Why Josh Richardson is the perfect trade target for the Dallas Mavericks

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Dallas Mavericks Kristaps Porzingis Josh Richardson (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Why Josh Richardson is perfect trade target for Dallas Mavericks: 3. Defense

The Mavs have the best offensive rating in the NBA this season. They are 2.4 points ahead of the second-place Houston Rockets. Improving their defense is the key to vaulting into title contention. Each of three title favorites ranks inside the top five in defensive rating this year. The Mavericks are 17th. Philadelphia sits sixth.

Richardson is a plus perimeter defender. He has had a bit of a down season, but the injuries likely played a factor. JRich still finished tied for 67th in FiveThirtyEight’s defensive RAPTOR so far. Kristaps Porzingis and Maxi Kleber were the only two Mavericks to perform better than Richardson. The 26-year-old would immediately improve Dallas’ defense and be their best perimeter option.

Richardson produces steals and blocks. He averages 1.1 swipes and 0.7 swats per game for his career. The Mavericks finished 28th in steals and 15th in blocks this season. Adding Richardson would help in both areas.

The wing can defend one through four. He would immediately slot into the Mavs starting five and improve their defense. Dallas could use Dorian Finney-Smith on the opposition’s best wing scorer while letting Richardson defend the point guard. It gives the Mavericks a chance to move into the top ten in defensive rating next season.

Next: No. 2

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