Mavericks should call the Lakers to escape failed experiment with a risky trade

Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley recently suggested a mock trade sending Austin Reaves and a 2031 first-round pick from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Dereck Lively II and Caleb Martin. At first, Mavericks fans might hesitate. Lively is still one of the franchise’s most promising young players, and Martin was acquired just last trade deadline. However, considering Dallas’s 2025 roster, this deal makes a lot of sense.

The Mavericks have already changed their identity since Luka Doncic left. With Kyrie Irving set to be healthy sooner than expected, Anthony Davis leading the defense, and rookie Cooper Flagg emerging as a key player, Dallas has the star power to compete in the Western Conference. Veterans like Klay Thompson and P.J. Washington provide reliable shooting and versatility, but the team still struggles to find a consistent third option on the perimeter. Irving is the main ball handler, but at this stage in his career, he can’t be expected to carry that burden every night, returning from a major knee injury.

That’s where Austin Reaves comes in. At 27, he’s entering his prime and has shown he can score in the playoffs and serve as a secondary playmaker. Reaves can handle the ball, run pick-and-rolls, and create shots when the offense slows down. This is exactly what Dallas has missed in crucial moments. Unlike some high-usage guards, Reaves doesn’t need to dominate the ball to be effective. He spaces the floor, makes quick decisions, and fits well with the stars. On a roster with Irving, Davis, Flagg, and Thompson, that type of skill is invaluable.

This mock trade would balance the present and future of the Mavericks

Of course, losing Lively II is tough.

His defensive energy and rim protection are still valuable assets. But with Davis and Daniel Gafford already in the frontcourt, Dallas has enough size and interior defense. If the Mavericks are serious about maximizing their chances to win now, they can trade from a position of strength to address a more pressing need.

The part of this deal involving Caleb Martin is where it becomes really practical. Dallas traded for Martin to be a two-way wing who could shoot and defend multiple positions. However, the experiment hasn’t worked out as planned.

His inconsistency on offense, constant injuries, and fit with Washington and Naji Marshall have made him somewhat redundant. Trading him allows the Mavericks to improve their wing rotation, get out from under his contract, and replace that roster spot with a player (Reaves) who offers much more offensive reliability. This resolves two issues at once: ending the Martin experiment while upgrading the backcourt.

Adding the 2031 first-round pick also makes this deal beneficial for Dallas. Even though it won’t have immediate value, that kind of long-term draft capital could become an important asset if the Mavericks need to make another trade down the line. Essentially, Dallas wouldn’t just be adding Reaves; they’d be improving their roster and expanding their asset pool.

In summary, this trade makes sense for Dallas because it addresses several problems at once. Reaves provides the reliable secondary creator they’ve needed; Lively II’s loss is covered by Davis and Gafford, and Martin’s exit clears up a failed experiment. For a team pursuing a championship in the post-Luka era, this is the kind of smart move that can bring them closer to a title run.