Mavericks' Anthony Davis trade is quietly fixing a major problem Dallas can't escape

Khris Middleton has been a fun piece for the Dallas Mavericks since coming over in the Anthony Davis trade, and he's helped fix one of the most prominent issues on Dallas' roster, which has been their lack of 3-point shooting. Without dynamic playmakers like Kyrie Irving in the lineup, Dallas has ranked near the bottom of the league in 3-point percentage, 3-pointers made, and 3-pointers attempted for nearly the entire season, but Middleton may be able to help turn that corner next year.

Dallas could certainly still use more shooting in their lineup, but with Middleton and Klay Thompson coming off the bench now, their lack of playmaking and paint touches from the guard/forward spots has been what's hindered them from becoming a more dynamic shooting team. Middleton is in the last season of his deal, as he'll take home roughly $33.3 million by the time this season wraps up, but he's proven to be a player Dallas should consider re-signing in the offseason.

It's no secret Middleton's best days are behind him, but he can still get scorching-hot from beyond the arc and in the mid-range, as was the case when he scored a season-high 35 points versus the Memphis Grizzlies almost two weeks ago. He and Thompson are a lethal shooting combo off the bench if Dallas has the proper playmaking around them, as the Mavericks are starting to build the foundation of a decent shooting squad for next year.

Khris Middleton's shooting gives Dallas the fix they've needed

While getting draft capital and financial flexibility was the biggest win from the Davis trade, Dallas quietly got a great shooter in Middleton, while not giving up any of their own best shooters. Jaden Hardy would sometimes get on hot streaks, but his shooting was extremely inconsistent from game to game. Dante Exum was developing into a solid shooter based on where he started in his career, but injuries derailed him from ever having a consistent role in Dallas.

D'Angelo Russell never became the threat from downtown off the dribble that the Mavericks thought he would as well, so it's without a doubt that Middleton is easily the best shooter out of anyone in the eight-player Davis trade. Middleton also gives Dallas assurance if they look to trade Klay Thompson, but they definitely would need to add aggregate outside shooters should they move on from Thompson.

Middleton brings much more than shooting

Middleton will turn 35 years old before the start of next season, so he certainly won't be nearly as expensive compared to his last contract, yet he has proven enough in Dallas that the team should explore retaining him on a fair-market deal. He's a solid wing defender as well, even if he's not as prolific on that end as he was during his prime, and he brings championship experience to a younger Mavericks team.

Between Thompson, Irving, and Middleton, the Mavericks have players with a combined five NBA Championships, which is invaluable for someone like Cooper Flagg and a presumptive lottery pick to be around on a day-to-day basis. We'll have to see how this offseason shakes out in regard to Middleton and Thompson, but the Mavericks have the starting blueprint of a better 3-point shooting team next season if they keep both of them and Max Christie keeps get better.