Grade the Trade: Mavericks land former number 1 pick in potential blockbuster

Would the Dallas Mavericks make this trade?

Center has been an issue for the Mavericks for years. Tyson Chandler was a key addition to the 2011 championship roster, but he was only in Dallas for one year. The position has been an issue ever since, except for the one season where Chandler returned in 2015.

Deandre Ayton would be one of the team’s best centers in franchise history the moment they acquired him, and he would have the opportunity to go down as the Mavs' best. If Ayton gets back to protecting the rim and can expand his offensive game, the 6’11 big man could become an unstoppable two-way force.

This move also allows the Dallas Mavericks to get off of their two worst contracts. Davis Bertans is set to make $17 million next season, despite not being part of the team’s nightly rotation. Tim Hardaway Jr is owed $34.1 million over the next two seasons. Dallas folds those two players into a talented center that gives them a “Big 3” to build around if they can keep Kyrie Irving making this trade a no-brainer.

Grade: A

The Dallas Mavericks must improve the roster around Luka Doncic this summer. They have limited assets, and the pressure is on. Can the Mavs make a massive splash? Stay tuned to find out.