"Dream trade" article has Mavericks acquiring Porzingis 2.0 in step backward

The Dallas Mavericks must improve their roster around Luka Doncic this summer if they want to get back into contention. They need to upgrade their perimeter defense, rim protection, and rebounding. The Mavs have limited assets, but they cannot start the season with Dwight Powell on the floor again.

Dallas must learn from past mistakes, though. They signed JaVale McGee to be their starter last summer, and the veteran big man was out of the rotation less than two weeks into the regular season. The Mavs also made a blockbuster trade for Kristaps Porzingis in 2019 that did not work. The Unicorn struggled to stay healthy before being shipped to Washington at the 2022 trade deadline.

Bleacher Report detailed every team’s "dream" offseason trade target in their latest piece, but they missed badly on selecting Myles Turner for the Mavericks. Just like KP, the 6’11 big man is a perfect fit on paper, but not in reality.

Dallas Mavericks acquiring Myles Turner would be Kristaps Porzingis 2.0 in a step backward

Turner is one of the best shot blockers in the NBA today. The Dallas native’s ability to space the floor, score, and protect the rim would be fantastic next to Luka Doncic, but can the Mavericks count on him? Turner has played more than 65 games just twice in his eight-year NBA career, and he averages 54.5 games per season over the last four. Porzingis is averaging exactly 54 over that stretch.

The Mavs have been plagued by mismanagement for years, and this would just be another misstep. Dallas gave a massive contract to a big man with the dreams of him being their defensive anchor and floor spacing five that fit perfectly next to Luka Doncic. It did not work because Porzingis could not stay healthy. Acquiring Myles Turner would just be repeating the same process and praying for a different result.

The Dallas Mavericks’ “dream trade target” should be a wing. They would love to add Jaylen Brown, but the Mavs do not have the assets for that move. Could they acquire OG Anunboy or Mikal Bridges? Still not enough, but the Mavericks could get Dorian Finney-Smith back or a similar defensive-minded option. That is more ideal for their roster than an injury-prone big man that will command a hefty price.

The Dallas Mavericks need a new starting center, but they should not pay for Myles Turner. The Indiana Pacers are going to have a significant asking price after years of not trading him. Dallas needs a lower-cost option that can rebound, set screens, and protect the rim. Floor spacing is optional. Who will they find? Stay tuned to find out.