NBA Trade Rumors: In an attempt to upgrade the roster, we explore five realistic and sensible offseason trade targets for the Dallas Mavericks.
After acquiring Kyrie Irving at the NBA Trade Deadline, the belief was that the Dallas Mavericks would be knee-deep in a first-round playoff series. Instead, the Mavs started their vacation early and they have some very big questions to answer once the offseason officially starts.
The biggest offseason question that the Mavs must answer is, how can we realistically and tangibly upgrade the roster? As difficult as it may be the understand, simply re-signing Kyrie Irving, which the team is hopeful it can do, can’t be the only big move that the Mavs make this offseason.
There has to be more to the offseason for the Mavs if they’re going to be an improved team, with a better chance to make noise in the Western Conference, next season. And the one way that they likely will have to improve is via trade. Assuming the Mavs will be active in the trade market, we explore five realistic trade targets the team should have this offseason.
Target No. 1: Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks
If the Mavs are looking for defensive help (and they should be), there’s one potential trade target that would make a lot of sense: Mitchell Robinson. The 25-year-old 7-footer has been an impactful presence on the defensive end of the floor through the first few years of his career and is still improving as a player.
Considering his future with the Knicks is up in the air, there’s no question that he could end up being a player that ends up in a different situation heading into next season. If the Mavs wanted to fortify their interior defense while also acquiring an anchor on that end of the floor, Robinson would be a top choice. If he’s available this offseason, and there’s no guarantee that he will be, he seems like a natural fit in Dallas.