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The Dallas Mavericks made a surprising run to the Western Conference Finals behind the mind-boggling play of Luka Doncic. Doncic and the Mavs were not expected to make it far, as they don't have the same star power as other teams in the West.
While Doncic doesn't have a solidified star, the players around him stepped up in the playoffs. Jalen Brunson emerged into a secondary scorer outperforming opposing teams' stars at times. Brunson is entering free agency and will draw interest from numerous teams. Bringing him back will be crucial to building a foundation around Doncic.
"We can pay him more than anybody…I think he wants to stay and that's most important."@mcuban talks to @TheSteinLine about the Mavericks chances of re-signing @jalenbrunson1 this offseason. pic.twitter.com/FnOV9LTagO
— Bally Sports Southwest (@BallySportsSW) May 27, 2022
Brunson averaged 21.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in the playoffs while shooting 46.6 percent from the field and 34.7 percent from three. His scoring production forced the defense to not solely focus on Doncic. The top priority this offseason should be bringing Brunson back to Dallas.
Outside of Brunson and Doncic, the rest of the roster could be improved. The Mavericks have solid role players, but the current core would have a difficult time winning a championship. Although they don't have a top draft pick, they could package it with role players or additional draft compensation to improve their team.
However, due to the Stepien Rule, Dallas would have to make the pick before these trades. This has been done by teams before, as they simply ask the team what prospect they want in the trade.
With that said, here are the two best trades the Mavs can make using the number 22nd pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Mavs Trades
2. Rockets receive: Dwight Powell and the 26th overall pick
Mavericks receive: Christian Wood
While Dwight Powell had a solid season, Dallas could use an upgrade at their center. Christian Wood has been in trade rumors, as he doesn't fit the timeline of the Rockets' young core. A package of Powell on the last year of his deal and a draft pick could get the deal done. Houston could flip Powell to another team down the line for more future value.
Wood is a good offensive big with the ability to score at all three levels.
He averaged 17.9 points and 10.1 rebounds while shooting 50.1 percent from the field. Wood is one of the better three-point shooting centers in the league at 39 percent. Acquiring Wood would give the Mavs another scorer they can count on outside of Doncic and Brunson.
1. Pacers receive: Dwight Powell, Sterling Brown, Josh Green, and the 26th overall pick
Mavericks receive: Myles Turner
Many fans around the league pointed to Rudy Gobert as the ideal trade target for the Mavs. However, Gobert's contract makes it hard to make a deal for him. He is also a worse offensive player than other players available, making Myles Turner a better target.
Turner is on a cheaper deal, is still a great rim protector, and provides solid offensive value. After trading Domantas Sabonis at the deadline, Indiana may hold onto Turner. However, he is in the last year of his deal, and they may want to get value out of him instead of him potentially walking in free agency for nothing.
This package gives the Pacers two expiring contracts in Powell and Brown, as well as a young player in Green and a draft pick. Green and the draft pick could add to the Pacers' young core as they try to improve for the future.
Turner would be an ideal fit for the Mavericks as their defensive anchor. This season, he averaged 12.9 points and 7.1 rebounds while shooting 50.9 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from downtown. He blocked 2.8 shots per game, proving he is one of the best shot blockers in the league.
If the Mavs are able to pull off one of these deals, it will help the team get better immediately. After a Conference Finals appearance, it is imperative to get Doncic as much help as they can get.
