Who is Luka Doncic's Mavs 'Dream' Offseason Trade Target?
DALLAS — It's no secret that a big offseason lies ahead for the Dallas Mavericks. After going from achieving a Western Conference Finals appearance, to failing to qualify for the play-in tournament just a season later, there is a major need to improve the roster.
"A lot of people won't be back next season," Mavs coach Jason Kidd said of the roster. "There will be a lot of new faces."
As far as improvement areas go, the Mavs will emphasize bolstering the defense and rebounding — a season after setting out to add rim protection and improve their rebounding execution. Depending on how the NBA Draft Lottery plays out, perhaps the next trade they make offers a solution.
"I think for us going into the offseason, the two biggest things that we need to work on is defense and rebounding," Mavs general manager Nico Harrison said. "That's going to be addressed."
When evaluating the "dream" offseason trade target for all NBA teams, Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report identified Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers. The idea would be considered the ideal scenario, regardless of whether impending free agent Kyrie Irving re-signs or not.
"Regardless of how things play out in free agency between Kyrie Irving and the Dallas Mavericks, it's obvious they need to up their talent level around generational superstar Luka Doncic," Buckley wrote. "Trading for Texas native Myles Turner would accomplish that."
Turner is coming off a career-year averaging 18.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks. He did so while shooting 54.8 percent from the floor, 37.3 percent from deep, and 78.3 percent on free throws. While a stretch-five's ability to shoot will be the focus, it shouldn't be understated that he has shot a combined 63.6 percent on two-point field goals over the last three seasons.
In the event of a trade, the ideal outcome for the Mavs would be that Turner can provide a needed mix of floor spacing, interior play finishing, and ability to attack closeouts to be the ideal answer for the offense next to Doncic. As for the other end, Turner would provide a major boost in rim protection and being a threat to get a block on the trail when guarding switches would pose an advantage.
However, it would still require the Mavs to improve their on-ball defensive capabilities and rebounding at other positions since Turner will need his unit to help the helper when he's contesting finishes at the rim. Dallas was unable to get the job done in this regard throughout last season. It will undoubtedly require further roster changes, especially with Dorian Finney-Smith having been traded.
The actual basketball part of the fit seems natural and straightforward. Where the situation gets complicated involves the logistics for a long-term partnership with Turner. He's signed for the next two seasons and will earn just $19.9 million in the final year of his deal. There are limitations in what the Mavs could offer for an extension.
With how much salaries will rise as the next wave of broadcast deals and revenue comes in, would he be willing to sign a contract extension that has a starting salary just under $27.9 million? The Mavs would be capped at offering that figure as a starting salary since the new CBA limits teams to offering a player a starting salary worth up to 140 percent of the final year salary of their current deal.
If the Mavs are confident that Turner would be content with his situation enough to let his two-year contract extension expire before signing a new deal, then the concern isn't nearly as significant. Perhaps the greater question: Does Dallas envision adding Turner as being impactful enough to be a key factor in keeping Doncic happy?
Turner, who is a Texas native, could have a strong appreciation for playing for the Mavs, but would that continue if Doncic was to make a trade request within the next few years? There are no shortage of variables to take into consideration from an asset management standpoint, but again, the fit on the court would be intriguing.
Grant Afseth is a Dallas Mavericks reporter for DallasBasketball.com and an NBA reporter for NBA Analysis Network He previously covered the Indiana Pacers and NBA for CNHI's Kokomo Tribune and various NBA teams for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. Follow him on Twitter (@grantafseth), Facebook (@grantgafseth), and YouTube (@grantafseth).
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