10 Win-now players the Mavericks should trade up for in NBA Draft

The 2024 NBA Draft is less than a week away. NBA teams will have tough decisions to make, as every group will look to upgrade their roster.

The Dallas Mavericks are no different. The team has some tough decisions to make. The Mavs have two key players hitting the free agency market. Derrick Jones Jr. and Markieff Morris will be unrestricted free agents this summer.

Jones Jr. became a fan favorite this postseason, as he was the team's starting small forward. He shot the ball well and was a menace on defense. The problem is his market high might become too high for Dallas, due to his success in the postseason.

10 Win-now players the Mavericks should trade up for in NBA Draft

Both sides have expressed interest in a reunion. Jones Jr. was on record stating he wants to be back while Nico Harrison revealed that bringing him back is a huge priority for Dallas.

Morris is another player Dallas will have to make a decision on. The veteran forward was a vocal leader for the Mavs in the postseason. He did a great job making his presence known in the locker room as he became a valuable asset.

The issue with Morris is that the team could use his roster spot to fill in a much-needed gap, or they could re-sign him and allow him to pretty much be unplayable again.

However, assuming at least one player sign elsewhere, the Mavs could use their spot to draft a rookie. They currently own the 58th pick, and the team could keep the pick or trade up.

Whatever the Mavs decide, they will have plenty of options.

Here are 10 players who the team could trade up for and draft this year:

10. Bronny James

One player the Dallas Mavericks have been linked to is Bronny James. The son of LeBron James is expected to be a highly coveted prospect.

Now, its unclear if the selection of Bronny would bring LeBron to Dallas. However, it has been reported that Dallas could take a leap for Bronny if he falls into their lap.

So who is Bronny? What can he bring to the table?

For starters, he is a young savvy shooting guard with of plenty of quickness and speed. Bronny does a great job controlling the game and can attack the rim with crafty finishes. He also has a high decision-making IQ, and can easily score in transition.

Bronny also does a great job drawing contact and can finish under pressure.

He does however come with some flaws. At 6-foot-3 he is a bit small for a shooting guard. He also has yet to show comfort at the point guard position.

The biggest thing is he lacks experience. He appeared in 25 games for USC. Bronny averaged 4.8 points per game and 2.8 rebounds in under 19 minutes of action. It's also unsure how quickly he could adapt to the game.

Trading up or drafting Bronny would be a gamble, but he has plenty of upsize and room for improvement.

9. Trentyn Flowers

One player that Dallas could trade up for to draft is Trentyn Flowers. The 6-foot-8 forward has all the intangibles to excel at the next level.

He started his basketball career committing to the University of Louisville, before de-committing and signing with the Adelaide 36ers of the National Basketball League in Australia.

His decision to play basketball in Australia backfired, as he struggled getting playing time. Flowers played in just 18 games and averaged 5.5 points per game and 3.1 rebounds.

The issue was he wanted to play point guard for the 36ers, but the Australian team had other ideas for him. This may have been in the best interest, as he lacks some of the qualities of a true point guard.

He doesn't have the best ball-handling skills and has low assist numbers. Flowers also struggles from the 3-point line. Last season, he shot 35.7 percent from long range.

However, he is an up-and-coming project who can excel in the NBA. His size and frame would make him a perfect candidate for a 3-and-D type player.

Flowers also excels in the pick-and-roll game and is great at moving his feet on the defensive end. He is very quick and athletic and has similar attributes to Mavericks player Olivier-Maxence Prosper.

He would be a great addition to a contending team like Dallas.

8. Jamal Shead

Unlike Bronny James and Trentyn Flowers, Jamal Shead would be one player the Mavericks might have to trade more assets to acquire. The former Houston Cougar could be the perfect guard for the Mavs.

Last season, he played a pivotal role in helping Houston advance to the Sweet 16. He averaged a near double-double during the postseason with 11.3 points per game and 7.3 assists. He had his best game in the second round of the tournament when he dropped in 21 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds.

Defensively, he is a great leader and plays hard. Last season, he was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and was a finalist for the 2024 Naismith DPOY award. He is a hard-nosed defender who isn't afraid to harass players and play them tightly.

His defensive style is similar to Alex Caruso, as Shead can chase down the ball or pickpocket his opponents from various angles.

Shead also has a fast bounce, and is an unselfish guard who is always ready to pass the ball.

