Why proposed trade would vault Dallas Mavericks to contender status

The proposed ESPN trade for the Dallas Mavericks

The Mavs, if they want to even have a shot to make a deep run in the postseason, likely need to make a move at the NBA Trade Deadline. And probably a big one at that. This move would give the Mavs a shot to return to the conference finals and possibly make it a step further to the NBA Finals with how wide-open the Western Conference is right now.

The Mavs would get three (potential) key rotation pieces that would help revamp the team’s supporting cast around Luka Doncic. Let’s start with Terry Rozier, who would give Luka a secondary playmaker and another player that could score with the ball in his hands – something the team has drastically missed since losing Jalen Brunson.

Kelly Oubre Jr. is another dynamic scorer on the wing who could give this team another element that they currently don’t have, but he’s very much a question considering he’s recovering from surgery. Maybe he’s back before the playoffs? Oubre would just be icing on the cake in this deal.

Then you have Jalen McDaniels, who is emerging as one of the most underrated trade deadline targets. He is an athletic wing that would give the team versatility alongside Christian Wood. McDaniels is enjoying the best season of his career and would give the Mavs depth they don’t have at the moment.