The Dallas Mavericks and Atlanta Hawks swung a blockbuster trade during the 2018 NBA Draft that altered the course of both franchises. Five years later, the two teams could swing another deal to significantly improve moving forward.
Dallas is coming off its worst season in four years, missing the NBA playoffs for the first time since Luka Doncic established himself as one of the game’s best players. After finishing 38-44, the Mavericks plan to use the 10th overall pick and other assets to strengthen their roster for next season.
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Atlanta is in a similar boat. After firing Nate McMillan during the regular season, the hawks finished 41-41 and were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. It prompted the front office to take an aggressive approach this offseason, exploring all avenues to improve the team.
Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer recently reported that the Hawks and Mavericks have discussed a trade that would significantly impact both teams and the 2023 NBA Draft on Thursday night.
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According to Fischer, one proposal the two teams discussed involved Dallas trading Dāvis Bertāns and the 10th overall pick to Atlanta for John Collins and the 15th overall pick. However, the two sides haven’t made progress on the deal.
The Hawks are very open to trading Collins this summer, shopping him around the league as they explore ways to reshape the roster around Trae Young. As for the Mavericks, their focus is on building a better supporting cast around Doncic to avoid him demanding a trade in the future.
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If the Mavericks can’t complete a trade for Collins by draft night, they remain likely to move the No. 10 pick to another team shopping a starting-caliber center. One of Dallas’ targets this summer is believed to be Deandre Ayton, but there haven’t been any recent NBA trade rumors suggesting there are active talks with the Phoenix Suns this summer.