Rumors: Dallas Mavericks nearly pulled off trade for Mikal Bridges

The Dallas Mavericks have a plethora of what-if moments fans can explore in franchise history. From Paul Pierce wanting to join Dirk Nowitzki in 2007 to keeping Steve Nash in 2004, things could have been quite different in Dallas if things went in a different direction.

Supporters received another one of those moments on April 27 as former Mavericks front office executive Bob Voulgaris joined the Bill Simmons Podcast. Voulgaris told a story about the Mavericks having a trade for Mikal Bridges in place before another executive shot down the deal because the team believed in Dennis Smith Jr. and his long-term potential. Bridges is one of the best two-way wings in the NBA right now, and the Mavs clearly missed on an opportunity.

The what-if goes further for Mavericks fans too. If they traded DSJ for Bridges in the early stages of the 2018-2019 season as Voulgaris suggests was possible, Dallas never would have acquired Kristaps Porzingis from the Knicks in Jan. 2019. Making the move for the current Suns' wing would have opened up a whole world of possibilities for the Mavericks.

Rumors: Dallas Mavericks nearly traded for Mikal Bridges during 2018-2019 season

The original Porzingis deal and his subsequent max contract hamstrung Dallas from acquiring another star. If they traded for Bridges on his rookie deal, they would have been in the running for several stars to pair with Luka Doncic, including Jrue Holiday and Jimmy Butler.

The Mavericks' defense is outstanding, but adding Bridges would have instantly made them better. Dallas is light on wings, but they would have had a long-term answer if they traded Dennis Smith Jr. for Bridges during the 2018-2019 season.

The trade never materialized and the Dallas Mavericks have made the playoffs three straight years. They are building something special without Mikal Bridges, Yes, the trade would have made them better, but it did not work out. It is a fun what-if to think about, but fans should be more excited about the current team.

Stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest rumors, news, and analysis on the Dallas Mavericks throughout the playoffs and into the offseason.