The Dallas Mavericks need help in the backcourt, even after Kyrie Irving returns. One outlet thinks they should make a trade with a team currently battling in the playoffs.
The Dallas Mavericks are coming off a 12th-place season, but there is plenty of reason to believe that they will be back in postseason contention sooner rather than later.
For starters, Cooper Flagg lived up to the hype and quickly took over as the best player on the team. With Flagg leading the way, the Mavericks should emerge as one of the better teams in the Western Conference in the near future.
In addition to that, both Dereck Lively II and Kyrie Irving were shut down for the season with injuries. The Mavericks never played with a full deck, and adding a rim-protector and experienced floor general should do wonders.
Finally, their poor record was a blessing in disguise. Dallas has the eighth-best odds at the top pick and is guaranteed a high pick in a loaded draft class. All signs point to the young core getting a boost.
On top of that, between Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, Naji Marshall, and PJ Washington, the Mavericks have both solid role players and trade assets. They could target a defensive-minded point guard to pair in the backcourt with Irving as soon as this summer.
Dallas Mavericks Linked to Jalen Suggs
Jalen Suggs is one of the best backcourt defenders in the NBA, and his offensive game has slowly improved over his career. However, the Orlando Magic have largely underperformed in recent seasons, and they could swing a trade to add even more shooting.
If the Mavericks were willing to part with Thompson, some added salary filler, and the Lakers' 2029 draft pick, Suggs could be on the table, and the fit is perfectly clear.
"Suggs averaged 13.8 points while shooting 33.9% from long range this past season. His shooting has fluctuated since he’s been in the NBA, but it’s been bad more often than it’s been good," explained Dallas Hoops Journal's James Piercey. "Yet, Suggs is one of the best point-of-attack defenders in the NBA. If the Mavericks acquired him and kept Kyrie Irving, Suggs could function as a lead reserve, spending time at both guard positions. Dallas could lean into their new identity by acquiring Suggs."
If the Mavericks traded for Suggs, he probably wouldn't be a backup. Instead, Suggs, Irving, Washington/Marshall, Flagg, and Livley/Gafford would be the starters, with Brandon Williams, Ryan Nembhard, Max Christie, and Marvin Bagley III coming off the bench.
Suggs is not a superstar, although he would boost the Mavericks' defense-first identity. If the shots fall, he is unquestionably one of the better players in the NBA, and even when his offense lags, he is still a productive player.