Some concerns include his ability to shot the ball from deep and his height. Last season, he shot 30.9 percent from long range.

Otherwise, Shead would be an ideal backup guard for Dallas who can play both sides of the ball.

7. Justin Webster

One player who already has a connection to the Dallas Mavericks is UNLV guard Justin Webster. The 6-foot-3 senior is originally from Dallas, Texas. He attended Prestonwood Christian Academy in Plano for three years, as he helped his team win multiple 6A TAPPS boys basketball championships.

Recently, it was reported that he was worked out for the Mavs on Friday.

Assuming he continues making a name for himself, it's possible the team could trade up to draft Webster if he isn't available at 58. This isn't expected, as he is expected to go undrafted, but it's a possibility if his workouts are going well.

So who is Justin Webster?

For starters, Webster is an everyday guard who brings plenty of experience. He played five years of college ball, as he started at the University of Hawaii, before transferring to UNLV.

Webster averaged 7.5 points per game during his senior year. He also shot 39.5 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from the 3-point line. The year prior, he knocked down 46 percent of his long range attempts.

Last season, he played a key role in helping UNLV advance to the quarterfinals of the NIT. He averaged 12.7 points per game while shooting 41.2 percent from the 3-point line during the postseason.

His experience and improved shooting could be the ideal player the Mavs may need, and his high character could be a draw for Dallas. Webster would likely be a two-way player if Dallas decided to draft him or sign him after the draft, and he is a low-risk player who could contribute one day.

6. Boogie Ellis

Another guard who could be on the Mavs' radar is Boogie Ellis. The former USC star could be the perfect candidate for Dallas to trade up for.

He is projected to be a late second-rounder or undrafted rookie in next week's draft. Ellis would be the perfect candidate for the Mavericks to acquire, as he would probably require a simple pick swap, or they could select him at No. 58.

So, why should Dallas take a gamble of Ellis?

For one, Ellis is a high-scoring guard who can excel at the next level. Last season, he averaged 16.5 points per game and 1.4 steals. One of his best performances came during the open round of the PAC 12 tournament. He had 25 points and three steals while shooting 60 percent from the field.

Ellis is also a great off the dribble shooter, who can make it rain from deep. He knocked down 41.8 percent of his attempted 3-pointers.

Defensively, he does great at pickpocketing his opponents. (as shown in his steal averages) Ellis can fight through screens and does well in man-to-man defense.

He is far from perfect though. Last year Ellis averaged 1.8 turnovers, as he sometimes struggles to maintain his quickness.

His size is another concern. He is listed at 6-foot-1 and his frame might be concerning for NBA teams.

If he can adapt to the NBA quickly, then this should not be a problem for his draft stock. He has already worked out for the San Antonio Spurs, and he could be an outstanding fit in Dallas.

5. DaRon Holmes II

Aside from the guard and wing positions, the Dallas Mavericks could be looking to upgrade their center spot. Last year, the team did an excellent job trading down to draft Dereck Lively II. Dallas also boosted their frontcourt by adding Daniel Gafford into the mix at the trade deadline.

However, aside from those two player, the team does not have a third reliable center.

One option for the Mavs is DaRon Holmes II. The former Dayton center could be the third center Dallas is looking for.

Some strengths include his ability to score and protect the paint. Last season, he scored 20.4 points, while shooting 54.4 percent. During the postseason, he averaged a double-double with 20.5 points per game and 10 rebounds.

Holmes II has a smooth jump shot, as he has the natural ability to score down low. He can knock down shots from the perimeter or attack the paint inside.

Another positive for him is shot-blocking. Holmes II averaged 2.1 blocks per game last year. He does well at forcing his opponents to overcommit, and not making unnecessary fouls.

His frame might be concerning though, as he comes in at as a 6-foot-9 center weighing 236 pounds. Holmes II would need to add some muscle if he hopes to make a name for himself in the NBA. On the plus side, he has a 7-foot-1 wingspan.

Holmes II would be a perfect candidate to grow alongside Lively II and Gafford.

4. Kyle Filipowski

Another player that the Mavericks could trade up for in the draft is Duke's Kyle Filipowski. The Blue Devil big man could be the person to grow and develop within the organization.

He is a 6-foot-11 forward, who is interchangeable between the four and five spot. Filipowski does all the right things that should allow him to grow in the future.

