Pass or Pursue: FanSided’s 4 trades could be KAT-astrophic for Wolves
By Bret Stuter
KAT didn’t shoot J.R.
When it comes to the Dallas Mavericks, they have been stuck in that NBA limbo for a very long time. While they become an NBA Playoff team, they do not stay competitive and must retool once more. This is a team that did not compete in the 2023 NBA Playoffs, after three seasons of postseason play.
This is a team that wants to return to the NBA Playoffs and has been rather aggressively pursuing that goal by trading for SG Kyrie Irving at the 2023 NBA Trade Deadline. This trade scenario is simply Part II.
Reasons to Pursue
The reason for pursuing this trade package is the belief that first-round draft picks from the Dallas Mavericks will be incredibly valuable in 2025 and in 2028. The curious . . . unusual thing about this trade scenario is the way protections seem to be arbitrarily introduced. Lottery protection on the 2028 first-round pick is not nearly as valuable for the Timberwolves.
I could see a 2028 first-round pick swap as a preferred option for the Timberwolves. That would ensure that the Mavericks retain a first-round pick but give the Timberwolves a value-added option rather than one more pick
Reasons to Pass
I do not believe that the Mavericks truly turn the ship around. That means that the draft picks may add some value to this deal. But with the protections in place, the entire risk of this trade exchange is all on the Minnesota Timberwolves. Let’s face it, Tim Hardaway Jr. is a nice addition if the Timberwolves need another shooting guard.
They don’t.
And Maxi Kleber may be a power forward, but his offensive output is really pedestrian. He does not score points, which is why he is a bench player and not a starter.
Final Verdict: Hard Pass
No. No. And finally, just no.