Mavericks Desperately Wanted To Replace Luka Doncic With Ben Simmons
Mavericks Desperately Wanted To Replace Luka Doncic With Ben Simmons
The Dallas Mavericks executed a monumental trade by sending Luka Doncic to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis and Max Christie. This bold move signaled a significant shift in the team’s direction.
The Mavericks actively pursued Ben Simmons following his buyout from the Brooklyn Nets. Their interest stemmed from his potential fit as a small-ball center alongside Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis.
“League sources say that Dallas had an interest in joining the buyout market bidding for Ben Simmons, who swiftly joined the LA Clippers after negotiating his release from the Brooklyn Nets and held appeal to the Mavericks as a small ball center,” wrote NBA insider Marc Stein.
Financial constraints played a crucial role in the Mavericks’ pursuit of Simmons. The team’s proximity to the luxury tax apron, with less than $200,000 in wiggle room, made signing him mathematically impossible.
“The Mavericks sit less than $200,000 away from the NBA’s first luxury-tax apron,” wrote Stein. “With Caleb Martin’s trade kicker hiking his salary from $9.2 million to $10.4 million for apron purposes after the Mavericks acquired Martin from Philadelphia, creating sufficient wiggle room to try to beat out the Clippers, Rockets and Cleveland Cavaliers for Simmons was not mathematically possible.”
The Mavericks’ current roster carries a substantial $178.5 million payroll, ranking 8th highest in the NBA. Key players on the books include:
- Anthony Davis
- Kyrie Irving
- Klay Thompson
- PJ Washington
Ben Simmons’ career statistics demonstrate his all-around impact:
| Category | Average |
|---|---|
| Points | 13.6 |
| Rebounds | 7.6 |
| Assists | 7.4 |
His recent performance with the Nets showed glimpses of his abilities, posting 6.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game.
Multiple teams competed for Simmons’ services after his Nets buyout:
- LA Clippers
- Houston Rockets
- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Dallas Mavericks
Simmons opted to join the Clippers, making an immediate impact with 12 points and seven rebounds in his debut game.
The Mavericks maintain competitive positioning in the Western Conference, holding the 8th seed. Their recent form shows promise, winning six of their last ten games.
The team’s restructured roster faces intense scrutiny following the Doncic trade. Success in the upcoming playoffs will be crucial for validating their bold roster decisions.
The Mavericks’ championship aspirations now rest on the shoulders of Irving and Davis. Their health and on-court chemistry will determine the team’s playoff potential.
The NBA’s first luxury tax apron significantly impacted the Mavericks’ roster flexibility. The acquisition of Caleb Martin, whose trade kicker increased his salary from $9.2 million to $10.4 million, further complicated their financial situation.
With the trade deadline passed, the Mavericks must rely on their current roster construction. Their focus shifts to maximizing the talents of their star duo while developing chemistry with role players.
Jennifer Withers Hoey is a former Business Development Manager who transitioned to writing about sports. With valuable connections all over the West Coast, she has used those contacts to break some of the most interesting stories pertaining to the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Ducks, LA Lakers, LA Clippers, Seattle Supersonics (RIP), and more.
