3 trade targets for the Dallas Mavericks to help Luka Doncic

By Jack Simone | May 13, 2022

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - APRIL 28: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks drives past Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz during the second half of Game 6 of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 28, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

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DALLAS, TEXAS – JANUARY 09: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks guards Derrick Jones Jr. #5 of the Chicago Bulls at American Airlines Center on January 09, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) /

3 trade targets for the Dallas Mavericks to help Luka Doncic: Derrick Jones Jr.

This is the most intriguing of the three options listed in this article, and it’s also the oddest. Derrick Jones Jr. hasn’t managed to find a home on any team he’s been on, but maybe the Dallas Mavericks could be that home.

Jones Jr. has never been a great three-point shooter, which has always been the biggest knock on his game. However, he’s coming off a career-best year, as he shot 32.8% from range.

However, if the Mavs were to trade for Jones Jr., his primary role would not be as a floor-spacer. Instead, Dallas should experiment with putting him in a similar role to the one Javonte Green plays right now for the Chicago Bulls.

Green spends most of his time in the corner or in the dunker spot, just waiting for his time to strike. With an elite playmaker like Luka Doncic at the helm, this is a role Jones Jr. could play as well.

With his absurd athleticism, Jones Jr.’s main focus would be to set screens and catch lobs from Doncic and play the energetic defense he already provides.

It’s definitely a weird proposition, but Jones Jr. could be a buy-low option for the Mavs with the limited free agency pool. And if it works out, he could end up being an underrated contributor.

Jones Jr. would have to opt into his player option for this deal to happen, but he likely will. Exploring a trade for Jones Jr. could be a worthwhile option if and when that happens.

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