Mavericks' newest trade target would be a dream fit for Dallas

The Dallas Mavericks have surprisingly been rumored to show interest in trading for Los Angeles Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard, but it would be a far better fit and would be more risk-averse if they traded for another player they have been rumored to have interest in: that being Denver Nuggets forward Cam Johnson. Dallas has interest in trading for Johnson, and he'd be the perfect role player in Dallas for a variety of reasons.

Johnson is set to make $22.5 million next season, so while Dallas couldn't use any of their traded player exceptions from the Anthony Davis deal to directly absorb Johnson, they could definitely get him for relatively cheap, considering Denver actively needs to shed money to avoid the second apron once again. He is the newest player that the Mavs have been linked to in trade rumors, and Dallas should make a real run at him.

Because Denver needs to reduce payroll, this could mean Dallas could get a young flyer or a pick attached to Johnson, depending on what they give up to Denver in the deal, as the Nuggets simply don't have the same leverage that they would if it weren't so imminent for them to make a cost-cutting move.

Cam Johnson would be the perfect fit in Dallas if they traded for him

Johnson fits Dallas perfectly, as he's shown the ability to adapt to a variety of different roles throughout his career and has guard skills from the wing position. He could be an effective cutter in Dallas' offense and could space the floor at the forward spot, unlike any other player Dallas currently has on its roster.

With Dallas' future resting in the hands of 19-year-old budding star Cooper Flagg, Dallas can't afford to mortgage their future by making an all-in move for someone like Leonard, and trading for a player like Johnson would be the antithesis of that, as Dallas would probably get more value than they'd send out for him.

Dallas ranked just 26th in the league in 3-point percentage last season, so getting a versatile forward like Johnson, who shot 48 percent from the field and 43 percent from downtown last season, would be huge. Johnson's still in the middle of his prime at 30 years old, and he's a very cerebral player who has proven he can play a certain role based on the personnel of his squad.

Johnson doesn't sacrifice Dallas' long-term goals around Flagg

Even though Johnson is a bigger-bodied wing, he has the slashing and driving ability to be involved in a variety of different actions, and he flashed some self-creation ability during his time with the Brooklyn Nets.

Johnson may not thrust the Mavericks immediately into contender status like some other names on the trade market, like Leonard, but he'd definitely cost less and would give Dallas the ability to hold on to some of the bargaining chips they'll need when building around Flagg for the future.

Dallas can't be in the business of making risky moves right now, so trading for a great locker room veteran like Johnson, who can contribute at a high level and knows his role, would be the perfect middle ground in terms of making a deal this offseason. He's the type of player who would help Dallas return to the playoffs next season, and they wouldn't be committing to any long-term money in this instance, with him set to hit free agency in the summer of 2027.

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