The Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans are the two worst teams in the Western Conference. The Mavericks entered the season with title hopes hinging on the success of the Luka Doncic trade.
Instead, Anthony Davis has battled injuries, Kyrie Irving is yet to suit up, Klay Thompson is a shell of his former self, and rookie Cooper Flagg has been misused. The Mavericks are in shambles.
Dallas desperately needs a guard to handle the ball and create on the offensive end of the floor. With how their season has gone so far, Darryn Peterson seems to be a safe bet. If they want to save their season, they have to explore a trade.
GettyDALLAS, TX – APRIL 5: Malik Monk #0 of the Sacramento Kings drives to the basket past Jaden Hardy #3 of the Dallas Mavericks in the first half at American Airlines Center on April 5, 2023 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 Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks Linked to Malik Monk
This offseason, Malik Monk was touted as one of the Sacramento Kings’ biggest trade chips. He was linked to the Golden State Warriors in several rumors surrounding Jonathan Kuminga, but both players remain on their old teams.
Monk has returned to a bench role this season. He is averaging 16.5 points and 2.3 assists per game, and has been one of the best shooters in the league so far this season.
After adding Russell Westbrook and Dennis Schroder, the Kings don’t really need a star bench guard. Moving on from Monk opens up a path for Devin Carter to get minutes, as well.
After losing Jonas Valančiūnas this summer, the Kings could use some frontcourt depth. A trade makes sense.
“Pressure will immediately be alleviated off Cooper Flagg’s shoulders,” wrote Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale. “Monk is both a ball-handling alternative and an outlet for the rookie’s own paint touches. This alone gives him the credentials to start for the Mavs in the interim. He can settle into a bench role once Kyrie Irving debuts.”
A healthy lineup of Irving, Monk, Flagg, Davis, and Dereck Lively II, with Thompson, D’Angelo Russell, and PJ Washington coming off the bench would immediately boost the Mavericks’ bleak playoff chances.
Mock Trade Sends Monk to Dallas Mavericks
Both the Kings and the Mavericks have very urgent problems to solve. Dallas has the NBA’s single-worst offense. They are turnover-prone and rank 28th in assists per game.
The Kings, meanwhile, are the worst rebounding team in the league and below average at scoring inside the arc. With Lively II breaking out, the Mavericks have little need for Daniel Gafford, and a simple swap addresses both teams’ weaknesses.
Full Mock Trade Details
- Dallas Mavericks receive: Malik Monk
- Sacramento Kings receive: Daniel Gafford
Does this trade give either team title hopes? Not really, but when just making the playoffs would be a success for the Mavericks after their woeful start to the season, expect Nico Harrison to make desperate deals to save his job.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Dallas Mavericks Linked to Former Golden State Warriors’ Trade Target appeared first on Heavy Sports.