When Kristaps Porzingis was drafted No. 4 overall in the 2015 NBA Draft, there were only a few fans familiar with his playing style. In his first three seasons at the Mecca of Basketball, Porzingis' was a phenomenal 7'3″ center that could put the ball on the floor and protect the rim consistently. On February 2018, he sustained an ACL injury that caused him to miss one whole season and prompted the Knicks to trade him to the Dallas Mavericks.
Entering his third year with Dallas, his chemistry with Slovenian superstar Luka Doncic and his reliability on staying on the floor have been two enormous concerns that have surrounded their organization. Porzingis is uncomfortable staying in the corner and spacing the floor as Doncic's strength is a five-out style of offense.
On the other hand, the defensive prowess of Porzingis has drastically decreased as offenses just put him on pick and roll action to drive him away from the paint. With Porzingis sustaining another early season injury, here are three possible trades that the Mavs could execute before the trade deadline.
3 Ideal Mavs trades for Kristaps Porzingis
Myles Turner and Jeremy Lamb
The Indiana Pacers have started the front court of Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner for several years already, but they have not achieved the success they are hoping for. The towering bigs are more suited for the traditional style of play, but teams would tend to quicken the pace before their defense is set.
It may seem insurmountable for Dallas to convince Indiana to absorb the remaining years of his current contract which would cost them over $100 million. Dallas could insert sophomore Josh Green and a couple of first round picks to the trade as this would give the Pacers an incentive to try and pin their hopes on the big 3 of Malcolm Brogdon, Porzingis, and Sabonis. Porzingis could complement Sabonis well, but he must improve on his durability if there is any chance for the Pacers to compete in the Eastern Conference.
Buddy Hield and Marvin Bagley III
The Sacramento Kings have missed the playoffs already for 15 years, and they have had many questionable draft picks and signings that has hindered their development. Their squad have a plethora of tremendous guards, especially after drafting Tyrese Haliburton and Davion Mitchell in back-to-back years. Both individuals have lived up to their draft lottery status, thus making it a huge possibility for Sacramento to trade Hield.
The big men rotation of the Kings has not been impressive as well because Richaun Holmes has been their only consistent contributor. With that, Dallas could offer Porzingis to aid Holmes with the big men duties in Sacramento. Moreover, Marvin Bagley III is not part of the rotation anyways, but he has shown flashes of brilliance when he is healthy. Dallas could use another modern big similar to Dwight Powell or Maxi Kleber, while also spreading out the salary of Porzingis to two possible integral pieces for their franchise.
Marcus Morris Sr. and Serge Ibaka/Eric Bledsoe
This could be one of the most ironic trades in recent times as the Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks have faced off in the playoffs in the last two years. Marcus Morris Sr. has been linked as stepping on Doncic's injured ankle before, but his style of play is perfect for the system of the Mavs. Dorian Finney-Smith and Morris Sr. would be a sensational forward tandem that could guard the best wings in the Western Conference.
Adding either Serge Ibaka or Eric Bledsoe to the deal to make the salaries match would benefit the Mavericks as well. Ibaka could play the four or the five as he can space the floor as well, while Bledsoe could be a much-needed ball handler and facilitator that could help Doncic throughout the season. For the Clippers, Ivica Zubac has been having trouble manning the paint on some instances, but having a healthy Porzingis to pair with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard may finally catapult the Clippers to the Promised Land.
With Porzingis continuing to miss numerous games, it will be tough to trade him right now. However, the immense talent of Porzingis would attract some eyes, the Mavs must capitalize on a franchise that has high expectations on him.
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