5 trades for Dallas Mavericks to upgrade at center

The Dallas Mavericks reached the Western Conference Finals, but their deep postseason run showcased their roster flaws. They need a better number two to pair with superstar Luka Doncic, more wing depth, and a starting center.

Dwight Powell was the team’s weakest link in the starting five, and the Mavs could just be one improvement away from title contention. They had their most success going small and spacing the floor, but Dallas got crushed on the glass and struggled to protect the rim. Finding a new starting center is high on the Mavericks' priority list this offseason.

Dallas is projected to be over the luxury tax line before re-signing Jalen Brunson, so they will not have cap space to sign upgrades. The Mavs have the taxpayer mid-level exception and minimum contract to use in free agency, so their biggest roster improvements will likely come via trade.

Why the Dallas Mavericks are unlikely to pull up off a sign-and-trade

Pulling off a sign-and-trade hard caps a team, and the Mavericks will be over that number if they re-sign Jalen Brunson. Dallas wants to contend for a championship, so salary dumping pieces is not in their best interest. Yes, Deandre Ayton, Mo Bamba, and Mitchell Robinson would be fantastic additions that could start at the five, but all would have to come via sign-and-trades that would cripple the Mavs' roster flexibility.

The Dallas Mavericks should be searching for bargain bin free agents or players already under contract on the trade market to upgrade at the five. Here are five trades they should explore this offseason.