5 Trades that get Davis Bertans off the Mavericks roster

3. Mavericks move down to get starting center

The Mavs have to address the center position this offseason. They signed JaVale McGee last summer to start over Dwight Powell, but he was quickly dropped from the rotation. Christian Wood was not the answer, which left Powell as the only option. Dallas struggled mightily to rebound and protect the rim all season, and they have to find an upgrade this summer.

The Pelicans want to move up in the draft, and they could be ready to move on from Jonas Valanciunas as he enters the final year of his contract. Could that lead the two sides to strike a draft night deal?

New Orleans may ask for more after Valanciunas averaged 14.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in 24.9 minutes per game last season. He may not solve the Mavericks' rim protection issues, but JV is an elite rebounder that can stretch the floor. Valanciunas would make Dallas’ offense that much more dangerous as they look to jump back into contention.

The Mavs could still add a talented rookie at 14, and they get to dump their worst contract. It feels like this deal needs a second-round pick heading to New Orleans, but Dallas does not have one to offer. If the Pelicans get locked in on a prospect that is still on the board at ten, they could be willing to make this deal, so stay tuned.