Mavericks trade suggestions to acquire Ty Lawson

The Dallas Mavericks have built a reputation of being active on the trade front. Dirk Nowitzki‘s rights, Tyson Chandler, Jason Terry, Jason Kidd, Jerry Stackhouse, and the list goes on and on, have all been acquired through trade throughout the years. What’s to say that this summer won’t be the same?

Depending on Monta Ellis, the Mavericks could have anywhere from $20-30 in carpool to make moves this offseason. While many view the added cap as a tool to sign players, it could also be used to land players via trade.

We’ll look at potential players the Mavericks may target this summer, and I’ll look at possible scenarios that could make these deals happen.

First up?

Ty Lawson – 2 years, ~$25.62 million

Yup, the Mavs need a point guard again, and after Lawson’s Instagram post, the speculation of these two parties partnering up will swirl around all summer long.

Dallas doesn’t have much to offer, but with Brian Shaw out as coach, the Denver Nuggets could be looking to go in a different direction, which could play in the Mavs’ favor.

Scenario 1

Mavs get Lawson (~$12.41 mil)

Nuggets get Rajon Rondo (S&T) & first round draft pick

Of all the scenarios, this is probably the least likely. Rondo hasn’t done himself any favors this season to make him a desirable target for most teams.

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Why would Nuggets do this?

If Denver is willing to give up Lawson, they’ll need to find a replacement. Rondo is no longer the player he once was, but with the point guard market lacking big names and filled with restricted free agents, taking a shot at Rondo, if he’s willing to take a team friendly deal, could be worth the risk and make some sense. The team could also use the Mavs first round pick to find a potential long term answer at the point position as well.

Scenario 2

Mavs get Lawson and J.J. Hickson (~$18 mil)

Nuggets get trade exception and first round pick

The Mavs can absorb a good amount of salaries with their extra cap room. It could hurt them in resigning their own players, but outside of Al-Farouq Aminu and Tyson Chandler, that wouldn’t be a bad thing.

Why would Nuggets do this?

Simply to free up caproom and retool their roster through free agency. Lawson has a friendly two-year deal and Hickson is in the final year of his deal, but Denver could look to speed up the process by dealing these two this summer.

Many will rightfully argue that Denver could acquire so much more for these two, but many thought the same with Tyson Chandler last summer. If the Nuggets value carpool more than assets, this may be a route the Mavs could exploit.

If Denver is looking to shed Kenneth Faried‘s big deal, the Mavs could try to take on four seasons as well. But nabbing that duo is truly be a long shot.

Scenario 3

Mavs get Lawson (~$12.41 mil)

Nuggets get Jrue Holiday (11 mil)

Pelicans get Tyson Chandler (S&T)

The Mavs may need help from another team or two to land Lawson.

Why would Nuggets do this?

They get a younger and slightly cheaper option at point guard.

Why would Pelicans do this?

Holiday has yet to live up to expectations with the Pelicans since they acquired him on draft night two seasons ago. He’s played a total of 74 games since joining the team. Also the trio of him, Tyreke Evans, and Eric Gordon haven’t been clicked as hoped. Of the three, he probably still holds the best value on the market, and can net them a piece or two if they like.

In this instance, it would net them Chandler. Chandler would be an upgrade over fellow free agent Omer Asik, esp on the offensive end. Despite being 32, Chandler is coming off another double-double season and could play well off of Evans and Anthony Davis on offense.

But would the Pelicans be ready to trade away their 24 year-old point guard?

Why would Mavericks do this?

If the Mavs feel they have a legit shot at DeAndre Jordan, letting Chandler go, again, might make sense, especially if they can land starting caliber point guard.

The Mavs could and may have to deal this year’s selection to either one of the team to try to make it happen.

Scenario 4

Mavs get Lawson (~$12.41 mil)

Nuggets get Monta Ellis ($9.08 mil) and first round pick

If Ellis opts in of the final year of his deal, he could easily be the Mavs best trade piece.

Why would Nuggets do this?

The Nuggets nab a slashing guard who could excel in their thin air environment. Durability hasn’t been a concern for Ellis, which can’t be said for many of the Nuggets’ players of the last few seasons. He also has just one year left on his deal and could net them some pieces down the road as Arron Afflalo did last season.

The Mavs could even throw in Devin Harris or Raymond Felton to help add depth to the Nuggets point guard spot.

So…

Lawson is coming off another good season; throw in his friendly contract, the Mavs may have to be more lucky than good to obtain him.

But with his reported desire to leave and the Nuggets’ roster expecting some changes, he could be more obtainable than some think.

The Mavs can’t offer a high draft pick or a big name, but they can help the Nuggets clear some cap space if that’s their priority. Or they can try to lure a third team in to make a trade more realistic.

Many were shocked when the Mavs landed Chandler last summer and were just as shocked when the Rondo trade went down. Anything could happen on the trade front.

Next: 5 Things to Know About DeAndre Jordan

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