Perfect trade to fix Mavericks' shooting issue is staring them in the face

Heading into the offseason, one of the Dallas Mavericks' biggest holes on their roster was the lack of guards and playmaking throughout the team. With this in mind, Nico Harrison and the Mavericks' front office took to the first day of free agency to sign D'Angelo Russell in the hopes that he could bring much-needed ball-handling to Dallas' roster.

Without a doubt, guard help was the Mavericks' greatest need; almost more importantly, the team needed shooting after hitting rock bottom from downtown at the end of the season. While it's no secret that Russell will bring facilitation to Dallas' starting five, he will also bring much-needed shooting; however, he alone won't be enough to make the Mavericks a fearsome offensive juggernaut.

Even with the addition of Klay Thompson, the Mavericks struggled to stay in the top half of the league at the end of the season when it came to shooting numbers, which is likely why they signed Miles Kelly to a two-way contract, who was a sharpshooter out of college. With Kelly and Thompson alone not being able to shift Dallas' shooting numbers in the right direction, it may be in the Mavericks' best interest if they look to the trade market to acquire another talented offensive weapon.

Mavericks need to pounce on a trade for Dean Wade before it's too late

For a long time, the Mavericks prided themselves on their shot-taking capabilities and would often finish in the top half of the league in offensive efficiency or three-point shot making. While Dallas is still looked at as a respected offensive unit, the reality is that when Harrison pulled the trigger on the trade to send Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Mavericks lost their offensive identity and still have yet to find it.

While one move isn't likely going to shift the tide in creating an offensive powerhouse for the Mavericks, there is a trade that Dallas could make that would solve many offensive problems and fit within the team's budget.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade has been a sought-after asset for a few seasons now due to his team-friendly contract and what he brings on the court. By no means is Wade a flashy offensive talent, and in fact, the big man flourishes when he is getting the ball dished to him for wide-open shots around the perimeter, but the six-year veteran does much more than just shoot the ball at an elite rate.

Coming out of Kansas State, Wade was not a heavily sought-after collegiate athlete and went undrafted before signing with the Cavaliers in 2019. Since landing in Cleveland, Wade has made a name for himself as a positive locker room piece and a player who brings a lot more to the offensive end than just shooting.

While Shooting would be the main reason the Mavericks would be trading for a player like Wade, he can also play-make in spurts and even create his offense off the dribble. Last season with the Cavaliers, Wade became a staple rotational piece off the bench down the stretch of the season when he was healthy.

For Dallas, Wade makes perfect sense because he will instantly be able to spread the floor and add yet another player who can stretch the defense or attack off closeouts. Additionally, the Mavericks wouldn't need to give up any positive assets in return, and due to Wade's $6.6 million contract, it would likely mean the Mavericks could swap Jaden Hardy's $6 million contract for Wade, straight up.

Many fans would hate to see Hardy go in this transaction, but after three seasons where Hardy has failed to meet expectations or flourish into the tertiary ball-handler Dallas needs him to be, it's clear the Mavericks need to end that experiment. Swapping Wade for Hardy straight might seem unrealistic to many, which is why the Mavericks might need to attach a second-round pick to the deal, considering Hardy is viewed as a negative asset.

For Wade, Dallas makes perfect sense considering their need for shooting. While the Mavericks do have a logjam at the forward position, Wade would become a difference-maker due to his offensive talent.

While this is all just speculation from fans on social media, Wade would be the perfect addition for a Mavericks squad looking to build around Cooper Flagg and to add a player of Wade's capabilities.