BREAKING: Mavericks land sharpshooter in blockbuster trade

The 2024 NBA Draft is fast approaching, and all eyes are on the Dallas Mavericks’ next moves. It’s evident they need to improve their shooting, but a potential decision could astonish everyone. Dallas has shown interest in Bronny James, and there are whispers that they might trade up to pick him before the Los Angeles Lakers get the chance.

Such a move would send shockwaves through the NBA, leaving Lakers fans, who hope their team will draft James, extremely upset.

Grade the Trade: Mavericks land sharpshooter in blockbuster proposal with Hawks

Regardless, draft night promises to be intriguing, and Dallas has a significant opportunity to improve if they nail their second-round pick.

Last year, Dallas picked Dereck Lively II at No. 12 overall, followed by a trade to select Olivier-Maxence Prosper later in the draft. Lively II had a stellar rookie season, and while Prosper didn’t see much playing time, his future looks promising.

The Mavericks have made trades in consecutive NBA Drafts to bolster their roster, and this year might be no different. Nico Harrison is constantly seeking ways to enhance the team, and with limited cap space, the trade market will be a key avenue for improvement.

Dallas has stated their top priority is re-signing Derrick Jones Jr., but another move seems imminent as one of their veteran guards has been the subject of trade rumors for years.

In this hypothetical blockbuster trade, the Mavericks would offload one of their worst contracts and exchange sharpshooters with the Atlanta Hawks. Will this move secure a top seed in the Western Conference for the Mavs next year, or will the cost be too high for Dallas to make it happen?

Mavericks land Bogdan Bogdanovic in mock draft day blockbuster with Hawks

In this hypothetical blockbuster trade with the Atlanta Hawks, the Dallas Mavericks acquire one of the NBA’s most underrated shooters while offloading one of their worst contracts.

While this move might initially excite fans, a closer look is warranted to determine the real winner of this trade. Proposed by Dan Favale of Bleacher Report, the Mavs would land Bogdan Bogdanovic as their new sharpshooter, trading Tim Hardaway Jr., Olivier-Maxence Prosper, the No. 58 overall pick in this year’s draft, and a lightly protected first-round pick to the Hawks.

This trade allows Dallas to finally part ways with Hardaway Jr., who has been the subject of trade rumors for years. Hardaway Jr.’s departure has been anticipated, especially after his father predicted a summer trade. By acquiring Bogdanovic, Dallas no longer has to deal with Hardaway Jr.’s inconsistency.

Bogdanovic represents a significant upgrade, and his fit with the Mavericks is promising. Last season, Bogdanovic averaged 16.9 points per game and shot 37.4 percent from three-point range. Dallas sorely missed a third scorer like Bogdanovic in the playoffs, but the question remains whether he is worth the steep price.

Now, let’s dive into the grades for both teams involved and discuss whether they should make this trade or not.

Grading the trade for the Atlanta Hawks

If the Atlanta Hawks made this move, they’d be parting with one of their most consistent scorers in Bogdan Bogdanovic while acquiring Tim Hardaway Jr., who struggled in the playoffs. Bogdanovic has been a standout for the Hawks over the past four seasons, and losing him could initially hinder their performance.

However, Hardaway Jr. might benefit from a fresh start in Atlanta, potentially reviving his career. The real value for the Hawks lies in Olivier-Maxence Prosper and the 2025 first-round pick. Despite limited playing time as a rookie, Prosper’s development with the Texas Legends has shown promise. He became a 40-percent three-point shooter, and his defensive versatility is impressive.

Additionally, the 2025 first-round pick provides the Hawks with a valuable asset to further build around their core. Given the uncertainty surrounding the Hawks’ future direction, this move offers them flexibility in shaping their young core.

Bogdanovic’s team-friendly contract makes this trade’s evaluation dependent on Atlanta’s strategic goals. Since the Hawks would receive Hardaway Jr., who is on an expiring contract, along with two draft picks and a promising prospect in Prosper, this trade earns a B for Atlanta.

Potential starting lineup: Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, De’Andre Hunter, Jalen Johnson, Clint Capela

Grading the trade for the Dallas Mavericks

If the Dallas Mavericks make this trade, they’d finally part ways with Tim Hardaway Jr., a player they have been looking to trade for several years. Recent reports indicate that Dallas is actively searching for a trade partner for Hardaway Jr. this summer, aiming to create cap space to re-sign Derrick Jones Jr., a priority for the team.

While shedding Hardaway Jr.’s contract and acquiring an elite sharpshooter in Bogdan Bogdanovic would be beneficial, the cost might be too steep for Mavs fans. Giving up a first-round pick and Olivier-Maxence Prosper, along with the No. 58 overall pick, seems excessive, especially when attaching a first-round pick to move Hardaway Jr.’s contract appears unrealistic.

Bogdanovic, who averaged 16.9 points per game last season while shooting 37.4 percent from three-point range, would undoubtedly be an upgrade over Hardaway Jr. However, sacrificing their future assets in this trade is far from ideal.

Every trade carries risks, but this one might not significantly improve Dallas. Losing another first-round pick and a young prospect for a player on a favorable contract might not make the Mavericks much better than they were last season. Although they desperately need a shooter, the price is too high for this deal to be satisfying for Mavs fans.

Dallas earns a C for this trade. While they acquire an elite shooter in Bogdanovic, the cost is a bit too steep.

This trade would be questionable for both sides, and only time will tell if Dallas finds a trade partner for Hardaway Jr.

For all the latest updates on the Dallas Mavericks this offseason, stay tuned.