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

Would the Dallas Mavericks make this trade?

Jarrett Allen could be the Mavs' best center in franchise history. The 25-year-old averaged 14.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, 0.8 steals, and 1.2 blocks in 32.6 minutes per game last season. He does not space the floor, but Allen shot 64.4 percent from the field and 73.3 percent on his free throws.

The 6’11 big man could protect the rim, solve the Mavericks’ rebounding issues, and be Luka Doncic’s primary pick and roll partner. His 3.0 possessions per game as a roll man ranked tenth in the NBA last season, and he scored 1.15 points per possession off those plays.

Isaac Okoro is a 22-year-old former top-five pick that needs a change of scenery. His 3-point shooting has improved, but his minutes have steadily decreased in Cleveland. The advanced metrics were strong last season, and Okoro’s defensive potential excited scouts going back to the 2020 NBA Draft. Could he blossom into a coveted 3-and-D wing in Dallas? The Mavericks should not count on it, but there is some untapped potential.

This deal could solve one issue and create another for Luka Doncic and company. They are trading away their two best wing defenders to get Allen and Okoro. The Mavs must add wing depth and perimeter defense this summer. That need would become significantly bigger after making this trade, and it forces general manager Nico Harrison to deal the team’s 2027 first-round pick for a wing.

Trading one draft pick and two rotation players for a 25-year-old All-Star is wise business, and this trade is certainly worth exploring for the Dallas Mavericks.

Grade: B

The Dallas Mavericks must improve their roster this summer, but how will they do it? Can they acquire a game-changing center? Will Kyrie Irving return? Stay tuned for all the latest.