Dallas Mavericks' top 3 'realistic' trade options ahead of 2024-25 season

2. Julius Randle

A different move that the Dallas Mavericks could make for a different player who plays right across the bridge from Dorian Finney-Smith is Julius Randle of the New York Knicks. Randle went to high school in Plano, Texas, at Prestonwood Christian Academy, and like Finney-Smith, he'd provide great frontcourt depth.

Last season for the Knicks, Randle averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game while shooting 47.2 percent from the field and 31.1 percent from downtown. Randle only played in 46 games and missed the playoffs, but his presence down low is undeniable.

Standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing 250 pounds, Randle can score with his back to the basket, knock down open threes, or get all the way to the cup and finish at the rim. He also has a good handle for someone his size and is a good passer.

Despite all of Randle's undeniable skill and offensive dominance, it may be in Dallas' best interest to not trade for him. Randle is a ball-dominant four, and the best recipe for success during the Luka Doncic era has been to surround him with forwards who can make open shots, defend in space, and play their role perfectly.

Randle would give the Mavs an incredible big three next to Doncic and Irving, but his defense isn't good enough to insert him into Dallas' starting lineup next to Doncic, Irving, and Klay Thompson. It's unknown how Thompson's defense is going to look in Dallas, and the Mavs would be much better off trading for the player who will be featured on the following slide.