Dallas Mavericks: 5 things they can learn from Kristaps Porzingis trade

Thing Dallas Mavericks can learn from Kristaps Porzingis trade: 4. Acquire veterans

Putting the Kristaps Porzingis piece aside, the Mavs acquired three veterans in the deal. Courtney Lee started 11 games over the next season and a half. He played a key role in the locker room and was a needed veteran presence. Trading for Trey Burke opened the door for signing him before the bubble, where he played arguably the best basketball of his NBA career.

The key addition was Tim Hardaway Jr. The Knicks signed him to a four-year $71 million deal in 2017, which most viewed as an overpay. THJ was averaging over 19 points per game before the trade but was doing it on poor efficiency.

The Mavericks turned him into a catch-and-shoot weapon. It improved his efficiency and has allowed Hardaway Jr. to be a 39-plus percent 3-point shooter for two straight years. Experts expected him to get a four-year $80 million deal this summer in free agency because he took his game to another level in Dallas.

The Mavs acquired three veterans in the Kristaps Porzingis deal, and each has made an impact during their time in Dallas. They need to round out the roster with veterans and continue acquiring them at the deadline. It improves their depth and gives the Dallas Mavericks more options in the playoffs when matchups become crucial.

Next: No. 3