San Antonio Spurs: 3 outside-the-box trades for DeMar DeRozan
By Ethan Becker
San Antonio Spurs trade partner No. 2: Dallas Mavericks
This trade is a little less likely to happen, as the Spurs will likely be hesitant to trade to an in-state rival, let alone the idea that the Dallas Mavericks also then obviously occupy the same division and conference as San Antonio.
Still, if it favors both teams, a deal might be able to be made. After all, the Mavericks are looking to contend in the coming years, whereas the Spurs are looking to rebuild. So, if an agreement can be reached that would help both franchises achieve those goals, don’t be shocked if you see it happen.
With this trade, the Mavericks find their third threat to compete in a dangerous Western Conference. Adding DeRozan into the lineup alongside Kristaps Porzingis and Luka Doncic would make an already intimidating Dallas offense even more dangerous, and it would also provide the Mavericks with a backup star should Doncic or Porzingis succumb to injury.
For the Spurs, they’ll get a stellar 3-point shot to space out the floor a little, and help give an old fashioned San Antonio squad a bit of a modern edge, while the addition of Willie Cauley-Stein to the mix helps boost their interior defense, which was dreadful last season.
The advantage for both Tim Hardaway Jr. and Stein is in their youth. If treated right, and should their game continue to evolve, they could be nice pieces for a contending Spurs team, if only as rotation players.