Mavs Have Few Realistic Trade Options; 76ers’ Tobias Harris One of Them?

Except issues magically flip in a special course for the Dallas Mavericks within the subsequent few weeks, the franchise may be nearing a crossroads on the subject of its present roster building.

Via 31 video games, the Mavs have a 15-16 report and are tied for tenth place within the Western Convention standings. Regardless of having misplaced Jalen Brunson over the offseason, these outcomes merely aren’t acceptable for a workforce coming off a Western Convention Finals run, particularly contemplating that MVP candidate Luka Doncic has been, for probably the most half, absolutely wholesome thus far.

So what can the Mavs realistically do to enhance their state of affairs going ahead? Given how loaded the following NBA Draft is meant to be, headlined by high prospects Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson, Dallas might all the time select the ‘natural tanking’ route. The Mavs nonetheless owe the Knicks their 2023 first-round choose, however it’s top-10 protected. When you have got a younger expertise on Doncic’s stage, although, it’s arduous to tug the plug and go that route.

On the subject of potential commerce choices, probably the most practical ones doubtless have to incorporate the Mavs not giving up one other first-round choose. A possible commerce with the Philadelphia 76ers for Tobias Harris matches that mildew. Right here’s what we’re considering:

Mavs obtain: Tobias Harris

76ers obtain: Tim Hardaway Jr., Reggie Bullock and JaVale McGee

For the 76ers, this commerce would basically be doing with Harris what the Mavs did with Kristaps Porzingis final season — which is buying and selling his bloated contract for a number of less-bloated contracts. Harris is making $37 million this season and is owed $39 million within the 2023-24 season.

Though Tim Hardaway Jr. has two years remaining after this season, his contract is descending. He’s making $19.6 million now, however he’ll be making $16.1 million within the ultimate 12 months of his contract, which is a bit more manageable … and it’s much more manageable than Harris’ $39 million.

Harris is averaging 17.1 factors, 6.3 rebounds and a couple of.9 assists per sport whereas capturing 49.1 p.c from the sector, together with 42 p.c from deep. On paper, it appears as if he’d be a strong match with the Mavs regardless of his large contract. If the Mavs can shave off a 12 months’s value of smaller wage by buying and selling Hardaway and McGee for him, it may be a shakeup value pursuing.

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