Dallas Mavericks solve center woes in B/R hypothetical trade for 3-time All-Star

The Dallas Mavericks are facing arguably the biggest offseason in franchise history. The pressure is on to build a contender around Luka Doncic after missing the postseason entirely. Number 77 wants to win, and the franchise’s fears of him requesting a trade could happen sooner than expected if the roster does not improve.

Dallas must upgrade their defense, rebounding, and rim protection. They lacked size after trading Dorian Finney-Smith to land Kyrie Irving. The Mavs already struggled on the glass, but their defense nosedived as did their record after sending their best defender to Brooklyn for the eight-time All-Star.

Dallas has to acquire a center upgrade this offseason, and Bleacher Report offered a hypothetical trade in their latest piece that sees a three-time All-Star big man head to Dallas after a disappointing season. Would it solve the Mavs’ inside woes?

Dallas Mavericks solve center issues by acquiring 3-time All-Star in B/R hypothetical trade

Bleacher Report has Dallas trading for Rudy Gobert. Would Minnesota even entertain the idea of moving on from three-time Defensive Player of the Year after just one season? The Timberwolves paid a hefty price to acquire the 7’1 big man, but his production dipped in Minnesota. Could Dallas buy low? Here is what Bleacher Report had for the hypothetical deal.

The Mavericks need wing depth, but they are not going to acquire a better rim protector or rebounder than Gobert this summer. The 30-year-old instantly solves the team’s two biggest issues, and it allows them to move off of the worst contract on their books.

Is Gobert the perfect fit? Chemistry issues popped up for Gobert in Utah, and he missed Minnesota’s Play-In Tournament game after punching a teammate. Gobert would improve the Mavs' defense, but he clogs the lane on the other end of the floor. Luka Doncic loves to attack the basket, but Gobert could limit his effectiveness there. It is not perfect, but Dallas does not have the assets to land the ideal option.

The Dallas Mavericks must take risks this summer to improve their roster, and this is exactly the type of deal that they should be searching for. It gives them a chance to buy low on a three-time All-Star that fills two of their best needs. Rudy Gobert is an elite rebounder and rim protector, but would he fit in Dallas?

This is just a hypothetical trade, but one worth considering. The Mavs have much work to do in the months ahead, so stay tuned for all the latest.