Grade the Trade: Mavs help Bulls facilitate 3-team Zach Lavine mock blockbuster

Grading the trade for the Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks are essentially the third team in this deal. Not a key player, the Mavericks help facilitate the trade by acquiring a potentially disgruntled former top-five pick and a near $20 million salary player in Duncan Robinson.

Despite acquiring a large-salary player, Dallas does ship out Maxi Kleber and Richaun Holmes. Two players, 30 years old or older, with a combined salary of $23 million.

The biggest loss for the Mavericks in this trade is Jaden Hardy. The young guard is a microwave scorer with plenty of untapped potential. This season, his impact isn't aligning with offseason expectations. He's only averaged 12.6 minutes per game.

Although Hardy is still a young asset, the acquisition of Williams offsets the loss. Williams is only 22 years old and has three full seasons of experience under his belt. The Mavs have seemed more keen on playing forwards this season, thus Williams would be a sound fit.

The Mavericks could start the 3-and-D wing at forward, over Derrick Jones Jr., or employ him as a sixth man, allowing him to shine with the second unit.

The second part of the trade, Robinson, adds yet another 3-point threat to the Dallas offense. Robinson would be the fifth player on the Dallas roster to average more than 2.5 3-pointers per game. Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Tim Hardaway Jr., Grant Williams, and Robinson would average a combined 15.8 3-pointers per game. Those five would rank third in the league by themselves.

The loss of longtime forward Kleber may sting a bit, but the 31-year-old has quickly declined. Kleber is averaging only 3.4 points per game on inefficient shooting. He's shooting 25 percent from the floor and 33 percent from downtown. The German big man is also dealing with a troublesome toe injury.

Potential starting lineup: Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Patrick Williams, Grant Williams, Dereck Lively II

The Mavs receive a B+ for this trade. While the coaching staff seemingly prioritizes wing depth, keeping Hardy will pay dividends down the road. Especially if Hardaway Jr. is traded sometime soon.

Williams may be able to slide in at the three or the four, but his potential may be more intriguing than his actual value. Additionally, it was reported that Williams sought a massive contract extension before the deadline on October 23. He'll head into next season as a restricted free agent, thus Williams could come and go within a year.

Robinson is a fantastic shooter, but that's it. Dallas already has two other players capable of filling this exact role.