Mavericks in bad spot and must take chances: Why it could send them into a rebuild

Dallas Mavericks have limited assets but must take risks to improve

The Mavs are hoping to keep their first-round pick this year. They tanked their final two games to finish with the tenth-worst record in the NBA, and Dallas is clinging to the selection heading into the lottery on May 16. The franchise will be dreaming of moving up, but they have just a 13.9 percent shot at it. The Mavericks only have a 79.8 percent chance of keeping the pick as it goes to New York to complete the Kristaps Porzingis trade if it falls 11th through 14th.

If they keep this year’s pick, Dallas will owe the Knicks their first-rounder in 2024 with a top-ten protection. The Mavericks will be able to trade their 2023 and 2027 first-rounders. If the selection conveys, Dallas has a bit more flexibility, but giving up their 2029 first to land Kyrie means Dallas can only trade two first-rounders this summer.

Josh Green and Jaden Hardy give the Mavs a bit of young talent to include in a deal, but neither player has superstar potential.

Dallas has limited assets and several holes to fill, which means they will have to get creative. The Mavericks may have to gamble on players coming off down years or ones dealing with injuries to acquire all the pieces they need. That is risky. It could result in building a title contender around Luka Doncic or the 24-year-old could request a trade if the roster bottoms out.