The Smoking Cuban
FanSided

Let’s Make a Deal: Dallas Mavericks and Cleveland Cavaliers

By Kohl Rast

PORTLAND, OR - JANUARY 20: Wesley Matthews #23 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 20, 2018 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - JANUARY 20: Wesley Matthews #23 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 20, 2018 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – JANUARY 11: Jae Crowder #99 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball during the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre on January 11, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – JANUARY 11: Jae Crowder #99 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball during the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre on January 11, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Wesley Matthews for Iman Shumpert, Jae Crowder, and the Cleveland 1st Round Pick

This trade is maybe the best one for both parties. Dallas gets to trade away Wesley Matthews for a first round pick and without taking on any extra cap space. They get a pair of 27-year olds that have really struggled of late but could benefit in a new system and do so without adding cap space for the summer.

The Cavaliers on the other hand get a sharpshooter and an excellent defender, which will really help the team on both ends of the court. Although Wes’ value may be down over the past few years, he is still a very valuable defender and someone who can catch fire in a hurry. Surrounding LeBron with shooters is never a bad thing.

One reason the Dallas Mavericks may not want to do this deal is simply because they really like Matthews. His fanbase in Dallas has dwindled and he has never been anywhere near the expectation that was set when the Mavs signed him, but Coach Carlisle has been a fan of his since the day he stepped in Dallas. Maybe a late first round pick doesn’t carry the same value.

One reason the Cleveland Cavaliers may not want to do this deal is that they see their pick as more valuable than a 3&D guy who has been struggling with his game lately. They likely wouldn’t get a better offer than that for guys like Crowder or Shumpert, but may be able to land a better deal for their pick.

Next: Packaging Healthy and Hurt

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