Top 3 trades the Mavericks must make before the 2025 NBA trade deadline

During the 2024 offseason Dallas Mavericks made the biggest splash by drafting Klay Thompson from the Golden State Warriors. The move was expected to return the Mavericks to title contention after they lost to the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. While the Mavericks have plenty of star power, the injury bug ultimately hit the team, further exposing the team’s weaknesses highlighted by a lack of depth.

Make no mistake, injuries are part of the game. However, even with their big three, the roster also has some obvious roles when it comes to their defense. With more attention needed on the wings and frontcourt, this piece will focus on the best trades the Mavericks must make before 2025. NBA trade deadline.

Mavericks trade with Portland Trail Blazers

The Mavericks get: Matisse Thibulle ($11 million)

Blazers get: Maxi Kleber ($11 million)

The Mavericks have a big hole to fill defensively on the wings. Without perimeter stoppers of sufficient size, opposing teams capitalized. It doesn’t help that Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are defensive players, despite their offensive firepower. To alleviate their weaknesses, acquiring an elite defensive ace like Matisse Thibulle should solve the team’s problems.

Thibulle doesn’t need many goals to make his presence felt, which would be great for a Mavericks team that already relies on its big three. The Australian wing is capable of catching the best perimeter players in the league. Currently, he is also averaging 1.7 steals and 0.8 blocks per outing. Coincidentally, Thibull was almost acquired from the Mavericks in 2023 free agency before the Blazers matched Dallas’ offer.

To trade for Thibulle, offloading Maxi Kleber would be a great option. Kleber is constantly in trade rumors, given that he hasn’t impressed enough to be the Mavs’ big backup. And for the Blazers, a veteran like Kleber should complement their young core. With the change in scenery, the 6-foot-10 big man should be given a chance to contribute more offensively by spacing the floor.

Trade with the Memphis Grizzlies

Mavericks get: Santi Aldamo ($3.96 million)

Grizzlies get: Jaden Hardy ($2 million) and ) Olivier-Maxens Prosper ($2 million)

Another issue the Mavericks need to address is their frontcourt depth. Although PJ Washington stepped up at Jason Kidd’s request, the team should also find him help to successfully hold down the fort. As a result, the only big man the Mavericks can realistically target is Spanish big man Santi Aldama.

Aldama is having the best season of his career. Scores 12.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. Given Aldama’s ability to be a playmaker and a threat in the post, there should be no problem integrating him into the team’s system. He should also be familiar with playing alongside Luke, given that they have battled against each other in international matches.

Heading into the 2024-25 season, the Grizzlies appear to be currently looking for a defensive wing, according to ESPN. As a result, the Mavericks can offer youngsters Jaden Hardy and Olivier-Maxens Prospero. Both had some impact on both ends of the floor for the Mavs. Those prospects could be enticing enough for the Grizzlies to waive Aldama, who is also out of contract.

Trade with the Philadelphia 76ers

The Mavericks get: Andre Drummond ($5 million) and Adem Bona ($1.1 million)

Sixers get: Dwight Powell ($4 million) and Spencer Dinwiddie ($2 million)

To further bolster their frontcourt, a trade with Philadelphia should materialize. Andre Drummond of the Sixers has proven to be a reliable backup center for various teams. Despite being past his prime, Drummond is still a rebounding beast capable of anchoring defenses on rushes. As a result, the pursuit of him should not be futile.

Just last season, Drummond was actually on the Mavericks’ radar Hoops Hype. His addition should fill a void for the Mavericks whenever Lively or Gafford gets hurt. And as a bonus, Dallas could also get a diamond in the rough in second-round draft pick Adem Bona. Bona is also another big body with his 6-foot-10 frame. While he’s still pretty raw, his physicality, motor and size should be something to keep an eye on.

In exchange, the Mavs finally get a chance to unload Dwight Powell. Moving him in exchange for Drummond would be a huge upgrade. Throw in Spencer Dinwiddie, who has been inconsistent off the bench, and the Mavericks have a solid roster. On the other hand, Powell and Dinwiddie are veterans who have plenty of playoff experience and can support the Sixers’ playoff push.