The Dallas Mavericks have been sliding down the Western Conference standings ever since trading Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in February.
That shocking move has made the Mavericks look like a potential trade target, leading to some bold trade proposals.
The latest idea comes from Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, who suggests a three-team deal involving the Mavericks, Charlotte Hornets, and Lakers. Any trade between Dallas and Los Angeles is bound to make Mavs fans nervous, and this one is no exception.
Pincus’ proposal has the Mavericks acquiring LaMelo Ball, Josh Okogie, DaQuan Jeffries, a 2025 second-round pick from the Lakers, and two trade exceptions. Meanwhile, the Lakers would receive Daniel Gafford, and the Hornets would land Kyrie Irving, Dalton Knecht, Maxi Kleber, Dallas’ 2025 first-round pick, and a 2029 first-round pick from the Lakers via the Mavericks.
From Dallas’ perspective, this trade makes little sense. Pincus argues that the Mavericks are facing uncertainty with Irving’s injury, as the veteran guard might not return to form in time to help with a playoff push. Ball, a 23-year-old, 6’7” point guard averaging 25.8 points and 7.0 assists for a struggling Hornets team, could be a long-term solution. However, it’s unclear whether Charlotte’s struggles are due to Ball or the team’s poor roster construction.
The Mavericks would be gambling on Ball’s ability to thrive in a stronger defensive system while giving up Gafford, their third center behind Dereck Lively II and Davis Bertans, both currently injured. With Dallas’ 2025 first-round pick projected in the 10-15 range, the team would essentially be choosing Ball over a young prospect who might not contribute immediately. Additionally, the 2029 first-round pick from the Lakers serves as the cost for acquiring a potential franchise guard.
Even if Irving never regains his peak form, this deal is a tough sell for Dallas. It would mean parting with more valuable first-round picks than they received for Dončić, losing Irving, and acquiring a player who has yet to lead a team to the playoffs.
Ultimately, this proposal belongs in the trade machine, not reality. The Mavericks would be better off using their first-round pick to draft a ball-handler and hoping Irving can return to full strength later in the season.
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