Rumors: Dallas Mavericks hoping to trade 1st round pick for future draft capital

The Dallas Mavericks are facing a difficult, but important offseason. They are fresh off a run to the Western Conference Finals, but their team is about to get a lot more expensive. Luka Doncic and Dorian Finney-Smith have new extensions kicking in this summer, and the Mavs hope to re-sign Jalen Brunson in free agency. The Mavs will be over the luxury tax line for the first time since 2011.

Dallas has $151.5 million committed in salaries for next season before re-signing JB, which will force multiple difficult decisions this summer. Agreeing to a $20 million per season deal with Brunson will cost owner Mark Cuban more than $80 million with the luxury tax penalties. The Mavs have the taxpayer mid-level exception to use in free agency, and they need a center to solve their postseason rebound woes.

General manager and president of basketball operations Nico Harrison let fans know the team is listening to offers on their first-round pick. The Mavs have the 26th overall selection in the 2022 NBA Draft. They want to win now, so most fans thought they would trade the pick for a veteran, but that is not the plan, according to the latest rumors from Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer.

Rumors: Dallas Mavericks hoping to trade 1st round pick for future draft capital

Fischer noted that both the Mavericks and Warriors are looking to trade their late first-round selections for future draft capital. Both teams are projected to be in the luxury tax and light on roster spots, so it makes sense to push their draft choice down the road. Fischer also notes that Dallas could choose a draft-and-stash player if they keep the pick.

Will the Mavs find a taker for the 26th pick? Can they fill the holes in their roster this offseason enough to jump into title contention? Fans should not expect a massive addition, but re-signing Jalen Brunson and adding a starting center makes Dallas an opponent no team wants to face in the playoffs. Stay tuned to see what moves the Mavericks make.