Hawks and Warriors bench players have been pinpointed as potential trade targets for the Mavericks.
The Dallas Mavericks kick off their preseason tonight, making it an ideal moment to explore potential trades. After making some roster upgrades this offseason, the Mavericks might hold off on significant changes for a few months to see how the team performs. However, speculation is always worthwhile.
Grant Hughes from Bleacher Report has highlighted three players that each team should consider targeting in trades this offseason. One of these players is Dorian Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets, who has frequently been associated with the Mavericks throughout the offseason.
READ MORE: Mavericks Share Last Injury Update Ahead of Grizzlies Game.
The other two players he mentioned for the Mavericks were Bogdan Bogdanovic from Atlanta and Gary Payton II from Golden State.
Bogdanovic was the third-highest scorer for the Hawks, averaging a career-best 16.9 points per game. If Dallas felt they needed additional scoring from their bench, he could be a viable option, but the salary cap situation would be complicated. The Mavericks are close to the first tax apron and can’t absorb any extra salary, while Bogdanovic is scheduled to earn just over $17 million this season. To match his salary, they would need to trade Maxi Kleber ($11 million), Dwight Powell ($4 million), and Jaden Hardy ($2 million). However, two of those players are considered liabilities, and Dallas likely wouldn’t want to part with significant future draft picks for a 32-year-old player.
Regarding Payton II, Hughes stated, “Who wouldn’t appreciate a boost of chaotic defense alongside [Luka] Dončić and Irving’s offensive talent? Dallas lacks a top-tier disruptor in the backcourt, and when healthy, Payton is one of the most troublesome defenders in his position. While the Mavs may not fully adopt a fast-paced style, the deflections and steals generated by Payton could create more transition opportunities for them.”
Payton has been an outstanding defensive player throughout his career, though he has faced challenges on offense. He is somewhat similar to Derrick Jones Jr., whom the Dallas Mavericks allowed to leave in free agency this offseason, but Payton is three inches shorter at 6’2″. If Nico Harrison hadn’t brought in Quentin Grimes this offseason, this trade might have made more sense. Payton is set to earn $9 million in the final year of his contract, and the Warriors are also close to the first tax apron. There isn’t a feasible trade option given the contracts involved, but it would certainly be entertaining to see Payton disrupt opposing backcourts.
