OKC Thunder trade deadline series: Mavericks hit trade week with a bang

Next up in the OKC Thunder trade deadline series T.I. looks at the Dallas Mavericks who jumpstarted their trade week with a huge get out of the Mecca.

While the OKC Thunder and rest of the Association prepares for Thursday, February 7 trade deadline the Dallas Mavericks got into action ahead of schedule.

This came courtesy of the shocking trade of Kristaps Porzingis out of the Mecca and heading to join his childhood hero Dirk Nowitzki. More importantly, it sets the stage for could well become the second coming of the Nash-Nowitzki era via Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis.

It also worked to move Dennis Smith Jr. out of Dallas. This after the two sides seemed locked in a battle where the franchise and the player were on opposite sides. Ironically, Smith Jr. had barely returned to the court prior to the trade.

The other extremely interesting takeaway was the exit of DeAndre Jordan who the Mavericks had long coveted (remember the whole Twitter free agency shade fiasco?). But, the problem was DJ often looked disinterested this season particularly on defense.

Some will argue the day DJ stole the rebound from Doncic and almost inadvertently hurt him his days were numbered. Regardless, he’s gone as is Smith and well liked Wesley Matthews who’ll surely be highly coveted if the Knicks waive him and he enters the buyout market.

For now, the initial reports out of Dallas is the Mavericks will take their time bringing Porzingis back to the floor to ensure his full recovery. What that means for the team as they enter the trade deadline is unclear. They remain close enough to make a run for the postseason, but despite adding Tim Hardaway Jr. may not have enough current pieces to get the job done.

And, if the Mavericks can find a way to tank enough to finish fifth or lower they’ll retain this season’s lottery pick. What was not clear on is whether this draft is one Mark Cuban would like to tank for in the event he somehow could land one of the top talents to pair with his two young studs.