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

Trade Dallas Mavericks should make after landing Kyrie Irving: 3. Get Hart

Josh Hart is one of the most likely players to be traded, according to Marc Stein (subscription required). The 6’5 wing is a strong rebounder and defender that has a $12.9 million player option for next season. The Blazers are not sure they can keep Hart, and they are looking to cash in before the deadline.

This may not be the best offer that the Blazers receive, but it is one that allows them future flexibility and one second-round pick. Dwight Powell is on an expiring contract, and the veteran big man would be a fantastic addition to Portland’s locker room.

The Mavericks could take on Jusuf Nurkic in this deal to make it happen. Portland would like to move on from the veteran center, who is in the first season of a four-year $70 million contract. That trade may be easier to get done, but Dallas will struggle to find a place for Nurkic in their defensive scheme.

Josh Hart is a below-average 3-point shooter, but he offers the switchable defense Dallas needs. Would the Mavs offer their 2027 first-round pick for the 6’6 wing? Dallas cannot protect it because of their lack of draft picks. Hart is a name to watch, but fans should not expect him to land in Dallas.