Mavs Among 'Stuck' Teams on NBA Trade Market, Says Former Executive

Luka Doncic's Mavs are among teams that are "stuck" as far as the trade market is concerned, says a former NBA executive.

DALLAS — There are few teams facing as much pressure as the Dallas Mavericks to make the necessary moves to take a significant step forward during the 2023-24 season. After finishing the regular season with a 38-44 record, the Mavs failed to even qualify for the play-in tournament despite having an All-NBA First-Team talent in Luka Doncic. 

As far as offseason objectives are concerned, the Mavs will prioritize re-signing Kyrie Irving in free agency. He was acquired using a trade package involving Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, a 2029 first-round pick, and multiple second-round picks. With a defense that allowed 116.1 points per 100 possessions (25th), the team must undergo the necessary changes to drastically improve in that area. 

When evaluating teams facing a "summer of stuckness" as far as trade options are concerned, former NBA executive and current contributor to The Athletic, John Hollinger, listed the Mavs. They were included alongside the Atlanta Hawks, Golden State Warriors, and Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Mavs' only options for trading first-round picks include the 10th overall pick in this year's draft along with their 2027 pick. With what Hollinger considers "deeply flawed" roster riddled with non-favorable contracts, he doesn't foresee a favorable landscape.

"That 10th pick and a 2027 first-rounder are what the Mavs have left to make deals while they dance with the tax and try to figure out how to stock a deeply flawed roster. Good luck. The Mavs have a lot of contracts that nobody wants and depth issues everywhere as the unforced error of Jalen Brunson’s departure continues to haunt them."

The points may be harsh, but are valid. There are plenty of teams with more valuable picks in the top 10 of this year's draft seeking to use their selection in a trade to add a difference-making talent. The common theme among those teams is the desire for a dynamic, versatile wing player, which the Mavs need. 

Outside of Luka Doncic, the Mavs have four players already signed to contracts set to pay them over $10 million for the 2023-24 campaign, including Tim Hardaway Jr. ($17.9 million), Davis Bertans ($17.0 million), Maxi Kleber ($11.0 million), and Reggie Bullock ($10.5 million). None of those players are signed to contracts that rival teams would consider to be of favorable value. 

A commonly linked trade target for the Mavs has been Deandre Ayton as the Phoenix Suns are likely to look to move on this offseason. However, his unlikely ability to live up to the final three years of a four-year, $132.9 million contract will give any team pause when placing his name on their respective trade board. 

The Mavs will need to balance their navigation of spending amid an increasingly restrictive Collective Bargaining Agreement along with the need to roster the necessary talent to win at a high level with Doncic along with Irving if all goes according to plan.

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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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