How This Trade Impacts Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks are currently 8-4, but they could experience some regression to the mean sooner than later. They have a negative point differential on the season, as their offense has fallen apart.

Dallas currently ranks 22nd in offensive rating according to Basketball-Reference and 14th in defensive rating. Getting things going on offense is paramount to this team finding success and CJ McCollum could help them find it.

McCollum would provide the Mavericks with a second shot-creator alongside Luka Doncic. The team has been using Jalen Brunson more in that role, but if he is in the starting five, the bench unit suffers. Adding McCollum to the starting five will enable Jason Kidd to keep Brunson with the second unit while taking some pressure off of Doncic and his league-leading usage rate.

Dallas was looking for a secondary ball-handler throughout the season but was unable to find one. McCollum can fill that role as he is as comfortable with the ball in his hands as he is playing off the ball. He has shown he can excel alongside a star that dominates the ball, as he has turned into one of the most efficient shooting guards playing alongside Damian Lillard.

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McCollum’s presence would also push Porzingis into a more complementary role, something which might help get him back on track. As the third option, there would be less pressure on Porzingis, enabling him to focus on other things to help the team win.

The package isn’t overly steep for Dallas, as McCollum is an upgrade on Tim Hardaway Jr. and Reggie Bullock has failed to have the same impact in Dallas he had with the New York Knicks.