The Dallas Mavericks have been recently linked to many big names, including a six-time All-Star.
The team could use a solid scoring punch next to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. A Serbian star who might become available could certainly help with that. FanSided suggests another option, John Collins of the Utah Jazz. Here’s how a proposed deal could look:
Mavericks receive: Collins
Jazz receive: Daniel Gafford, Maxi Kleber
Noticeably missing from the deal is any sort of draft compensation.
Considering Zach Lowe, formerly of ESPN, once said Collins’ contract had no trade value, the Mavs could potentially get away with acquiring a player who has considerably improved their numbers from last season.
Collins is averaging 18 points on 53.5% shooting, including 43.5% from three-point range, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists.
That production could fit very well next to Doncic and Irving, especially when the superstar backcourt draws the defensive attention away from other players on the floor. Doncic is notorious for making his teammates better, given his ability to operate with big men in the pick-and-roll, lob it up top, and thread the needle through tight windows.
It might still take a first-round pick for the Jazz to sign off on this trade because Gafford and Kleber wouldn’t provide any meaningful value for the franchise.
Gafford could be flipped for future draft assets because there are always teams in the market for a rim-protecting big, and trading him could be a lot easier than trading Collins.
For the Mavs to execute this deal, they’ll have to part with one of Doncic’s preferred lob targets, something they’re reluctant to do, and hope that Dereck Lively II will be ready to take that next leap in his game.
This trade could help the Mavs take a ton of offensive pressure off Doncic and Irving in the playoffs.
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