Dallas Mavericks: 3 win-now trades to help get Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Dallas Mavericks make a win-now trade for Andre Drummond

This trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers is a bit of a departure from the wing-centric approach we’ve taken so far. Let’s take a look at the framework of a deal for Andre Drummond:

This trade is fairly similar to a trade idea floated by Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz, although he advocated including the 31st overall pick (via the Golden State Warriors) in the Mavs’ outgoing haul.

Quite frankly for the expiring contract of Andre Drummond, additional draft compensation seems a bit over the top so we’re going to stick with this package here, although when you’re talking about this with your basketball friends please feel free to include draft assets. Just make sure you tell your friends that this writer does not advocate it.

In acquiring Drummond, the Mavs will get the league’s premiere rebounder and a reasonable rim protector. Most importantly, he may have a reciprocal unlocking effect with Luka Doncic as a pick and roll partner. Drummond is a devastating rim runner, and a steady influx of lobs and passes off cuts from Doncic could unleash him on the offensive end.

It’s worth remembering that Brandon Knight and Reggie Jackson are the best pick and roll partners Andre Drummond has ever had, so giving him one of the best passers in NBA history to feed off of could revolutionize his career as he goes into 2021 free agency.

As for the Cavaliers, they resolve their Drummond conundrum, they get more appropriately priced big men in Kleber and Powell, and they get a veteran point guard in Wright who can help show Collin Sexton and Darius Garland the way in the NBA.

This trade is a solid candidate as a win-win trade for both teams.