Building a Contender: Mavericks’ Draft Night Trades Fix the Frontcourt and Add Draft Assets

MavsForum
MavsForum
Published in
3 min readMay 27, 2023

The Dallas Mavericks are determined to shake things up and address their frontcourt needs during the upcoming NBA Draft night. In a series of trades, they aim to strengthen their roster while also acquiring valuable draft assets. Let’s delve into the Mavericks’ strategic moves and how these trades could impact their future.

Dallas Mavericks make 2 trades on draft night

Trade 1: Mavericks Exchange First Round Pick and Reggie Bullock for Utah’s Picks 16 and 28, along with Kelly Olynyk.

The Mavericks kick off their draft night with a significant trade with the Utah Jazz. In this deal, the Mavericks send their first-round pick, number 10, and Reggie Bullock to Utah in exchange for picks 16 and 28, as well as Kelly Olynyk.

Mark Cuban and Nico trade back

This trade allows the Mavericks to move down in the draft while still acquiring two valuable first-round picks. By unloading the 10th pick and Bullock, the Mavericks create salary cap flexibility and open up opportunities to address their frontcourt needs.

Trade 2: Mavericks Swap Pick 16, Davis Bertans, and Javale McGee for Myles Turner and Pick 26.

Immediately after the initial trade, the Mavericks make another move, this time with the same trade partner, the Utah Jazz. They trade pick 16, along with Davis Bertans and JaVale McGee, to Utah for Myles Turner and pick 26.

Myles Turner, Dallas Maverick

With this trade, the Mavericks land a talented and versatile big man in Myles Turner. Turner brings shot-blocking prowess and a reliable outside shot to Dallas’ frontcourt, providing much-needed depth and defensive presence they lacked this last season.

In addition to acquiring Turner, the Mavericks secure the 26th pick in the draft. This pick, combined with the 28th pick obtained earlier, offers the Mavericks an opportunity to add promising wing players or further strengthen their roster depth.

Benefits and Impact

By executing these trades, the Dallas Mavericks address their frontcourt concerns while simultaneously adding valuable draft assets. Here are the key benefits and impacts of these moves:

  1. Improved Frontcourt: The acquisition of Myles Turner bolsters the Mavericks’ frontcourt, providing an elite shot-blocking presence and adding versatility to their defensive schemes. Turner’s ability to stretch the floor with his outside shooting allows the Mavericks to play 5 out.
  2. Salary Cap Flexibility: By unloading contracts such as Reggie Bullock, Davis Bertans, and JaVale McGee, the Mavericks unload players and contracts that no longer have a role on this team, allowing them to free up roster spots for new players.
  3. Late Round Picks for Wing Depth: The inclusion of Utah’s picks 26 and 28 offers the Mavericks the chance to draft talented wing players or acquire prospects with potential. These late-round selections can provide quality depth and contribute to the team’s overall success.
Luka can finally celebrate!

Conclusion

The Dallas Mavericks enter draft night with a clear focus on addressing their frontcourt needs and building for the future. Through a series of trades, they acquire Myles Turner, a skilled big man who adds depth and defensive prowess to their roster. Additionally, they secure two late-round picks, which can be utilized to bolster their wing depth.

With these moves, the Mavericks showcase their commitment to improving the team’s overall competitiveness while making shrewd decisions to unload players and contracts that no longer align with their vision. The 2023 NBA Draft night could mark a turning point for the Mavericks as they take steps to solidify their frontcourt and fortify their roster for future success.

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