Dallas Mavericks trade for James Johnson in three-team deal

Dallas Mavericks trading for James Johnson in three-team deal

The Dallas Mavericks made a shocking move late Friday night. They had already re-signed Trey Burke after an incredible draft night where they added three picks and traded for veteran wing Josh Richardson. The Mavs were shaping up to be an offseason to remember.

After the Burke signing, they had just one roster available. The Mavericks wanted to round out with veterans and were looking for ways to make that happen. Coach Rick Carlisle hinted a trade could be on the horizon, and fans got one.

Late Friday night, the Mavs acquired James Johnson in a wild three-team deal. Let us take a look at the latest.

Dallas Mavericks acquired James Johnson in a three-team deal

Marc Stein first broke the news on Friday before following up minutes later with a three-team trade. See his tweets below.

Johnson is set to make just over $16 million in the final year of his contract. The veteran forward is a tough defensive-minded player that has struggled with injuries each of the last two years.

There was plenty of confusion as Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted the Mavericks were acquiring Trevor Ariza in the deal. Instead, he appears headed to the Thunder.

Mavs fans expected Delon Wright and Justin Jackson to be traded this offseason after both men slipped from the team’s rotation in the playoffs. It appears Wright is headed to the rebuilding Pistons and Jackson will be in Oklahoma City next season.

The Mavericks wanted to add another tough veteran and clear a roster spot. Tim MacMahon reported Dallas plans on keeping Johnson. He is on an expiring contract and could be moved later as a salary matcher at the trade deadline.

The Mavs had to take an extra million in the deal this year but are free from the final two years of Wright’s deal. Dallas clears more room for their free agent pursuits in 2021.

Expect the Mavericks to add two veteran free agents to complete their roster in the coming days.

The Smoking Cuban will have more analysis on this trade and the entire Dallas Mavericks offseason, so please check back with us frequently.