Mavs Draft Reactions: Dereck Lively II Expectations; Free Agency, More Trades Next?
The Dallas Mavericks took a big step in the right direction of changing their defensive identity on Thursday night when they came into the NBA Draft with the No. 10 pick and left with Dereck Lively II and Olivier-Maxence Prosper – two young, versatile, defensive-minded players at the center and forward positions.
On top of that, Dallas was also able to get off of Davis Bertans' unattractive contract while adding veteran big man Richaun Holmes in separate trades with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Sacramento Kings. Holmes' contract isn't great either, but it's only for two more years at most, and the Mavs got Prosper with the No. 24 pick for taking it with their trade exception.
On the latest episode of the Mavs Step Back Podcast, we discuss all these transactions in detail and give our initial reaction to what the Mavs accomplished, as well as what we think could happen in the near future in free agency and other potential trades.
My co-host, Drew Johnson, who is a college basketball coach, has been banging the "Dereck Lively to Dallas" drum since December, back when we didn't even think the Mavs had a real chance of keeping this year's draft pick. Drew got a head start in willing this one into existence, so he deserves to take his victory lap on this episode. You can listen to the entire show below:
Follow Dalton Trigg on Twitter. SUBSCRIBE to Mavs Step Back on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Dallas Mavericks? Click Here. Follow DallasBasketball.com on Twitter and Facebook.
