With only a few more weeks until the 2017 NBA Draft, rumors are swirling everywhere for most franchises. Here is a fun, hypothetical four team trade for the Dallas Mavericks.
The Dallas Mavericks own the 9th overall pick in the draft in an offseason where they look to continue getting younger.
With the draft just a few short weeks away, rumors are swirling around the league about potential draft night trades with picks or teams looking to shed salary.
With that in mind, I took a few storylines around the league and combined them into a four team trade that could make sense for all parties. The complete trade would look something like this where the following teams would receive what is noted.
"Dallas Mavericks: Jon Leuer, 12th overall pick (Pistons)Detroit Pistons: Ricky Rubio, 22nd overall pick (Nets)Minnesota Timberwolves: Wesley Matthews, Quincy AcyBrooklyn Nets: Reggie Jackson, Nemanja Bjelica"
Dallas
If the mindset going forward is truly getting younger, then trading Wesley Matthews for basically the 12th overall pick in the draft would be a solid return, especially in this draft.
Trading Matthews would be hard given his impact on the team, but he is slated to make $17.8 million this coming season with a player option for $18.6 million the following year.
Taking on Leuer’s contract wouldn’t be ideal, but at the price of the 12th pick, I would do it. Leuer is slated to make around $10 million over the next three years. With almost the same contract and position as Dwight Powell, I would expect Powell to be moved in this situation also.
With that 12th pick, Dallas would be able to grab another top-notch prospect. Donovan Mitchell, OG Anunoby, Justin Jackson and more could be available. Grabbing two of the top twelve prospects in this loaded draft class would pay dividends moving forward.
Detroit
Remember when Detroit was going after Ricky Rubio hard at the trade deadline and was reported by ESPN to be discussing a Rubio for Reggie Jackson swap? Read here.
Then news came out of Detroit willing to shop the 12th pick for a “win-now” veteran.
So why not unload Reggie Jackson’s contract and the 12th pick for that “win-now” veteran in Ricky Rubio and move back just 10 spots in the draft?
Detroit would also shed around $13 million in cap space in this deal.
Minnesota
In this deal, the Timberwolves would give up Rubio, but come out of it all with Wesley Matthews and Quincy Acy while holding on to their 7th overall pick.
Matthews would be the perfect fit in Minnesota. Defensive minded, veteran, outside shooter that would give Thibs a vocal leader alongside the young core. Acy would add to the front line by replacing Bjelica.
The Wolves would either hand the reins to Kris Dunn at point or draft another point guard with their 7th pick. Either way, adding the 7th pick and Matthews to that Minny core could be the next step in making the playoffs.
Brooklyn
The Nets just keep trudging along as everyone continues to make fun of them for the Boston trade. Eventually, they have to start getting better.
In this situation, Detroit would be looking for a team to unload Jackson to and Brooklyn would be a nice fit. The 27-year old Jackson would come in as the starter moving forward as Brooklyn would finally have another above average player alongside of Brook Lopez.
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They would also get the 29-year-old Bjelica in the deal as a stretch four who could play alongside of Lopez.
All of this would come at the cost of the 22nd pick in the draft. They would still own their pick at 27, so giving up a pick in the twenties for Reggie Jackson might me enticing for Brooklyn.
Side Notes
-Dallas getting the 12th pick would be ideal, but I am not sure Wesley Matthews would net you that pick.
-Detroit has been enamored with Rubio before, so giving up the 12th pick for Rubio, instead of Matthews, might be more enticing
-Minnesota would obviously only do this deal if they are ready to hand the keys to Dunn
-I realize Brooklyn needs picks, but grabbing Jackson at that cost while still having another first would be nice for this Nets team.
Next: Is the Point Guard Carousel About to End in Dallas?
Once again, this is all hypothetical, but fun to think about. Rumors and speculation will only continue as time ticks down until the draft.