Mavericks-Lakers draft-night trade already looks like a steal for Dallas

After making three picks in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Dallas Mavericks had another trick up their sleeve. They sent the Los Angeles Lakers cash considerations in exchange for the draft rights to the No. 56 overall pick, Vsevolod Ishchenko, also known as Seva. Dallas didn't have to give up anything of value to acquire the 6-foot-8 wing, and this trade with the Lakers is already looking like a steal for the Mavericks through three Summer League games.

The Lakers made the wrong call with Ishchenko

All that Ishchenko had to do to turn this trade into a win for the Mavs was look like someone who could play NBA minutes at some point in his career rather than staying overseas until he retires. Los Angeles was betting on him not developing into an NBA player by making this move. They valued cash more than Seva's draft rights, and Ishchenko's Summer League rise has already made this decision look questionable.

Not only does he look like he'll be an NBA player down the line, but he is proving he may deserve a contract with Dallas as soon as next season. He has the tools of a do-it-all NBA wing, and the Mavs may have stolen him right from the Lakers' grasp.

The Mavs don't have any roster spots open right now, but he should get an invite to training camp at the very least. This would allow Dallas to see how he looks compared to other NBA players, while also giving him the chance to fight for a roster spot. All of the Mavs' two-way spots are filled, but with how easy those deals are to get out of, Seva could give one of Dallas' two-way players a run for their money.

Why Ishchenko's Summer League has been so productive

Ishchenko's physicality, motor, energy, and defense have all been his calling cards for the Mavericks so far. He doesn't shy away from contact, loves to take on tough defensive assignments, and plays as hard as anyone.

The box scores may not scream that Ishchenko has been excellent, but the eye test backs the Russian wing. He took the defensive assignment of guarding Memphis Grizzlies forward Cameron Boozer head-on on Monday night, and he did a great job of containing the former Duke star.

Ishchenko finished with six points, five rebounds, four assists, and three blocks in this game against Memphis, and Mavs Summer League head coach Joe Boylan gushed about Seva's performance in the game.

"Seva was an unsung hero tonight," Boylan said. "I know his impact was absolutely imperative tonight. He guarded one of the best players at Summer League and gave him hell…He’s not afraid of a physical interaction…"

Why Ishchenko can stick in the NBA

Ishchenko's physicality has been one of the best parts of his game at Summer League so far, and he's always bumping someone on both ends of the floor. He loves contact, and his knack for finding the ball helps make him a strong rebounder.

Seva is always in the right place at the right time, and he is also a skilled passer. He seems like he will be a glue guy in the NBA, and once he puts on some muscle and gains some confidence in his jumper, watch out. Ishchenko was a great shooter for Lokomotiv Kuban in Russia before getting drafted, and the Mavericks truly found something in him.

He has been one of the Mavericks' best players at Summer League, and after his first start on Monday, this trade is already looking like a steal for Dallas.

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