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.

Dallas Maverick land Myles Turner and Buddy Hield in blockbuster deal

This proposed trade would send Tim Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber, Richaun Holmes, and an unprotected 2027 first-round pick to the Indiana Pacers. Dallas would acquire Buddy Hield and Myles Turner.

In this deal, Dallas acquires both a starting center and a shooter to pair alongside Doncic and Irving. Hield's ability to shoot the ball at an elite level would ultimately be maximized by Doncic. In addition, having potentially two of the best shooters in the NBA, Hield, and Seth Curry could boost an already powerful offense.

Dallas also acquires a starting center in this presumed deal, which has become the most important position of need. Turner's ability to space the floor and be an intimidating figure on the defensive side of the floor would instantly make Dallas a title contender.

For Indiana, they would obtain the right to an unprotected 2027 first-round pick, which could prove to be very valuable if the Mavericks' current situation falls apart. Dallas is reportedly being "incredibly cautious" about trading this pick, but it could be worth it if a deal like this presents itself.

In addition to the draft pick, the Pacers would acquire three veteran players. Kleber and Holmes would lock up their center rotation and become instant difference makers, while Hardaway Jr. could flourish alongside a young Tyrese Haliburton.

This would be a massive haul for both teams. Indiana would be able to clear up rotation spots while remaining competitive. For Dallas, they get two cornerstone pieces that could elevate them into a contending team.

Here's a look at grades for both teams after the presumed deal would take place.

Grading the trade for the Indiana Pacers

In this presumed deal, Indiana gets off two massive contracts while also obtaining three smaller contracts that keep them competitive. Indiana has a prime opportunity this season to make the playoffs for the first time in a few seasons. However, making this deal keeps them in play-in contention while also acquiring future draft assets.

The Pacers already have the piece they want to build around in Tyrese Haliburton. Surrounding Haliburton with pieces that compliment his playstyle and don't take the ball away from his hands should be important for Indiana, and in this deal, they do exactly this.

Additionally, surrounding head coach Rick Carlisle with familiar faces could prove to be very positive for schemes and overall locker room control. Having Hardaway Jr. under his wing once again could only benefit Carlisle and Haliburton as they race for the playoffs.

Holmes and Kleber will lock down the center positions for an already rich center rotation. The Pacers have compiled quite the frontcourt rotation with signings like Daniel Thies, and Jarace Walker who was their seventh overall pick in this latest NBA Draft.

Getting off Turner's contract and acquiring two bigs who are relatively healthier than Turner could be just what the Pacers need to make a late-season playoff push. Many expect the Pacers to be an underwhelming team once again. But, getting involved in a trade with the Mavericks could push them over that hump, while also obtaining a valuable future draft asset.

Potential starting lineup: Tyrese Haliburton, Tim Hardaway Jr., Benedict Mathurin, Obi Toppin, Jalen Smith

Grading the trade for the Dallas Mavericks

For the Dallas Mavericks, this trade is an easy decision to make. You essentially replace Tim Hardaway Jr.'s. shooting with Buddy Hield's 42.5 percent clip from behind the arc. Pair that with the addition of Dallas native Myles Turner, and you have your formula for the next championship.

The Mavericks lose the one valuable trade asset they still have left, but to acquire a legit bonified third star alongside Doncic and Irving could become a three-headed monster we have never seen in Dallas before.

Turner's ability to space the floor while also being a pick-and-roll threat would be deadly for any opposing defense. On the other side of the floor, Turner has churned out multiple seasons in a row where he has compiled multiple blocks per game. This could be exactly what Dallas is missing for a championship.

The case for Hield would be simple as well. His ability to be an elite shooter would be instantly felt alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. He and Seeth Curry would be two of the best shooters from behind the arc in the league and being on the same team would only bolster this offense more.

The league would be put on notice if this trade ever went through, and Dallas would become instant title contenders. This deal ultimately falls on the Pacers if they are willing to trade Turner. Turner's addition in a deal like this would be unlikely, but Indiana could be fed up with Turner's lack of availability.

Buddy Hield and Myles Turner would instantly be vaulted into the starting rotation alongside the addition of Grant Williams. Pair them with one of the most star-studded backcourts in the league with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, and you have your championship core right there.

Potential starting lineup: Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Buddy Hield, Grant Williams, Myles Turner