5 trades for Dallas Mavericks to upgrade at center

Trade for Dallas Mavericks to upgrade at center: 1. Get Gobert from Jazz

The Mavs need a center, and Rudy Gobert is unquestionably one of the best ones in the league. He is the three-time Defensive Player of the Year for a reason. The 7’1 big man papered over Utah’s lack of perimeter defense in recent years to make them an above-average unit. He is one of the best rim protectors and rebounds in the NBA, which would have a massive impact in Dallas.

Bleacher Report produced this hypothetical trade that puts Gobert on the Mavericks.

Mavericks receive: Rudy Gobert

Jazz receive: Tim Hardaway Jr., Dwight Powell, Josh Green, 2025 first-round pick, 2026 first-round swap

This is a no-brainer for Dallas. Hardaway Jr. did not play in their Western Conference Finals run because of a foot injury, so they would be dealing Powell and Green for an elite interior defender and screen-setter. Gobert would be a devastating pick and roll partner for Luka Doncic, and he immediately makes Dallas a title contender.

The Dallas Mavericks would have to give up draft compensation, including at least one if not two first-round picks to get the deal done. Marc Stein reported (subscription required) that they are not as interested as some suggest, but Rudy Gobert would be game-changing in Dallas.

Will the Mavs pull off a trade to acquire a starting center this offseason? Stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest, and let us know who you think Dallas should target in the comment section below.