Dallas Mavericks: Considering five possible Kristaps Porzingis trades

May 30, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Kristaps Porzingis (6) warms up before game four against the LA Clippers in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
May 30, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Kristaps Porzingis (6) warms up before game four against the LA Clippers in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dallas Mavericks, Kristaps Porzingis (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks, Kristaps Porzingis (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Trade partner for Kristaps Porzingis: New Orleans Pelicans

This is more of a salary dump than anything else but could make the Mavericks flexible sooner than they would be in their current situation. Eric Bledsoe took a major step back this season but has the resume as a defensive stalwart that theoretically plays well next to Doncic. He would give the Mavericks some size that would benefit the team more than the shorter Jalen Brunson, who was played off the court in the postseason.

Steven Adams is not an elite rim protector by any stretch but works hard on the glass and is a solid rebounder. Combined with the pick-and-roll potential he could take advantage playing next to Doncic and the fit becomes clearer.

Furthermore, the Pelicans have plenty of extra picks to attach to make it worth the Mavericks while. The deals also expire a season earlier than Porzingis, opening up even more possibilities. Porzingis is the best player in this deal and would be an interesting fit alongside the offensive options with the New Orleans Pelicans, but it is worth making the call. Dallas needs depth in the short term while looking to take swings for big-name talent by restocking their draft pick inventory. Sometimes addition by subtraction is the play.