility moving towards the summer of 2028. Ideal preparation for adding a major player via trade when Flagg is due his rookie max extension.
Mike: Johnson’s shooting is a great point, and really an unsung element to this proposal. He shot 43% from downtown last season and my goodness could this team use a whole lot of that. If he were able to do that here on a Mavs team that would be reincorporating the capable deep threat of Kyrie Irving, it would be a night-and-day difference from what we saw take place last year. His age doesn’t quite fit the bill of a “youth movement” but I’m a little less concerned with it since we’re swapping 30 year olds (Martin for Johnson) and it seems like an older veteran like Klay Thompson is likely to play out his final years elsewhere. Speaking of vets on the move, what do you each think of Vanderbilt – is he the price of doing business in your opinions, or does he open up an opportunity to more willingly trade P.J. Washington or Naji Marshall?
Bryan: Vanderbilt is for sure the toll you pay to add a late first round pick and Johnson for lesser players. Vanderbilt is a good locker room guy, but not someone to be relied upon for more than a good change-of-pace stint at forward once in a while. He would not be in the rotation and would only be on the books for next season and the one after, so he’s salary ballast in this deal and likely another deal a year from now when he’ll be expiring.
Jack: Vanderbilt is the cost of doing this trade, but I don’t think adding him would be that much of an issue. First of all, his contract is not overly expensive and only has two years left, meaning it won’t affect your books for very long. The other aspect is that he effectively replaces Caleb Martin within the rotation with his defense and lack of shooting.
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