Grading 3 hypothetical Dallas Mavericks trades as 2023 deadline approaches

Grading Dallas Mavericks hypothetical trade: 2. Reddish for Bullock swap

The Knicks have been exploring Cam Reddish trades for a while. The 6’8 wing is not currently in head coach Tom Thibodeau’s rotation, and he has struggled to get consistent minutes since joining the Knicks at the last season’s trade deadline.

Marc Stein reported (subscription required) that New York plans to trade Reddish before the deadline with the Mavericks, Bucks, and Lakers among the current suitors. The Knicks want a second-round draft pick for Reddish, according to Stein, but they have a different target in mind from the Mavericks.

Reggie Bullock was outstanding during the 2020-2021 season with the Knicks as he shot 41.0 percent from 3-point range and helped New York make the playoffs. He signed with the Mavericks in free agency the following summer, and the Knicks want him back in a Reddish deal.

Bullock has struggled this season, but he is currently the better player, and the Mavericks are going to have to pay Reddish this summer as he heads into restricted free agency. It does not make sense for Dallas to give up the better player now in this trade, which is why the final deal was a straight swap.

Grade: C

Still, trading Reggie Bullock for Cam Reddish straight up does not make a ton of sense for the Dallas Mavericks. Bullock is the superior player right now and the better current fit on the Mavs. Reddish is a subpar shooter that needs time to develop. Dallas could take a shot on his upside, but losing Bullock could be costly if the 6’6 wing can regain his form from last season.