As the Dallas Mavericks grapple with a horrible fate of their own creation, the only way out is to continue the path that they have already found themselves on. After trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, both Davis and Kyrie Irving have suffered devastating injuries, and other role-players have been sidelined as well, kicking off a massive slide down the standings.
When heathy, Irving and Davis are an excellent duo, although they are aging. However, the Mavericks must show fans that trading Doncic was worth it, and winning a title might be the only way they can do that.
A recently proposed mock trade opens up the window, although it won't be open for long.
According to *Bleacher Report's*Greg Swartz and plenty of other outlets as well, the Mavericks will likely be in the mix for Kevin Durant, who will all but certainly demand a trade from the Phoenix Suns this offseason.
The Suns, in theory, could re-tool around Devin Booker, and trading Durant would bring in a massive haul. In Swartz's deal, the Suns would bolster their core with Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick (via LAL) for Durant.
All four of those players are competent, if not high-level, supporting pieces who could give Booker a chance to lead the Suns deep into the postseason. The Mavericks, meanwhile, part with a lot of assets simply because they are desperate.
"The Mavs should be desperate to appease their fanbase given the way this season is going, and landing Durant to team up with Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis is a heck of a Big 3 to build around for the next few seasons," wrote Swartz. "The Suns need to stay competitive with first-round picks still going out in 2025, 2027, and 2029 from the acquisition of Durant. Thompson, Washington, Gafford, and Christie are all starting-caliber players, and the Lakers' unprotected pick in 2029 gives Phoenix a little more trade ammo."
Related: Proposed Knicks-Suns Trade Solves Kevin Durant Dilemma While Appeasing Devin Booker
While the Mavericks are unlikely to agree to such a haul, Nico Harrison might be feeling the heat if he is able to keep his job.
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Related: Mavericks Could Make Desperate Trade to Land Kevin Durant After String of Bad Moves
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This story was originally published March 11, 2025 at 5:23 AM.