Dallas Mavericks: Should they trade Kristaps Porzingis?

The Dallas Mavericks were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the LA Clippers for the second straight year. They pushed it to seven games and had the Clippers on the ropes twice, but could not get the job done. Superstar Luka Doncic was incredible, including being named MVP of the first round by ESPN, but the 22-year-old did not get enough help.

The Mavs traded two first-round picks and handed a max contract to Kristaps Porzingis in 2019, but he did not play up to that standard against the Clippers. He averaged just 13.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in the series. KP had three single-digit scoring games and just shot 29.6 percent on his 27 3-point tries. The Mavericks needed more from their star big man.

The poor playoff performance coupled with the Mavs’ first-round loss had fans calling for the Unicorn to be traded. There were rumors of KP being available leading into the trade deadline. Should Dallas trade Porzingis this offseason?

Should the Dallas Mavericks trade Kristaps Porzingis this offseason?

KP’s unique skillset earned his Unicorn nickname. The Mavs have to figure out how to get the most out of him. GM Donnie Nelson was asked on a radio appearance on 105.3 The Fan on June 8 if the Mavericks would look to move KP this offseason. See his answer below.

"“We like the fit. There is no question that he’s had to alter his game. From what his existence was in New York to what it is now, we like the direction things are going in. We’ve got to do a little bit better job of incorporating him.”"

Here is a closer look at why Kristaps Porzingis struggled in the playoffs before diving into the cases for and against trading him this offseason.

Next: Should KP get a pass for playoffs?