Grade the Trade: Mavericks acquire forgotten Kings big man to boost depth

The Dallas Mavericks are searching for upgrades after missing the playoffs entirely. Luka Doncic is unquestionably one of the best players in the world, but his supporting cast was not good enough. Defense, rebounding, and rim protection are musts if Dallas is going to get back to the playoffs in 2024.

Number one on the offseason agenda is re-signing Kyrie Irving. The eight-time All-Star is an unrestricted free agent and in no hurry to make a decision. He wants a max contract, but is anyone willing to give it to him after his turbulent three and a half years in Brooklyn? The Mavs are hoping to keep him, but that is far from a guarantee at this moment.

Dallas cannot be satisfied with just bringing back Kyrie. They need upgrades too, and none more than a new starting center. Could the Mavericks try to acquire a big man that got buried on the Kings' bench as they ended their playoff drought? Here is a look at an outside-the-box idea from The Athletic’s Tim Cato (subscription required).

Dallas Mavericks take a chance on Richaun Holmes to fill center void

Cato went through a bunch of Mavericks' offseason hypothetical trades, including some featuring the tenth overall pick. Dallas needs talent, especially on the wings and in the paint. They attempted to add JaVale McGee to be their starting center last summer, but it did not work as planned. The Mavs must find a new starting big man, but could they gamble on Richaun Holmes? Here’s the deal Cato outlined.

Holmes was the Kings' starting center before they traded for Domantas Sabonis in 2022. He was immediately demoted to the bench, and the 29-year-old big man slipped out of Sacramento’s rotation entirely after eight games last season. Could he still be a productive big man with a change of scenery?

Here is a look at this trade from both teams’ perspectives to see if it is something they should explore this offseason.