The Dallas Mavericks have experienced an incredible summer. First, they surprised everyone by making it to the NBA Finals thanks to the valiant efforts of Kyrie Irving, Luka Dončić, and a stellar supporting group that helped them advance through the Western Conference.
Despite losing to the Boston Celtics in the end, the Mavericks showed that they were far ahead of plan with the midseason arrivals of Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington. They strengthened their depth around their star backcourt to build on their successful postseason run.
Dallas had no significant draft money, so if they wanted to make major improvements to the squad surrounding their Finals core, they had to rely on a strong free agency class. They succeeded in doing so by gaining Naji Marshall and Klay Thompson and lost just Josh Green and Derrick Jones Jr. For Quentin Grimes, the Mavs also acquired Tim Hardaway Jr.
Although it will take time to see if Dallas has improved, this lineup appears to be an improvement over the team that just advanced to the Finals. However, the Mavericks also have greater trade flexibility than they did previously if they go out to a bad start. The three players that the Dallas Mavericks are most likely to deal are as follows:
3 Dwight Powell’s 2023–24 statistics: 67.9% FG, 13.3 MPG, 63 GP, 3.3 PPG, 3.4 RPG, and 1.3 APG
Dallas Mavericks’ Dwight Powell
There used to be an abundance of rim-running shot-blockers and centers in the style of Dwight Powell in the NBA. However, a good paint protector and vertical threat are hard to come by these days. For example, other from Baylor rookie Yves Missi, the New Orleans Pelicans do not currently have a genuine center on staff.
Just so happens that the Mavericks are one of the few teams with a strong center rotation. Dallas has two reliable choices to man the middle for the full 48 minutes in Dereck Lively II, a rookie star, and recent signing Daniel Gafford. Both of those centers are capable of finishing dump-offs and lobs from Dončić and Irving, as well as shutting down the paint on defense.
Dwight Powell’s Past Three Seasons’ Stats
Classification
2021–2022
2022–2023
2023–2024
PPG
8.7
6.7
3.3
RPG
4.9
4.1
3.4
APG
1.2
0.9
1.3
BPG
0.5
0.3
0.3
FG%
67.1%
73.2 percent
67.9%
FT%
78.3% of respondents
66.7% of the sample
70.8%
Powell, a veteran who lives in Dallas, is therefore disposable. Having to cope with several injuries has caused him to significantly deteriorate as he has aged, but he is still a huge man who can utilize his stature to his advantage to influence the game on both ends of the court.
This new league economy makes him even more of a steal, as his current contract has just two years and $8 million left on it. Prior to the trade deadline for the upcoming season, any team hoping to add depth to their center rotation ought to reach out to the Mavericks.
The 2023–24 statistics for Jaden Hardy are as follows: 7.3 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 1.5 APG, 40.7% FG, 36.2% 3FG, and 77.6% FT.
The Dallas Mavericks’ Jaden Hardy
The Mavericks are a little lacking in young, bright talent now that Josh Green is joining the Charlotte Hornets. They were the only team in the draft to select a player in the first round with the 51st pick—French prospect Melvin Ajinca.
Last two seasons’ statistics for Jaden Hardy
Classification
2022–2023
2023–2024
PPG
8.8
7.3
RPG
1.9
1.8
APG
1.4
1.5
TOV
1.0
0.8
FG%
43.8%
Forty-seven percent
3FG%
Forty-four percent
36.2%
Dallas’s title window is now open and will stay that way as long as Luka Dončić is playing at the top of his game and driving the Mavs, despite the team having just made it to the Finals. They therefore don’t really need prospects or projects. Conversely, young players with promise are excellent trade chips for teams who are rebuilding.
In the event that the Mavericks intend to pursue an experienced player who is currently playing in the basement, such as Kyle Kuzma of the Washington Wizards, Jaden Hardy will need to be the focal point of their offer. Although Hardy has only had a brief career, he has already demonstrated signs of a two-way influence, therefore Dallas must rank him among their top trade targets due to team needs and necessity.
Stats for Maxi Kleber for 2023–2024: 4.4 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.6 APG, 43.2% FG, 34.8% 3FG, 20.3 MPG, 43 GP
The Dallas Mavericks’ Maxi Kleber
Similar to Dwight Powell, Maxi Kleber is the most wanted player on the Mavericks’ trade list. Though he did have a dismal postseason, Kleber has recently displayed more life than Powell. Theoretically, he’s a real big man who can guard the rim, space the floor, and provide some perimeter defense.
Top 3 Season Stats for Maxi Kleber
Classification
2021–2022
2022–2023
2023–2024
PPG
7.0
5.9
4.4
RPG
5.9
3.6
3.3
APG
1.2
1.4
1.6
BPG
1.0
0.8
0.7
FG%
39.8%
45.6%
Forty-three percent
3FG%
32.5 percent
34.8%
34.8%
Kleber is an incredibly useful and adaptable asset when he performs at his peak. Regretfully, it’s been a while since he was at his best. Stretch bigs that are 6 feet 10 inches tall, however, don’t grow on trees and may greatly increase a team’s flexibility on both ends of the court. That interesting potential might persuade a contender who needs a bit more bulk to give Kleber a trade.
Kleber has a very tradeable contract with two years and $22 million left on it. He could be sent out alone in a minor player trade, or he may combine with other players to swing a big deal. Expect to see Kleber shipped off to try and fill any voids on Dallas’ roster for the upcoming season.
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