Dallas Mavericks: 5 stars they should’ve acquired over Kristaps Porzingis

The Dallas Mavericks pulled off a blockbuster trade to acquire Kristaps Porzingis in 2019. The 2018 All-Star was shockingly dealt while recovering from ACL surgery. The 23-year-olds of that talent on their rookie contracts do not become available. It was a stunning late January move that had featured multiple pieces.

The Mavs also acquired Tim Hardaway Jr., Trey Burke, and Courtney Lee from the Knicks. In return, they sent Dennis Smith Jr., DeAndre Jordan, Wesley Matthews, and two yet to be drafted first-round picks. The instant reaction had Dallas as overwhelming winners, but much has changed in the two-plus seasons since the trade.

Porzingis dealt with multiple injuries and the superstar duo Dallas envisioned has not materialized. The Mavericks were knocked out in the first round of the playoffs for two straight years, and there are questions about KP’s future with the franchise after his poor postseason showing. It was a monumental trade for the Mavs, but how would things be different if Dallas targeted someone else?

5 stars the Dallas Mavericks should have acquired over Kristaps Porzingis

There was no bigger name traded around the 2019 deadline than Porzingis, but that was still in the midst of Luka Doncic’s rookie season. The Mavericks could have waited until the offseason or beyond to attempt to acquire a second star. They did not want to because of how quickly the 22-year-old blossomed, but trading for someone else could have Dallas in prime title contention right now.

Here are five stars the Dallas Mavericks should have acquired over Kristaps Porzingis.

Next: No. 5