Mavericks' pointless Kawhi Leonard rumor followed by one that makes way more sense

The Dallas Mavericks have shown interest in trading for Kawhi Leonard, but these rumors were followed by a separate trade rumor that makes much more sense. Despite the potential of a wing duo of Cooper Flagg and Kawhi Leonard, the LA Clippers star is 35 years old while Flagg is 19. These trade rumblings never made any sense to begin with, given Dallas' new timeline around Flagg, but a trade for someone like Cameron Johnson of the Denver Nuggets is far more logical.

Johnson is a smarter trade target compared to Leonard

He's over four years younger than Leonard, and the Mavericks would have to give up far less to acquire him as well. The Leonard rumors were strange from the start, and while trading for a top player in the Western Conference would help them win more over the next few seasons, it wouldn't be a smart long-term play. They just salvaged their future by trading Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis in 2025. They can't afford to make another win-now move for Leonard at the beginning of Flagg's career.

But this is a different story with Johnson, as the former North Carolina Tar Heel is officially on Dallas' radar. He isn't a star anymore by any means, and Dallas wouldn't have to break the bank to bring him in. They could even prioritize offloading his contract rather than shooting for a massive return.

According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Mavericks are "believed to be among the many interested teams" in the 6-foot-8 sharpshooter (subscription required). Johnson is entering the final year of a four-year, $94.5 million deal with Denver, and teams across the league believe that he is the most likely player to be traded by the Nuggets this summer.

He is a career 39.6 percent 3-point shooter, and with the Mavs' need for more shooting, he makes too much sense for them to ignore.

Cameron Johnson would give Dallas the shooter they need

Dallas was one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the NBA last season, and something has to change if they want to get back on track. Drafting Sergio De Larrea helps, but they need to bring in some experienced shooters as well. Masai Ujiri and Mike Schmitz can't expect the team to take a major leap in the right direction without adding more shooters, and this is something the team has already mentioned they'd like to address.

Johnson would immediately become one of the best shooters on the team, as he shot 43 percent from three on 4.7 attempts per game last season. His 3-point percentage from Denver would be the highest of players who are under contract with the Mavs next year, and he would help give Flagg much more floor spacing to knife to the rim.

His fit is easy to see, but Denver could even consider throwing in some sweeteners to get off Johnson's contract and add more value. This is why a trade for him could be so appealing for the Mavs.

The Mavericks would be helping Denver out considerably

This sweetener could include second-round draft capital, as the Nuggets should look to free up some money before signing Peyton Watson to a new contract. Watson is a restricted free agent, meaning Denver can match any offer, but they should look to make some moves to avoid the second apron.

Trading Johnson would help them make re-signing Watson easier, and Dallas can help them do this by taking Johnson off their hands.

At worst, the Mavs could let him walk after one season if he doesn't play well. But if he plays well, which he should in Dusty May's system, Dallas would have a veteran whom they could consider re-signing next summer as a key piece of their future as they look to return to the NBA Playoffs for the first time since 2024.

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