NBA Exec Sees Mavs as a Trading Option for Zach LaVine

Things are not going well for the Dallas Mavericks. They currently rank 10th in the Western Conference and hold the last spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament. After advancing to the Western Conference Finals last season, a 15-16 start was not what anyone in the organization thought would happen.

However, given how their off-season went, it’s not too surprising that they’ve seen a decline. As one NBA executive who spoke to NBA Analysis Network put it, they’re missing that co-star for Luka Doncic on this roster.

“The Mavs have yet to find that co-star. Jalen Brunson grew into that, but he actually left when his escape happened. They don’t have a lot of assets, so they won’t be able to be too picky when it comes to that next big step.”

Jalen Brunson left in free agency and signed a deal with the New York Knicks to become their starting point guard. He thrived and helped turn things around in the Big Apple as the Knicks win an eight-game streak since suffering an embarrassing loss to the Mavericks on December 3.

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Kristaps Porzingis, who failed to play against Doncic, has also returned to his All-Star form with the Washington Wizards this season. He was traded before the deadline as Dallas seemingly lost both Porzingis deals.

The front office should continue to look for upgrades to this roster around Doncic. He’s a world talent, but he can’t do it himself, as he’s already showing some wear and tear before Christmas. One player the executive thinks would be suitable is Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls.

“Zach LaVine’s injury history probably gives any team a break, but he would be a great pass. He’s at his best behind the 3-point line or in the restricted area,” the director explains. “That’s how the Mavs often operate outside with their offensive approach Next to Luka Doncic he would have the easiest shots ever and could attack closeouts The Mavs would have many options to put him in half-court plays and play through him as well.

The Bulls have yet to blow things up, but it could come soon. They are going the wrong way in the Eastern Conference after going all-in during the 2021 off-season. Lonzo Ball’s injury has been difficult to overcome and the growing tension between LaVine and DeMar DeRozan on the court makes it feel like a shakeup is inevitable is.

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If LaVine came on the market, there would be plenty of teams interested in acquiring it. The asking price is something that even the Mavericks can meet, according to the executive.

“It probably wouldn’t be an insane haul to get him, either,” the director explained. “His contract has the potential to be one of the worst in the NBA going forward, but again, that’s part of why the trade opportunity becomes more realistic for a team without major assets. The big question, though, is whether the Bulls would rather trade with a team that may not be able to pick in the first round this year?”

Dallas’ first-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft is currently owned by the Knicks thanks to the Porzingis trade. The only young signing Dallas has is Josh Green, a first-round pick from the 2020 NBA Draft.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls & Dallas Mavericks Updates

If Chicago is willing to see this as a salary dump, the Mavericks can be seen as a realistic landing ground. But if they want to get as much value as possible in exchange for a multiple, 27-year-old All-Star, it will be hard for Dallas to make a competitive offer.