Dallas Mavericks trade second round pick for Willie Cauley-Stein

The Dallas Mavericks acquired center Willie Cauley-Stein from the Golden State Warriors on Jan. 24. Here is a look at the trade.

The Dallas Mavericks are in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race. They sit fifth heading into Friday’s action. The Mavs appear to have a postseason spot locked up.

They lost an important piece this week. Starting center Dwight Powell ruptured his Achilles against the LA Clippers on Jan.21. Dallas lost a leader and a crucial piece of their culture with the season-ending injury.

The front office has been scrambling to fill in for Powell. The Mavericks are light on big man options. Kristaps Porzingis started at the five in Thursday’s game. Coach Carlisle went small playing him next to Dorian Finney-Smith at the four. Maxi Kleber filled as the backup center. The only other true big man on the roster is Boban Marjanovic.

The Dallas Mavericks found a replacement on Friday.

Add WCS

Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news that the Mavs are trading for Willie Cauley-Stein. See his tweet below.

Dallas gave up a 2020 second round pick they acquired from the Jazz for the veteran.

Cauley-Stein is averaging 7.9 points, 6.2 rebounds. 1.1 steals, and 1.2 blocks in 22.9 minutes per game this season. He is a proven rebounder that is an above-average roll man. The Mavs need someone to match up against Rudy Gobert types. Cauley-Stein fits that mold as a big body that can be a presence in the paint.

This trade keeps Dallas’ options open to make future deals too. They retained Courtney Lee’s expiring contract and the Warriors coveted 2020 second round pick.

Cauley-Stein is on a veteran minimum contract with a player option for next season.

Fans should monitor his playing time and production. It will be interesting to see if the 26-year-old improves playing with Luka Doncic. Perhaps the Mavericks can unlock his considerable potential. WCS was the sixth overall pick in 2015 for a reason.

The Smoking Cuban will be back with all the Dallas Mavericks trade stuff from rumors to analysis, so continue checking back with us regularly.