The Dallas Mavericks are a true championship contender. Their roster is the most complete, featuring a star guard in Kyrie Irving who knows what it takes to win an NBA title, a standout rookie Cooper Flagg who can deliver straightaway, and a top-notch center, Anthony Davis, who can be the best rim protector in the NBA if he stays out of injury trouble.
The only chink in their armor is Irving’s unavailability, at least in the first half of the season, since the All-Star guard is recovering from a torn ACL injury. While Irving is signed to a three-year, $119 million extension, his absence leaves the Mavericks out of depth in the backcourt.
The answer to this problem could be trading for hometown boy, who, despite being picked fifth overall by the Mavericks, was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Luka Doncic during the 2018 NBA draft.
Kyrie Irving’s new ‘Luka Doncic’: Trae Young emerging as prime option for Mavericks
All-Star guard Trae Young’s future with the Atlanta Hawks has become increasingly uncertain. According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, the Hawks are open to trading Young, who can be a logical fit and is in line with Dallas’s current needs. He can essentially be the new ‘Luka Doncic’ to Irving.
“Young and Kyrie Irving would be a bit of a clunky fit in the backcourt, as neither is an incredible defender, and Young can be a liability on that end,” The Smoking Cuban’s Jack Simone said. “However, offensively, Irving is clearly comfortable playing off the ball, and Young is one of the best playmakers in the NBA.”
But Young would come at a cost. The Mavs might have to give up big names, including Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, Caleb Martin and another young player, plus fresh draft capital to make the salaries align. This is a tall ask from the franchise if they want to retain the offensive upside they enjoyed while Luka was here, this trade idea could be a way.
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