The Dallas Mavericks could use all the draft help they can get next week, and should be looking for picks in any trades they entertain. We previously looked at trade scenarios with the Sacramento Kings for Malik Monk, the Philadelphia 76ers for former MVP Joel Embiid and the Oklahoma City Thunder for Isaiah Joe. Today we look at a potential opportunity with the in-state rival San Antonio Spurs.
Once again joining me for this potential transaction are MMB’s Jack Nowicki and Bryan Porter.
The trade proposal
The Mavericks
use their Traded Player Exception (TPE) to take on Keldon Johnson, and boost their draft capital by way of the Spurs’ 2027 first round pick and 2030 first round pick (which originally belonged to Dallas) for P.J. Washington.
The discussion
Mike: Ok, so this one admittedly took me a minute to really digest. I personally value Washington highly, but just have no real sense for what he’d go for on the market. I was afraid he wouldn’t fetch two first rounders, but it could make sense here. The Spurs don’t really “need” the picks, and a young vet like Washington could add a ton of value to them either starting in place of Julian Champagnie, or coming off the bench in Johnson’s role. My big question is would they want to give up an expiring and picks, in exchange for Washington and his three remaining (albeit relatively bargain) years? Bryan, you proposed this version of the trade – how do you see it as a win for both teams?
Bryan: For San Antonio, one of their recurring issues in the playoffs was the inability to protect the rim when Victor Wembanyama was pulled out of the paint. They also showed an inability to get defensive rebounds if Dylan Harper wasn’t crashing the glass with the bigs, and they lacked big forwards to throw at larger shot creators and post scorers in the clutch. Washington answers all that at a more than reasonable price for a Spurs team looking to carry their surprising form into next year. They could have this for the cost of a player who is beloved by the organization but who was ineffective for most of the playoffs, the 20th pick (even in a good draft) and a relinquished pick swap that likely wouldn’t amount to much if Masai Ujiri does his job properly anyway. Most importantly, they keep Washington away from Oklahoma City and the Denver Nuggets who faced similar issues this post season. For the Mavericks, we send out a valuable role player who has endeared himself to the fanbase, but replenish some draft capital for a move toward young talent this offseason.
Mike: All compelling arguments! I was especially intrigued by the notion of an added bonus for San Antonio by way of preventing another West contender from having Washington’s services. You rarely ever hear of a team’s rationale being that, but you have to believe it factors into some of these trades. The Mavs would be wise to leverage that angle when and where they can.
What say you, Jack? Are you on board with this one, or do you have a counter argument as to why this either won’t work or the Mavs should pursue another avenue?
Jack: I agree with all of Bryan’s arguments listed above, as this trade makes a ton of sense for both sides. The Spurs are incredibly young and talented, but as we’ve seen in recent years, future success isn’t guaranteed. Adding an instant-impact veteran who fills a massive void in the frontcourt should be the top priority for the Spurs this offseason. While Washington had an up-and-down year last season, most of that could be attributed to a bad roster around him with a void of reliable playmaking. Washington would feast off Wembanyama’s gravity offensively, while further boosting the big-man’s shot-blocking impact. The Mavericks would obviously massively benefit from this trade seeing as they not only gain another pick in a great draft, but start the process of regaining their future picks. The main holdup in this deal could be Keldon Johnson, as his off-court value was massive for a young Spurs team last season.
Mike: I came into this discussion leery of the Spurs’ desire to give up their end of this deal, but have to admit I’ve been swayed a fair bit. Washington could be a huge pickup for San Antonio. As effective a front office as the Spurs have, the Mavs having Ujiri gives me confidence they won’t be pushed around (especially if they can leverage those other contenders). I could see the Spurs trying to finagle the deal so Harrison Barnes can be incorporated in lieu of Johnson (would have to be some sort of sign-and-trade, as Barnes if an unrestricted free agent). Barnes played 77 games and appeared in every playoff game… until he was outright benched for the final three games of the Finals. Throughout this season, he had some oddly limited minutes. If Dallas engages with the Spurs, I’d say they need to be careful not to get saddled with Barnes unless the haul of picks is too compelling to say no to. Getting Johnson gives the Mavs a vet leader to replace the one they’d be losing, and gives them a lot of contract flexibility. I’m more sold than I was that both teams could be big winners with the trade as proposed.
Bryan: The key question regarding Johnson is this: is he at the starting line for a longer arc of growth as a playoff player, or is this just about what we can expect from him going forward? As an off-ball slasher who isn’t a great connector or shooter, his game is certainly more suited to regular season play with a regular season whistle. Will the Spurs bank on further internal growth or decide to seek an upgrade?
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