Ranking the Dallas Mavericks best trade chips heading into the offseason

Dallas Mavericks best trade chips: 7. 31st overall pick in 2020 NBA Draft

The Mavs have the first pick in the second round of the upcoming draft. That is significant because of the rules. First-round selections are tied to rookie-scale contracts, but second-rounders have more flexibility. Teams can offer shorter deals or make them non-guaranteed. There is plenty of value in that, especially given the uncertain cap situation in the NBA.

Dallas has options too. They could package a couple of picks to move up a few spots in the first round to grab a player they believe in. The Mavericks used that strategy to get Luka Doncic. They also have the option of trying to trade one of both draft choices for a veteran ready to contribute in 2021. That might be more likely than ever because of the current economic climate. Teams may want to move off salary which opens the door for Dallas.

Fans can bet that Donnie Nelson and the front office are already fielding calls on this pick. It is not a secret that the Mavs want to contend next season. Dealing a second-round draft pick for a veteran would fit that timeline. Can they find the right trade partner? Only time will tell.

Next: No. 6