Mavericks rumors: Dallas to target Mitchell Robinson this summer

The Dallas Mavericks pulled off a surprising deadline day deal that sent Kristaps Porzingis to the Wizards for Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans. They were looking to gain flexibility, and it was just the first of multiple moves as the Mavs attempt to build a title contender around superstar Luka Doncic.

Expect Dallas to be at the center of plenty of rumors heading into the offseason. Jalen Brunson is an unrestricted free agent, and the Knicks are one of many teams expected to pursue the 25-year-old guard. The Mavs will be looking to swing a trade to acquire a second star, but finding the right deal will not be easy.

Steve Popper of Newsday wrote about the future of the Knicks on March 14, and he discussed the upcoming free agency of Mitchell Robinson. The Mavericks are one of three teams he linked as expected suitors for the current Knicks big man, and here is a closer look at why he fits in Dallas.

Rumors: Dallas Mavericks to target Mitchell Robinson this summer

Robinson is an unrestricted free agent this summer, and he will be looking for a significant payday. The 23-year-old is one of the best shot blockers in the league, and there will be plenty of suitors.

Popper linked the Thunder and Pistons as two teams with cap space who are expected to pursue Robinson. The Mavericks would need to acquire him via sign-and-trade or for the mid-level exception to make the math work out. Mitch Rob is likely looking for more than the taxpayer mid-level, so swinging a sign-and-trade is the Mavs' only option.

Dallas will be searching for a rim protector this summer, and Robinson’s 1.41 points per possession as a roll man ranks inside the top ten percent in the league. He could take his game to another level playing next to Luka Doncic on the Mavericks.

Expect to see plenty of Dallas Mavericks in the coming months as the transaction season gets ready to heat up, and stayed tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest.