Grade the Trade: Dallas Mavericks finally get All-Star center in wild proposal

The Dallas Mavericks are looking to make significant upgrades this offseason after missing the playoffs for the first time since Luka Doncic’s rookie season. They need multiple pieces, but the Mavs have limited assets to acquire them.

Their top priority re-signing Kyrie Irving, who is an unrestricted free agent. The Mavs gave up Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, one first-round draft pick, and two second-rounders for the eight-time All-Star in February. They cannot afford to lose their second-best player with zero return for the second straight year.

Dallas is expected to be active and aggressive this summer, but can they make significant upgrades? They desperately need to improve at the five, and Bleacher Report offered this hypothetical deal to give Dallas their center of the present and future.

Dallas Mavericks get All-Star center to pair with Luka Doncic

Center has been the team’s weakness in the Luka era. Dwight Powell started during their run to the conference finals in 2022, but the Mavs struggled to rebound and protect the rim. They signed JaVale McGee to replace him last summer, but that did not work out. It left DP to return to the starting lineup, but the problems remained.

The Mavs must find a new starting center this offseason, and the Cleveland Cavaliers need wing depth after a surprising first-round playoff exit. Could the two link up with Jarrett Allen being shipped to Dallas? Here is Bleacher Report’s idea.

This could be a win-win trade for both sides. Here is a look at why both teams would make this deal before grading it from a Mavericks perspective.