Dallas Mavericks land Toronto Raptors star Pascal Siakam in massive blockbuster trade
In this mock move, the Dallas Mavericks pull off a massive blockbuster trade with the Toronto Raptors that lands them Pascal Siakam. Dallas' interest in Siakam was reported to be "overstated," but this is a move that shouldn't be ruled out. It's clear that Dallas wants to upgrade at the power forward position, and Siakam is one of the best at that position in the NBA.
In this deal, Dallas loses four players who are part of their rotation, but they land a third star to pair next to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving in Siakam and a lengthy wing in Jalen McDaniels. Both players would play immediately for Dallas, but it wouldn't come at a small price.
Dallas loses Tim Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber, Jaden Hardy, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper. Although Kleber has been hurt for almost the entire season, and Prosper hasn't consistently been in the rotation, both of those losses hurt. Prosper has immense potential, and Kleber (at his best) has been elite in his role for the Mavs.
Hardaway Jr. has also solidified himself as a top Sixth Man of the Year candidate and Hardy has shown flashes that he can be a great bench piece for this team. All four players would be good pieces for the Raptors to build around Scottie Barnes, and the Mavs form an elite big three.
Hardaway Jr. is someone who has been in trade rumors for months, and maybe his high level of play will boost his value enough to help this trade happen.
After this trade, the Mavs will look completely different and could have the star power to make an NBA Finals run considering Siakam's elite skills and playoff experience that includes an NBA Finals ring.
Next, we grade the trade for both teams involved and discuss how each team would look following this trade.