5 trades the Dallas Mavericks must make after the Kyrie Irving deal

The Dallas Mavericks pulled off a blockbuster trade when they landed Kyrie Irving. The 30-year-old is an All-Star starter and one of the best players in the league. It cost the Mavs two starters and three draft picks, but Dallas paid the price to acquire a second star to play next to Luka Doncic.

The Kyrie trade left Dallas with some holes to fill. They want to contend for a championship this season, and the Western Conference is wide open. The Mavs traded their best perimeter defender in Dorian Finney-Smith, and Dallas desperately needs to upgrade their defense and playmaking before Thursday’s trade deadline.

They are still searching for moves, and fans should expect at least one more trade before the window closes. Here are five trades the Dallas Mavericks must make if they get the opportunity before Thursday.

Trade Dallas Mavericks should make after landing Kyrie Irving: 5. Acquire Collins

John Collins has been on the trade block for years, and the Mavericks are interested. His production has dipped this season, and he still has three years left on his contract at just over $78.5 million after this season. Teams are scared of taking on that long-term money, but the Mavs already made one bold trade, so why not take another swing?

The Hawks need shooting and help on the wing. Tim Hardaway Jr. is a streaky shooter, but he gives Atlanta some salary relief and a needed shot-maker. There would be defensive concerns playing next to Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, and the Hawks would have to figure out how to maximize THJ’s value after this deal.

John Collins takes over for Christian Wood, who is the most likely Maverick to be traded ahead of Thursday’s deadline. The 6’9 forward could be the primary pick and roll partner for both Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving in Dallas as he looks to take another step forward. Collins would give Dallas a plus-rebounder and stretch four to play off of their superstar duo.

Will John Collins finally be traded? Where does he land before Thursday’s deadline? The Dallas Mavericks are working the phones, and the Hawks could be a match on more than one trade.