How the Kevin Durant trade impacts the Dallas Mavericks

How the Kevin Durant trade impacts the Dallas Mavericks: 3. Price of acquiring a star

The Timberwolves paid a massive price to acquire Rudy Gobert last summer, and it reset the market. Teams now want four first-round picks plus talented players for a superstar. Trading for one is a cupboard-clearing move that leaves the team with just the essentials to stay in contention.

This trade did nothing to lower that price. The Nets got four first-round picks and one swap for KD along with Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, and Jae Crowder. All three wings are coveted players around the league that Brooklyn could trade for at least three more first-round picks if they decide to go into a full rebuild.

The Mavericks traded for a star player, but his reliability issues and expiring contract kept the price down. If Irving decides to leave this summer, Dallas will be in the market for another star to play off Luka Doncic. The price to acquire that player will be massive and one that the Mavs will struggle to meet. They will have cap space to sign one, but trading for one is likely out of the question given their current assets.

There are still a few hours left in the trade deadline, so fans will have to wait to see where the prices go from here. Will they continue to be sky-high or does the market correct at some point? Stay tuned to find out.