Rumors: Dallas Mavericks looking to trade back into the 2022 NBA Draft

The Dallas Mavericks traded the 26th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and four players to the Houston Rockets to acquire Christian Wood on June 15. They need to upgrade at the five, and the Mavs dealt four players at the backend of their roster to create more space to upgrade at the cost of a late first-round pick. The Stepien Rule prevents the trade from being finalized until after the draft, but it is a done deal. 

Dallas currently has zero picks in the 2022 draft. They sent their second-round selection and Kristaps Porzingis to Washington at the deadline to acquire Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans. The Mavericks did not make a draft choice in 2021, but they may not be happy going two straight years without making a pick.

The Athletic’s Zach Harper dropped the rumor (subscription required) that the Mavericks want to trade into the late first or early second round. Harper notes Trevor Keels and Ismael Kamagate as two potential targets for Dallas if they can secure another draft pick. What should fans make of the latest rumor?

Rumors: Dallas Mavericks looking to trade back into 2022 NBA Draft

Richard Stayman followed up on the rumor by suggesting the Mavericks want to trade into the 30s, and they have several potential targets in that range.

Dallas would have multiple avenues to acquire a second-round pick on draft night. Choices are bought every year in the second round or the Mavericks could trade future selections to acquire one on Thursday night.

The Dallas Mavericks want to make a draft choice, but that does not mean they will be able to find a suitable trade. They wanted to trade up for Tyrese Haliburton in 2020, but Dallas could not find a dance partner and ended up taking Josh Green at 18. It takes two to tango, but this rumor is worth watching during the draft on Thursday night.