Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: C/F Kristaps Porzingis, F/G Josh Green
Dallas Mavericks Receive: G Luguentz Dort, F Kenrich Williams, C Derrick Favors, 2021 First-Round Pick (via LAC)
The Dallas Mavericks have encountered a layered issue when it comes to Kristaps Porzingis’ standing with the team. He hasn’t quite managed to live up to lofty expectations that have been established for him yet.
In theory, Porzingnis’ shooting ability should make him an ideal fit alongside Luka Doncic. The ability to fully space the floor and run pick-and-pop or rim roll puts a lot of pressure on teams. The team has gone above and beyond trying to accommodate him in more ways including post-ups, but it has bogged down the half-court offense.
The Oklahoma City Thunder appear much closer to being a play-in team at this point than they do a contender for the No. 1 overall pick. Could taking a swing on a helpful player to meet the salary cap floor be the right choice?
Porzingis could enter a new situation where the expectations are clear. Space the floor and be a play finisher for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and if a mismatch comes after a switch, then opportunities to make plays will be available.
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The Thunder could even try to play through Porzingis more when Gilgeous-Alexander is on the bench to see if more consistent touches can lead to more consistency.
How does this trade impact both teams? Let’s take a look at this hypothetical deal from each of their perspectives, starting with the Thunder.
