3 Josh Green trades that make the Mavericks contenders

The Dallas Mavericks begin their season in less than a week and a half. This means that the team may experience roster changes and lineup adjustments leading up to the game. During Dallas' first three preseason games, the Mavs experimented with different starting lineups. Aside from Luka Doncic and Grant Williams, each game had various players getting playing time.

However, one thing Mavs' fans must be ready for is change. Over the past two seasons, the team has seen the organization make big in-season trades. In 2022, Dallas traded Kristaps Porzingis to the Washington Wizards. A year later, the group made a trade for NBA Champion Kyrie Irving.

3 Josh Green trades that make the Mavericks contenders

So, it's possible the Mavs could make an in-season depending on how the year goes. Some names who could end up on the trading block include Tim Hardaway Jr. and Josh Green.

Hardaway Jr. has been brought into trade talks numerous times over the past years. His name was frequently mentioned in the offseason. It was expected that Dallas would trade the NBA veteran.

Another player who could get shipped is Green. During the offseason, ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported that his name was an attractive trade piece. Now, the Mavs have a decision to make.

Should the team extend Green's contract or should they trade him to help upgrade their roster?

Green is entering the final year of his rookie contract. He has expressed his desire to play in Dallas. However, if the Mavs do trade Green what might that look like?

Here are three trades Dallas could make, if they do plan to get rid of Green.

3. Mavs bring back fan-favorite wing in trade with Nets

One hypothetical trade the Mavs could make is trading Josh Green for former fan-favorite Dorian Finney-Smith. The ex-Mav could be the missing 3-and-D player the team is looking for. Dallas would have to wait until the trade deadline to make this move, but it would be massive if they can pull this off.

In the trade, Dallas would acquire Finney-Smith, along with center Day'Ron Sharpe, while the team would trade Josh Green, Maxi Kleber, and their 2027 first-round selection.

This trade would give Dallas a familiar face and a proven 3-and-D player. Although he's not a star, he would give the Mavs great depth on the wing.

When Finney-Smith played with the Mavericks, he grew his game each year. In his last year with the team, he averaged 9.1 points per game and 4.7 rebounds. The year prior, he averaged 11.1 points per game, 4.7 rebounds, and shot 39.5 percent from the three-point line.

Defensively, Finney-Smith does a great job guarding a variety of players. He can switch between the three and four spot. While his numbers may not translate on paper, his hard work is best shown on the court.

As for Sharpe, Dallas would also be getting a young athletic center who can make his presence known down low.

The Nets add a 22-year-old who continues to improve his game. Like Finney-Smith, Green is interchangeable at various positions and can be a menace on the defensive side.

Along with Green, Brooklyn would get a power forward that stretches the floor with outside shooting. Kleber gives the Nets another veteran with plenty of experience.

The most important asset is Brooklyn receiving a future first-rounder. This helps them prepare for the future.

Doing this trade could benefit both teams as Dallas looks to continue improving their roster.

2. Mavs land star defender in trade with Raptors

If Dallas does decide to trade Josh Green, one player the team should acquire is Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby. The 6-foot-7 small forward is a step up from Green and would be a valuable asset to the team.

Over the past three seasons, Anunoby has averaged above 15 points per game and 1.5 steals. Last season, he dropped 16.8 points, five rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game. He had his best stretch during December when he poured in 18.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and two steals per game. Anunoby is also an excellent 3-point shooter; he has a career average of 37.5 percent from downtown.

His 16.8 points per game average is higher than anyone on the Mavs' roster, not named Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Not to mention, his 1.9 steals outperforms everyone in a Dallas uniform.

On Toronto's side, they would receive a young player who is still developing on both sides of the ball. The Raptors would be saving money, as they'd get Green without breaking the bank. They would be able to re-sign him or let him walk in free agency (although letting him walk wouldn't make much sense)

The Raptors would also get a veteran shooter whose career average is 14.4 points per game. Adding Hardaway Jr. would help make up for the loss of Anunoby and give Toronto a knockdown shooter with plenty of NBA experience.

Plus, Toronto gets additional draft selections. This seems like a win for both teams, but Toronto may not give up Anunoby this easily. They would likely want more assets.

1. Mavs land Buddy Hield in blockbuster with Pacers

One final trade that could work for the Dallas Mavericks is giving up Josh Green, Tim Hardaway Jr., and the team's 2025 second-rounder for Indiana Pacers guard Buddy Hield. The Mavs have already been linked to Hield this offseason, and this trade finally lands him in Dallas.

This hypothetical trade would give the team an extra scorer to pair alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

If Dallas were to obtain Hield, it would help the team improve their offensive production and give them a lethal 3-point shooter. Hield has a career average of 16.1 points per game. Last season, he tallied 16.8 points per game and shot 42.5 percent from three.

His 3-point average last season would outperform everyone on the Mavs' roster, and his points per game would trail only Doncic and Irving. Hield also averaged 1.2 steals per game last season.

Hield is entering the final year of his four-year contract with Indiana. If Dallas did acquire him, they could either re-sign him or let him walk in free agency. Dallas could have a good chance to re-sign Hield, as he spends parts of the offseason in Dallas and has a house here,, but could let him walk if things don't work out.

On the Pacers' side, they would get a player in Green who is a better defender than Hield. Adding Green would help them develop their young core. Plus, it's possible he could become the team's sixth man.

Indiana would also help Dallas get rid of Hardaway Jr.'s contract. Both teams would benefit, as Dallas uses the trade as a salary move while the Pacers get two veteran players.

Trading Green is a question the Mavs must answer this upcoming season. Is Green worth an extension? Or could Dallas look elsewhere?