Grade the Trade: Mavericks get third star in massive blockbuster proposal

Grade the trade for the Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks have one major trade chip in the No. 10 pick, and they would ideally come away from this next week with as big of a star as they can find using that pick. It would be hard to pull a bigger star on this year's trade market than Khris Middleton, who is a multi-time All-Star and recent champion.

There are certainly other stars available who appear similarly talented, but none of them have been tested by fire and come through triumphant on the playoff stage like Middleton. Players like Bradley Beal or Karl-Anthony Towns don't have that track record. If the Mavericks want to win now, a player like Middleton makes a lot of sense.

The question then becomes Middleton's injury history. He missed last year's playoffs and much of this season with a knee injury that also led to a new surgery this offseason. Can the Mavericks rely on Middleton to be available? That's a very real question, but it's likely the only reason such a player is even available is the injury; can they afford to take the swing?

If Dallas wants their best chance to win a title in the next two seasons, Middleton is a great choice. To add him, they would sacrifice some of their future, but if they don't prove to Luka Doncic soon that they are a competent franchise that can surround him with a contender, that future might not matter.

In the end, if this deal ever makes it to the light of day, the Mavs need to strongly consider it.

Grade: B+