Dallas Mavericks: Biggest questions heading into the offseason

Biggest offseason question for the Dallas Mavericks: 4. What do they do in the draft?

Fans know the Mavs have been active in trading away draft picks in recent years. They sent two first-rounders to the Hawks to move up in the 2018 draft to acquire Luka Doncic. The Mavericks also shipped two to the Knicks in the Kristaps Porzingis deal. That leaves Dallas a bit light on future picks.

The Stepien Rule forces the Mavs to keep their first-round selection in 2020. Teams are not allowed to trade away their first in consecutive years. The Mavs still owe first-rounders to the Knicks in 2021 and 2023 (protected).

Dallas has to make the selection. It could be swapped on draft night because the deal would not technically happen until after the moratorium is lifted. The Mavericks also have the 31st overall pick in the second round, thanks to a trade with the Warriors.

If Dallas keeps the picks, they will have to decide between drafting players ready to help them win in 2021 versus adding high upside prospects that need time to improve. The Mavericks have done a fantastic job of developing talent in recent years. From Luka Doncic becoming a superstar to the host of role players that continue to improve.

The draft will feature plenty of decisions for the Dallas Mavericks. Here are five options they could draft at 18 overall.

Next: No. 3