Grade the Trade idea: Mavericks land defensive ace in Damian Lillard blockbuster

Grading the trade for the Dallas Mavericks

Dallas will eventually be the forgotten team in this trade. However, the Mavs are crucial to pushing this trade through.

The Heat and Blazers are wanting a trade to come to fruition, but the sides most likely won't agree to terms. The Heat lack the young assets that the Blazers ultimately desire. In this trade, the Mavs aren't necessarily giving the Blazers the assets that the Heat lack, but the Mavs are taking the worst contract in the trade, off the books.

Dallas would absorb Kyle Lowry's contract while shipping out Richaun Holmes, Reggie Bullock, and JaVale McGee. Lowry only has a year left on his deal, unlike Holmes and McGee, who have two more seasons. The Mavs are shipping out Bullock, who's owed $10 million this season, and McGee and Holmes, who are owed a combined $36 million over the next two seasons.

Acquiring Kyle Lowry would solidify the backup point guard position while adding an NBA Champion. If the Mavs are looking to excel in the playoffs, rostering a player like Lowry is of grave importance, no matter his contribution level.

Aside from Lowry, Dallas would receive defensive ace Matisse Thybulle from the Blazers. Thybulle would be a fantastic addition, and it's rumored that Dallas is interested in Thybulle. To acquire Thybulle, a sign-and-trade is required. It's been known that the Mavs have had their eyes on Thybulle for quite some time now.

Thybulle would instantly be the best defender on the Mavs. He has two All-Defensive Team selections on his resume. In the history of the Dallas Mavericks, only two past players have made an All-Defensive team. Thybulle could potentially start at forward or come off the bench and finish games with the starters. Either way, Thybulle would be tasked with defending each opposing team's best guard or wing.

Also, for good measure, the Heat would throw the Mavs a second-round pick for taking on Lowry's contract and providing them with Bullock and McGee. Something the Mavs need, as they don't have a second-rounder until 2030.

Potential starting lineup: Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, Matisse Thybulle, Maxi Kleber, Dereck Lively II

Dallas would receive a B+ for this trade. The Mavs don't necessarily need to be the team involved in this trade, but adding Lowry and most importantly, Thybulle is a nice touch. Trading away McGee and Holmes affects the center rotation, but the Mavs drafted Dereck Lively II with the 12th pick and re-signed team favorite Dwight Powell.