
Should the Dallas Mavericks trade first-round draft picks for role players?
It is the age-old question for Dallas right now. Do they go for the quick fix that will improve the situation in this instance or wait for the opportunity to do it correctly? The Mavericks will be favorites to acquire a star in 2023 because Luka Doncic will be the best player in the NBA.
Dallas has never landed the big fish in free agency, but they have done well in trades. The Mavs need the draft capital to pull off a blockbuster and that will take patience.
The new front office led by Nico Harrison should not trade a first-round pick for Lauri Markkanen or another role player that becomes available closer to the trade deadline. If they can get him for a second-round choice by all means. The same goes for Goran Dragic. If the veteran gets bought out, the Mavericks should sign him in a heartbeat.
There is no need to trade draft picks now. The Dallas Mavericks are going to make the playoffs and have a chance to win the first round. Neither Dragic nor Markkanen moves their needle. The Mavs should be keeping their first-round picks for a future blockbuster because winning a championship is the key to keeping Luka Doncic in Dallas beyond his second NBA contract.