Mavericks: Zach Lowe on the likelihood of adding a third star this offseason

Dallas Mavericks: Zach Lowe predicts the likelihood of finding a third star this offseason

The Dallas Mavericks have made their offseason intentions clear. They want to add a third star and have made every player aside from Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis available to make the deal happen.

With the news that the regular season will begin on Dec. 22, fans are in for a frantic offseason. The draft is set to take place on Nov. 18 with free agency to immediately follow. Mavs supporters will not have to wait long to find out if they can acquire a third star heading into the season.

ESPN’s Zach Lowe released an outstanding offseason primer on Nov. 5. He dives into all the topics that figure to shape the crazy month ahead. The Mavs were a major part of that story. Here is a look at some of his thoughts.

Zach Lowe believes Dallas Mavericks unlikely to add a third star

Lowe had this to say about the Mavs pursuit of a third star this offseason.

"“Other teams report the Mavs are already chasing that elusive “third star” in trade talks. I’m sure that is true to some degree. Acquire a very good player now, and you can trade that player — or Kristaps Porzingis — for Antetokounmpo in the offseason if Antetokounmpo picks Dallas. But I’m skeptical the Mavs will find anyone now via trade who fits that description.”"

Dallas will struggle to add for a massive piece because they are light on draft picks. The Mavericks can offer the 18th and 31st overall picks in the 2020 draft, but the next first-rounder they can move is 2025. That will certainly put a damper on their targets.

The Mavs best bet might be trading for an elite role player, plus adding the best available free agent fit via the mid-level exception to improve the core around Luka and KP.

Lowe’s other notes include the belief that the Dallas Mavericks do not acquire Rudy Gobert. I am 100 percent with him on this. The Gobert-Porzingis frontcourt would struggle to defend smaller lineups, especially in the postseason.

Lowe also mused about Giannis Antetokounmpo joining the Mavs in the exceptional piece, which every NBA fan should read. Make some time today to enjoy it.

The NBA offseason is just days away, and it promises to be a wild one. Things will happen quickly, so check back to The Smoking Cuban to make sure you do not miss any of the action.