NBA Draft Roundtable: Someone to Trade For (Outside the Lottery)

You don’t have to look too far to find a rumor or an idea for how the Dallas Mavericks could acquire a few more draft picks in this draft. Is their someone (outside of the lottery) that they should actually be pursuing?

There are very few times more exciting and interesting than the buildup to the NBA Draft. However, the Dallas Mavericks and their fans haven’t had the enjoyment of this time for many years. That is up until last year’s draft when the Mavs selected Dennis Smith Jr. with the 9th overall pick.

This year is filled with even more excitement because Dallas is guaranteed to get a top 5 player in the draft. Whether that is Luka Doncic, Marvin Bagley III, Mohamed Bamba, Michael Porter Jr., or Jaren Jackson Jr., they are going to get a player to be excited about.

Should the Mavs increase that level of excitement for their fans? Adding another pick in the later first or early 2nd round would be fun for fans, but are their players worth making that kind of move for?

Here are just a few players that the staff would be ecstatic about if Dallas got their hands on them.

Lonnie Walker IV

“Walker also would provide the necessary scoring punch that the Mavs need. The Hurricanes consistently produce solid defenders from the guard position, and the Mavs would be getting a solid two way player at shooting guard. The position needs to be looked at long term with Wesley Matthews’ future in doubt and Seth Curry up for free agency.“ —Evan Siegel

Khyri Thomas

“Thomas is a 3&D SG out of Creighton and I think he could end up being the best defender in the class. A little under-sized at 6’3″, Thomas makes up for it with his 6’10” wingspan and a strong 200 pound frame. Thomas is a similar player to Wes Matthews. He makes his offensive impact off-ball, hustles, and is willing to do the dirty work. He would be an ideal fit next to Dennis Smith Jr. due to his defensive ability, three point shooting, and intangibles.“ —Sean Bush

Anfernee Simmons

“If the blue-chip combo guard prospect Anfernee Simons starts falling, he could represent a huge boom or bust opportunity for the Mavs. Simons could fall in the draft due to having no college experience and an unpolished game, but he has elite scoring potential that a lottery team like the Mavericks should risk going after.“ —Zach Windell

Khyri Thomas

“Imagine a younger, more durable Wesley Matthews. That’s what Khyri Thomas is. Thomas has steadily increased his scoring output and steals in his last two seasons at Creighton, finishing his three-year career at 15.1 points and 1.7 steals per game. At over 41 percent from behind the arc, Thomas has what it takes to be another 3-and-D guy for the Mavs.“ —Emmanuel Dixon

Zhaire Smith

“If Zhaire Smith starts falling, the Mavericks should consider trading back into the first to grab him. He’s an explosive athlete who lacks some polish with his scoring. But not everyone needs to be a scorer. Smith was happy to screen for other players at Texas Tech, so I’m sure Carlisle would love him.“ —Ben Zajdel

Lonnie Walker IV

“At 6-foot-4 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, Walker fits to be an ideal backcourt partner to Dennis Smith Jr. Walker would be more than able to guard both guard positions at the next level. He would also give the Mavericks roster a much-needed punch of athleticism to go with his outside shooting ability. By the time draft day rolls around, Lonnie Walker could be pinned as a top-10 pick thanks to impressive workouts.“ —Robby Lewis

Chandler Hutchison

”I will continue my love for Chandler Hutchison into this post because I think this kid is going to be special. A long and quick wing with a versatile scoring ability, plenty of teams are sleeping on Hutchison because he spent four years in college. It’s sad when that is your biggest critique of a player. The Mavs could use a player like Hutchison who could turn into a discount version of Harrison Barnes as he matures. If he falls into the late 20’s, Dallas should think about packaging the 33rd pick with a player to move up and snag him.” —Kohl Rast

Next: NBA Draft Roundtable: 2nd Round Value Pick

Once again, there are so many good players in this draft that, if someone were to fall, the Mavericks would have to at least consider a package to trade back in and get some of these young guys who are ready to play. It would certainly make next year’s team all the more interesting.