Dallas Mavericks: Considering five possible Kristaps Porzingis trades

Trade partner for Kristaps Porzingis: Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics can actually present one of the interesting packages to the Mavericks, depending on what direction they prefer. Swapping Kemba Walker for Porzingis (also known as a terrible contract for a terrible contract) works and gives the Mavericks another premier ballhandler to allow Doncic to play off-ball with more regularity and would bring some veteran leadership to a mostly young roster. However, choosing depth over name may be the right call.

Marcus Smart fits the type of guard the Mavericks have been open about courting: one who can play defense and brings some grit to the court. Tristan Thompson makes the salary work and has not been a fit in Boston but could rebound, figuratively and literally, with a chance in scenery. Romeo Langford showed flashes after returning from injury and has the potential to blossom with increased opportunity.

For Boston, the path involving Walker has to be the preference. Depth was an issue for the team this season and turning three players into one injury-prone big man could create a further issue. However, if Porzingis was able to stay healthy he would provide a third All-Star caliber on the same age timeline as Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Pairing with Robert Williams would remove the rim-protecting duties from Porzingis as well.