Grade the Trade: Mavericks land dream center target in shocking proposal

Would the Dallas Mavericks accept this trade?

This is a no-brainer trade for the Mavs. They fill their biggest need with a player the franchise has targeted the entire offseason in exchange for two players that do not factor into the team’s future. Marc Stein reported Dallas plans to trade or waive JaVale McGee (subscription required) before the start of training camp. The Mavericks are not bringing back Christian Wood either. C-Wood is likely looking at a minimum contract unless he can convince Dallas to sign-and-trade him somewhere.

The Hawks likely give this trade an F. Yes, Capela may be slightly overpaid, but he is a capable starter that helps his team. It is difficult to trade a center because so many teams already have a strong option, but that does not take away from Capela’s impact.

The Dallas Mavericks will continue to talk to the Atlanta Hawks about a Clint Capela trade. The odds improve if the Hawks acquire a star, like Pascal Siakam, but that seems unlikely.

Grade: A+

The Mavs would be over the moon if they only had to give up Christian Wood and JaVale McGee to get Clint Capela. Dallas would likely make this move even if it cost them all of the second-round draft picks they have available to trade.

The Mavericks do not want to part with their 2027 first-rounder because they would have to leave it unprotected, but the seconds they just acquired will be back on the table if the right deal comes along.

Will the Dallas Mavericks trade for a starting center before training camp? Stay tuned to find out.