3 Players Not Named Josh McRoberts Mavs Could’ve Called About

Ed Davis

This is probably the least exciting player of the three, but Ed Davis is still capable of being a solid role player. Davis is a 28 year old center that still has some years left in his legs. He is by no means worthy of $6 million a year, but his contract is only for one more season and Dallas could possibly retain a decent backup center down the road for much cheaper.

Although we already have a serviceable backup center in Salah Mejri, it is hard to think that Ed Davis would not be an upgrade. Davis’ best individual year came, not surprisingly, the year before the Trail Blazers agreed to pay him $18 million over 3 years, taking Davis from the LA Lakers. Davis has averaged around 18 minutes per game with the Blazers over the last two years, but is definitely diminishing in playing time.

The Mavs would have done well with a guy like Ed Davis because he is still young and is a solid rebounder. Mejri has some great moments, but probably would not be able to make the game impact that Davis does. He may not block shots the way Salah does, but every other part of the game probably favors Ed Davis.

This trade would have worked because the Blazers desperately need to clear cap space. One of the highest paid teams in the league, Portland is filled mostly with role players who are getting overpaid. Ed Davis would be a small step in the right direction, but would be a step nonetheless. The Mavs would still be able to fit him into the trade exception as well.