The Dallas Mavericks’ offseason has been a success, with the team acquiring key roster players such as Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall, and Quentin Grimes without having to give up a first-round choice.
For the first time in NBA history, they acquired Thompson in a sign-and-trade with six other teams. Fortunately, the Mavericks only needed to give up one second-round pick to complete the deal. However, in an unexpected turn of events, the organization received a second-round pick to compensate for the one it sent out.
Meanwhile, Dallas signed Marshall to a three-year contract without the hassles of a multi-team trade, while Grimes was acquired from the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Tim Hardaway Jr. and three second-round picks.
Mavericks averted a bullet by not seeking a trade for Jerami Grant.
With nearly little budget space and tradeable assets remaining, the Mavs are unlikely to pursue a big fish for the rest of the summer. That includes not pursuing Portland Trail Blazers star Jerami Grant, but that option was likely ruled out after the Los Angeles Lakers hired JJ Redick as head coach.
According to recent rumors on Grant, Dallas might be better off not pursuing the veteran forward because the Blazers appear to have made it difficult for the Lakers to obtain the sought trade target. According to Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report (subscription needed), Portland is attempting to get two first-round picks from Los Angeles in return for the former second-round draftee.
Is Grant worth so much? That question has yet to be decided.
It’s worth noting, however, that he’s averaged 20.8 points per game over the last four seasons, has matured into a serious threat from beyond the arc, and has the athleticism and length to be a good defender.
The asking price for Grant may be justified, but the Mavericks would be better off passing on their reported interest in him.
In addition to having a completely empty draft cupboard, Dallas would have had to cope with the former Team USA member’s large contract and injury history. He is in the second season of a five-year, $160 million contract that includes a $36.4 million player option for the 2027-28 season. While his on-court production is nothing to scoff at, he has struggled to remain on the court over the last four years, never making more than 63 appearances in a season.
The Mavs fans should be grateful that the organization didn’t have to give up much to bring in another star and complimentary guys.