How the Dallas Mavericks Could Trade with the Lakers

News has surfaced that the Los Angeles Lakers have switched their focus to free agency in 2019, meaning their chances of making trades for cap space this week have gone down. Can the Mavericks still offer them a good deal?

The news today about the Los Angeles Lakers focusing on the 2019 free agency period was a bit surprising. Not only were the Lakers expected to be one of the top sellers leading up to the trade deadline, most people assumed they were cleaning house in preparation for either LeBron James, Paul George, or both of them.

The change in focus undoubtedly signals that the Lakers have lost hope on the big name free agents this summer and are more prepared for those who will be around in 2019. For that reason, LA is more than likely not seeking to move anyone in particular at this time. However, if the idea is really to clear the books as much as possible for 2019, there is still one player slowing them down: Jordan Clarkson.

The Lakers are playing pretty good basketball right now, winning 7 of their last 9 games. Clarkson has been a key piece to their success, averaging 14.5 points per game and shooting nearly 45% from the field. Although he is a solid player, he has been one of the first names mentioned as trade assets for LA.

Clarkson is currently in the 2nd year of a four-year $50 million contract. That will leave more than $13 million on the books after the 2019 free agency period if he doesn’t get moved This is something it seems like LA would like to avoid, however they have a lot of time to move him so it is not urgent.

The Mavs would have to offer something worthwhile to convince LA that now is the time to part with Clarkson. My proposed trade goes something like this: The Dallas Mavericks receive Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle, and Corey Brewer. The LA Lakers receive Wesley Matthews and Nerlens Noel.

MEMPHIS, TN – OCTOBER 26: Wesley Matthews #23 of the Dallas Mavericks brings the ball down the court during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedEx Forum on October 26, 2017 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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. The Grizzlies defeated the Mavericks 96-91. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

This trade would give the Lakers a defensive wing that can shoot and a center that they would have the rights to if they choose to keep him around. Meanwhile, they would get out of the Clarkson and Randle contracts which could potentially help them sign Noel for another 1-year deal for him to prove his worth.

The Mavs would not get the first rounder that they want for Wes, but they would get a young shooter that has proven to be an excellent offensive player from all ranges in Clarkson and a young big man from the area that has a lot of room to grow still in Randle. Clarkson at 25 and Randle at 23 would fit perfectly into the Mavs push for youth and could become part of the Mavs future plan as well.

This trade may not make perfect sense, but if LA does what a decent return this season, this trade may be one of the best available this close to the deadline.

Next: The Toronto Raptors Should Pursue Wesley Matthews

It is unlikely that any deal like this does happen, but it makes enough sense on paper to at least consider it. If not this deal, we can at least keep hoping that Dallas will do something in the final few days before the deadline.

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