Grade the Trade: How could the Dallas Mavericks pull off a deal for D’Angelo Russell?

Why would the Dallas Mavericks trade for D’Angelo Russell?

The Mavs desperately need another playmaker that can run their offense. They thrived last season with two ball-handlers on the floor, but head coach Jason Kidd only has two trusted options on his current roster. Dallas is locked in on finding another playmaker and upgrading at the five before the Feb. 9 trade deadline.

This trade with the Timberwolves allows them to do both and might only cost the Mavericks one first-round pick. What is the market for D’Angelo Russell? Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus mentioned four teams as interested in the 6’4 point guard, but at what price? If Dallas only has to part with one first-round pick, they would still have draft capital to trade to further upgrade their roster this summer.

There would be defensive concerns about a backcourt featuring Luka Doncic and D’Angelo Russell, but they would be difficult to stop on the offensive end of the floor. DLo is comfortable playing off the ball, and he is a career 35.9 percent 3-point shooter. He would be a massive upgrade, and it would allow coach Kidd to diversify his offense. That alone makes the trade worthwhile.

Trade grade: B-minus

Will the Dallas Mavericks make a massive splash before the Feb. 9 trade deadline or is it another quiet year? Keep an eye on the rumors, and stay tuned for all the latest.