Grade the Trade: Mavericks land elite center and shooter in mock blockbuster deal

The Dallas Mavericks entered the 2022-23 NBA season with a roster that was much more depleted compared to their previous season's run to the conference finals. They compiled a roster that lacked any sort of athleticism and was rich in one-dimensional players.

Throughout the regular season, you could see these aforementioned characteristics start to plague this roster. Topple that with the loss of Jalen Brunson, the Mavericks were in for a rough season. They needed to address these problems quickly and they did exactly that.

The addition of Kyrie Irving was certainly a decision that came with much criticism and many question marks. But finally, the Mavericks had found their coveted second star to fit alongside Luka Doncic.

Grade the Trade: Mavericks land elite center and shooter in mock blockbuster deal

Over the offseason, the Mavericks would replace the role of Dorian Finney-Smith (who was sent in a package deal to acquire Irving) by drafting Olivier-Maxence Prosper. The addition of Grant Williams and Derrick Jones Jr. also aided in the absence of Finney-Smith and Reggie Bullock.

These three, along with other Mavericks' other additions, will have an immediate impact on the rotation. Rookie O-Max Prosper should be able to flourish into a role on day one off the bench. His defensive capabilities and the development of his offensive game will be crucial for the Mavericks as they approach this coming season.

There are still plenty of positives to look at as the Mavericks inch closer to the start of the 2023-24 regular season, but there is still one glaring hole the Mavericks have yet to address on this roster.

The addition of a starting caliber center has been discussed among Mavs fans for many years now. The offseason addition of JaVale McGee was meant to address this problem last season. However, things did not materialize, and McGee had his role diminished in less than ten games.

Recently, Indiana Pacers guard Buddy Hield has been in trade rumors after contract extension talks fizzled out between the two sides. Given that Shams Charania reported yesterday that Dallas has registered interest in Hield for several months, could the Mavericks become a potential suitor for Hield?

This wouldn't be the first time the two sides have been linked together. During the 2020-21 season, the Mavericks and Hield were linked as a potential trade destination when he requested out of Sacramento. This deal would never come together, and Hield was sent in a package deal to the Pacers.

However, there is hope the Mavericks could land Hield this time around. Could the Mavericks expand on this deal and include a starting center? This trade has the Mavericks acquiring both Hield and potentially a slam-dunk addition at the center position.