Mavericks predicted to acquire 4-time NBA champion via trade with Warriors

The Dallas Mavericks want to prove that their run to the NBA Finals was no fluke. To push themselves over the hump, they will need better defensive personnel.

One way Dallas can do it is by looking into Golden State Warriors big man Draymond Green. While it’s not clear if Green is available, Yahoo Sports! Kevin O’Connor proposed a trade that would send Green to the Mavericks. O’Connor, who believes the Warriors should start from scratch after their struggles this season, proposed the following deal:

Mavericks receive: Green

Warriors receive: Daniel Gafford, Maxi Kleber, two first-round picks, two second-round picks

The Warriors are in a tailspin. After a fantastic start to the season, they are the No. 11 seed at 21-21. It’s unclear if Golden State wants to add reinforcements or just ride the wave. Dallas could try to capitalize on the situation if the Warriors decide it’s not worth keeping Green on the team.

Green’s reputation speaks for itself. He’s won four NBA championships and was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2017. He also has a reputation for being one of the NBA’s biggest hotheads, but that might be a risk Dallas would be willing to take especially because acquiring Green would reunite him with Klay Thompson.

The Mavericks might be hesitant to hurt their frontcourt depth

While Green would make sense on the Mavericks, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Dereck Lively II will miss two to three months after suffering a small fracture in his foot.

Green would help, but trading Gafford and Kleber while Livley is out badly hurts their depth. If Green was to miss time, the Mavericks wouldn’t have many options.

The Mavericks have suffered enough injuries this season, so a trade for Green may not be possible. However, Dallas should consider making a deal if Golden State decides to blow it up during the offseason.

MORE MAVERICKS NEWS: Ranking the top 4 trade destinations for Mavs center Daniel Gafford: No. 3 Chicago Bulls