Dallas Mavericks will miss Boban Marjanovic next season

The Dallas Mavericks made a surprising trade to acquire Christian Wood on June 15. They were looking to move their first-round pick and could not pass up the opportunity to land a talented big man. Wood gives the Mavericks another floor spacer that can rebound the ball, and he will be a massive threat playing off Luka Doncic in the pick-and-roll.

The trade costs the Mavericks the 26th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and four players, including fan-favorite Boban Marjanovic. Dallas moved four men that were not part of their playoff rotation to land Wood, and it created some roster flexibility to add more pieces this summer. The Mavs are priming to make another deep playoff run, and adding more talent is a key piece of that equation.

Dallas wanted to keep Bobi, but he had to be included to make the salary matching work. The 7’4 big man will be missed in Dallas next season, and here is a closer look at why.

Dallas Mavericks will miss Boban Marjanovic next season

Marjanovic finished second in the Teammate of the Year voting this season. He is always handing out smiles and lighting up the room. Boban has an extremely close relationship with superstar Luka Doncic, and fans will miss seeing the duo joking and playing one-on-one. The Mavericks will miss the 7’4 big man’s work ethic, personality, and locker room presence next season.

Marc Stein offered a glimmer of hope for MFFLs that want Bobi back in Dallas. Marjanovic would be unable to re-sign with the Mavericks for one year if he is released by the Rockets, but Houston trading him to another team would open the door for the 33-year-old to return to Dallas if he becomes a free agent.

Fans should not expect to see Boban in Dallas next season, but do not count out a future reunion. Marjanovic was the perfect teammate, and he made the Mavericks more interesting. There was always a story to tell about Bobi even if he did not play a second on the court. Thanks for the memories, and hopefully, the 7’4 big man gets more playing time next season.

The Dallas Mavericks will miss Boban Marjanovic next season, but acquiring a starting-caliber center was an important first step for the organization this offseason. They plan to re-sign Theo Pinson to provide a boost in the locker room, and more moves are coming from the Mavs. Stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest.