Dallas Mavericks: The 3 best draft day trades in franchise history

OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 23: Devin Harris #34 of the Dallas Mavericks and Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks look on during a game against the Golden State Warriors on March 22, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 23: Devin Harris #34 of the Dallas Mavericks and Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks look on during a game against the Golden State Warriors on March 22, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
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NEW YORK – JUNE 24: Devin Harris of the Dallas Mavericks talks with the media after the 2004 NBA Draft at Madison Square Garden on June 24, 2004 in New York, New York. 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 2004 NBAE (Photo by Steve Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK – JUNE 24: Devin Harris of the Dallas Mavericks talks with the media after the 2004 NBA Draft at Madison Square Garden on June 24, 2004 in New York, New York. 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 2004 NBAE (Photo by Steve Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images)

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.

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