Offensively, he does a great job reading the defense. The former Duke player excels at understanding his role on the court. He does well at setting screens without making careless fouls.

Filipowski also is a great ballhandler. He has great vision and can find the open man, while also letting the defense come to him.

He also performs well inside. Whether it's cutting to the basket or moving with the ball down low, Filipowski can attack the defenses with his relatively quick feet.

The problem is he struggles to back down defenders inside. He lacks the strength and core to make his way to the rim. This could be why he does well off the ball, because of his struggles inside.

Filipowski is a great scorer who can provide quality minutes off the bench. Pairing him next to Luka Doncic could work for both sides, as he could work his off-the-ball magic.

3. Jalen Bridges

Kyle Filipowski, similar to Jalen Bridges, is another player who excels off the ball. His athleticism allows him to perform various skills, as he can cut to the basket or catch and shoot off a screen.

His high energy allows him to perform in various areas of the court. Some things that stand out include his long-range shooting and high IQ. Last season, Bridges shot 41.2 percent from the 3-point line. This was a nine-point increase from the prior year.

He also averaged 12. points a game and 5.7 rebounds. In Baylor's second to last game of the regular season, Bridges poured in 32 points, knocking down 85.7 percent of his attempted 3-pointers.

Defensively, Bridges can do it all. He does a great job guarding multiple positions, including guards and forwards. His frame and size also allow him to guard power forwards, and be the main big man in small-ball lineups.

However, he struggles to handle the ball. Bridges cannot create his own shot off the dribble, and sometimes panics under pressure.

Either way, he has the ability to be an excellent 3-and-D player. Bridges would need time to develop, as he adjusts to the pace of the NBA.

He could be an Isaiah Stewart type player for Dallas and would be a solid fit on the Mavs.

2. Harrison Ingram

North Carolina's Harrison Ingram is another small forward who could draw the Mavs' interest. The 6-foot-5 forward could develop into the perfect 3-and-D player Dallas is looking for.

Last season, he averaged a career-high 12.2 points per game and 8.8 rebounds, shooting 38.5 percent from the 3-point line. His long-range shooting drastically improved during the postseason, as he made 53.3 percent of his 3-pointers.

Some career highlights include tolling over 1,000 career points, scoring in double figures 73 times, and having a career-high 19 rebounds on 1/10/24 against NC State. He was also awarded the PAC 12 Freshman of the Year award in 2022.

He too is a great defender who can use his seven-foot wingspan to make things difficult for his opponents. Ingram does a good job guarding both guards and forwards and isn't afraid to make things hectic for the opposition.

Ingram has a high IQ on both ends, as he can easily disrupt the passing lane. He averaged a career-high 1.4 steals during his Junior year.

Offensively, he is a pass-heavy forward who sets up opportunities for his teammates. As mentioned, he is a great deep shooter who can become a valuable wing.

However, he isn't an explosive athlete. This means at times he struggles to finish at the rim. Ingram also isn't great at free throws, as he has a career average of 61.2 percent.

Assuming he succeeds at the next level, Ingram has the ability to become the next Dorian Finney-Smith.

1. Baylor Scheierman

Another wing player Dallas could trade up for is Creighton wing Baylor Scheierman. The former Blue Jay is an offensive threat who fits the wing depth the Mavs are searching for.

For starters, he is an excellent scorer best known for his shooting. Last season he averaged 18.5 points per game, shooting 38.1 percent from the 3-point line.

In the postseason, he took his game to the next level averaging 19.3 points and shooting 47.8 percent from long range. Scheierman scored 25 points in his final game.

He is a high-release shooter who excels inside the paint and from midrange. His ability to attack the rim and not be afraid of contact is one thing that stands out.

However, he does have some flaws on the defensive end. Scheierman struggles with his footwork, as he tends to let quicker players run past him. This could easily make him a target in pick-and-roll situations. He also offers minimal assistance at the rim, letting players tower over him.

I do believe Scheierman can excel in the NBA given time. The question is: how much time will he need as he is going to be a 24-year-old rookie?

Either way, Scheierman is one of the many options for Dallas. They need shooting badly, and he'd provide that and more.

It will be interesting to see what direction Dallas decides to go when it comes to the draft.

The team has a week to come with a proper plan, if they hope to improve their roster.

Stay tuned for all the latest draft coverage surrounding the Dallas Mavericks.