Dallas Mavericks: Eliminated Playoff Team Trade Possibilities

The first round of the NBA Playoffs are officially over. Here is one trade possibility to watch for from the eyes of the Dallas Mavericks.

The Dallas Mavericks have numerous directions they could go this summer. One of them being exploring a trade with a team looking to make a change.

With eight teams getting put out of the first round, here is one name to watch from each team that Dallas could inquire about in a trade.

Spurs- Kawhi Leonard

Might as well start off with the biggest name on the list.

I realize the possibilities are small, but if the Spurs really do put Leonard on the block because of their strained relationship. I would expect Dallas to at least make the call.

You have to assume the 2018 first round pick would have to be in the deal in addition to another piece or two. What would be the cost of pairing Leonard with Smith Jr. for the foreseeable future?

Timberwolves- Andrew Wiggins

Some people cringe just hearing this suggestion.

Next season is the beginning of Wiggins’ five year max deal where he will make $25.2 million next year. The former number one overall pick has been criticized by many, but if Minnesota wants to take the next step, it make take trading away Wiggins.

The real question is how much of a salary dump do they want to make it?

For Dallas, they might believe they can fix him and pair him alongside Smith Jr. If that is the case, would a deal around Matthews’ expiring deal and Wiggins be able to work?

Thunder- Andre Roberson

I wanted to put Steven Adams, but I don’t see them moving Adams at the moment.

Roberson is due roughly $20 million over the next two seasons. Moving on from his money would help, but what if they wanted an upgrade to a wing defender that can shoot and defend?

Wesley Matthews would fit perfectly in their system, but what would Dallas want in addition to Roberson in that type of trade? I’m not sure Dallas would be interested, but he is still a name I would watch out for.

Blazers- C.J. McCollum

Like Leonard, this is an obvious one as Portland enters another crucial offseason strapped for cash.

If the Blazers really do decide to break the back court up, would Dallas try to form their own version of that back court in Dallas? Some would say this would present the same type of problems as they had in Portland, but Dallas might think otherwise.

The question comes down to the package. Could they get him without giving up their 2018 first round pick?

Bucks- John Henson

Henson is the fourth highest paid player on the Bucks and is due roughly $20 million over the next two years. For that reason, they should be shopping him this summer.

The idea of Henson in Dallas isn’t super appealing, but they should be trying to dump his salary and could attach an asset to do it with. Would taking on the contract of Henson be worth getting the 17th pick in the draft?

Heat- Hassan Whiteside

Like Wiggins, this is another name a lot of people won’t like hearing.

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Dallas chased him two summers ago in free agency and obviously missed out. There was even a tweet suggesting Whiteside come to Dallas over the last month that Dennis Smith Jr. liked.

I don’t see this happening, but is there a scenario where Dallas misses on a big in the draft and free agency and explores trading for Whiteside? I wouldn’t put it past the Mavs.

Pacers- Thaddeus Young

This was the hardest one. Indiana doesn’t have a ton of guaranteed roster spots for next season and will have a plethora of cap space to spend.

Young has a player option for $13.7 million that he should pick up. He played well against the Cavs, so I believe Indiana will want to keep him. But if there is a chance for them to grab a big in free agency, they could try shedding the expiring of Young as they will still have Sabonis, Turner and Bogdanovic.

Wizards- Otto Porter Jr.

What a weird season for Washington.

Changes are clearly on the horizon for the Wizards and it could mean that one of Beal or Wall is headed elsewhere. But my guess is they try to ship off the large contract of Porter Jr. first.

Trading Porter Jr. for another player or two could be the shake up they need to run it back again.

Plus, they have Kelly Oubre Jr. behind him.

Next: Did Motley Earn a Regular Roster Spot?

If I had to pick a player that could be the most realistic option for Dallas to pursue, it would be Andrew Wiggins.

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