3. Devin Harris – 2004
So I may be smudging the numbers a little bit, but I am going to call this one a draft day trade anyways, because that is what we are supposed to do with history, right? Technically, this trade took place a few days before the draft, but the Mavericks got the guy they wanted so it all works out.
Prior to the 2004 NBA Draft, the Mavs made an agreement with the Washington Wizards to send Antawn Jamison, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, to Washington in exchange for Jerry Stackhouse, Christian Laettner and the 5th pick in the ’04 draft. That pick turned out to be Devin Harris, who has gone on to be a Mavs fan favorite during his 10 seasons in Dallas.
Harris has also been a part of multiple trades the Mavericks have made throughout the years, adding value in that way. Even without those trades, Harris has become a staple in the Dallas community and earns recognition on this list partially because of his outreach efforts as a member of the community.
Jamison is a good player that the Mavs gave up, but when they put together that team with Jerry Stackhouse and Devin Harris, it became one of the best in franchise history. Dallas went to their first NBA Finals appearance just a year after this draft.