Mavs Trade Idea: Could Raptors' Precious Achiuwa Be Dallas’ Missing Frontcourt Piece?

Though Dereck Lively II has played well for Dallas to start the season, the Dallas Mavericks' center depth behind the rookie remain a concern.

Through the first 14 games of the season, the Dallas Mavericks own a 9-5 record, and they’re currently riding a two-game losing streak. 

And though for the most part, the Mavs have played well to start the season, Dallas' defense as a whole has left much more to be desired, especially from their reserve big men behind rookie starting center Dereck Lively II.

While Maxi Kleber has missed nine of Dallas' 14 games, Dwight Powell has underwhelmed in reserve minutes, and Richaun Holmes only touches the floor in garbage time. 

So, where should Dallas' front office look to upgrade their frontcourt depth? The Toronto Raptors could be the first team GM Nico Harrison calls.

The Raptors are one of the more fascinating teams to watch this season as their future seems to be completely up in the air. With All-Star Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, and Gary Trent Jr. set to hit unrestricted free agency this coming summer, Toronto's roster could look a lot different come February's trade deadline if the front office opts to fully rebuild.

And while the likes of Siakam and Anunoby dominate trade speculation, Dallas should have its eye on another Raptor who might be available if Toronto opts to rebuild: Precious Achiuwa.

Dallas' Luka Doncic and Toronto's Precious Achiuwa reach for a rebound / Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Proposed trade

Mavericks receive center Precious Achiuwa 

Raptors receive guard Jaden Hardy and 2025 second-round pick

Achuiwa, who's averaging 7.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in just over 20 minutes per game this season, is also set to hit the open market this coming offseason as a restricted free agent. The four-year big man would provide Dallas with a trusted, versatile skillset on both ends of the floor who can play a consistent role behind or alongside Lively II.

With the addition of Achiuwa in their rotation, Dallas could look to add a third-team to the deal in efforts to shed some salary in their frontcourt and find more minutes for a player like Kleber elsewhere such as with the Indiana Pacers to reunite with former Mavs coach Rick Carlisle. 

As for what Dallas is losing, trading Hardy away shouldn't be looked at as a lost asset. The sophomore guard simply isn't a staple in Jason Kidd's rotation. And with the outstanding play of current Sixth Man of the Year favorite Tim Hardaway Jr., the need for Hardy's skillset has declined, while the desire for what Achiuwa could bring has been enhanced.

For Toronto, with the loss of Fred VanVleet over the summer and the pending free agency of Anunoby and Trent Jr., the Raptors' backcourt makeup of Dennis Schroder, Malachi Flynn, and rookie Gradey Dick is rather thin on the surface, which could justify potential interest in Hardy. 

Hardy, 21, would provide Toronto, who ranks 23rd in the league in points per game, with a young, explosive guard who can score at all three levels and is under contract through 2025 before hitting restricted free agency.

If Dallas is still in search for an experienced backup big and Toronto indeed looks to rebuild, this deal just might make sense for both parties.

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