Is This Mavericks Trade Worth the Risk?

Let me be clear: I don’t believe in magic trades. But sometimes, a swap looks like one on paper—and that’s exactly what this proposed deal feels like.

We’re looking at a potential package: PJ Washington, Keon Johnson, 14th pick, and two second-rounders going to Dallas—what do they get in return? The future is wrapped up in Kyrie Irving’s recovery timeline, Luka Doncic’s playoff ceiling… and yes—Drew Eubanks is on their roster.

But here’s where it gets interesting—not for Dallas right now. For us.

The Draft Clock Is Ticking

We’re not rebuilding. We’re racing toward next season. That 14th pick? Can’t afford to sit around for another year of development. We need impact players now—or soon.

So why give it away to Dallas?

Because they don’t have time either. With Kyrie out indefinitely and Luka carrying more than any guard should, their focus has shifted from contention to cultivation.

They want depth at forward—and fast.

Framing the Fit: What Dallas Gets

The Mavericks are adding:

• Wesley Matthews-esque edge via K.J. (Keon Johnson) at #2;
• Physicality + spacing from PJ Washington;
• Long-term upside with a top-15 pick;
• And multiple second-rounders to fill out their bench over time.

This isn’t just depth—it’s structural improvement across their entire rotation.

And yes—I know what you’re thinking: “But wait—P.J.’s not an elite defender.” The truth? He’s better than his stats suggest when paired with strong defensive schemes. Plus, he can stretch the floor—a rare commodity for them lately.

Why We Should Care About Their Timeline (Not Ours)

Here’s my thesis: we can afford to hand over a draft asset because they need to develop Fraga immediately—and that means giving them real playtime with no pressure to win now.

Fraga might be raw—but he also has elite size, motor, and IQ for his age. When you combine that with Kyrie still recovering and Chris Chiozza struggling behind him… yeah—that gives Dallas zero room for error.

They’ll take Fraga as their starting two-way wing by November—even if he struggles early.

Meanwhile, we get back:

• Addition of Dajuan White (implied by “Jrue”): Actually — let’s clarify — we get Georgie, or Greg “Big G” Brown (not actual name), but seriously — we’re getting a true defensive anchor who can switch on ball screens while freeing up our bench-heavy rotation strategy.* The key word here? Depth. Not flashiness — stability under pressure is our new mantra after last year’s collapse against Milwaukee.

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