Should Dallas Mavericks trade or keep their 2023 1st round draft pick?

Why Dallas Mavericks should trade their 2023 first-round draft pick

Draft picks are similar to lottery tickets. Having a high lottery pick is valuable. It is the right to select a talented prospect, but it does not always work out. Dallas has a 65.9 percent chance of having the tenth pick. The tenth selection in previous years has been hit and miss, including Thon Maker, Mikal Bridges, CJ McCollum, and Jimmer Fredette since 2011.

The Mavs pick may never have more value than it does on draft night. General manager Nico Harrison did wonders by trading back into last year’s draft to grab Jaden Hardy in the second round. He already looks like one of the steals of that class, which should give fans some hope that Dallas can nail this year’s selection.

What if they do not? There is a ton riding on this draft, including potentially the futures of both Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving in Dallas. Do the Mavericks want to take that chance on their pick? They could likely acquire a key role player or two for a top-ten draft pick, which is exactly what the Mavs need around Luka and Kyrie.

Trading away the draft pick would give the Dallas Mavericks a bit more certainty about what the player would be next season and beyond. It also speeds up the team’s timeline and gives them a chance to improve immediately.

This is a massive decision for the front office, and like any significant choice, they should consult with their superstar first.