The recent performance of the Dallas Mavericks has been disappointing, as they have just suffered four consecutive losses, causing their ranking to drop to sixth in the Western Conference, further away from the high position they had hoped for. The most concerning issue is the absence of Luka Doncic due to injury, which has had an undeniable impact on the team. As last year's Western Conference champions, the Mavericks should be considered strong opponents by all Western Conference teams, but now, even their opponents don't take them seriously anymore. The team faces severe challenges, especially without Doncic, where the lack of strength makes people exclaim "struggling to make ends meet."
Things are not as simple as imagined. Klay Thompson, a four-time champion, still impresses with his shooting skills, but multiple knee injuries have prevented him from returning to his peak form. Currently, he averages 14.2 points, which is decent, but he is no longer the "sharpshooter" of the past. Moreover, Thompson's defense has always been criticized, making Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd reluctant to keep him on the court for too long. Although Klay can provide help on the offensive end, whether he can really solve the Mavericks' current predicament is still a big question mark.
Recently, American media proposed a three-way trade plan involving the Rockets, Warriors, and Mavericks. This trade seems complicated, but if negotiations go smoothly, Thompson will be sent to the Rockets, while the Warriors will receive Mavericks' Maxi Kleber, a 2031 first-round pick, and other assets. Wiggins will join the Mavericks to become Doncic's new assistant.
For the Rockets, Klay Thompson will supplement their scoring firepower from the outside, helping to alleviate their current offensive difficulties. For the Mavericks, acquiring Wiggins can indeed enhance their overall strength, especially since Wiggins has returned to his championship-winning form this season, averaging 16.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and nearly a 40% three-point shooting rate. Such performance will undoubtedly provide more support for Doncic.
However, the problem lies in the fact that the positions of the Rockets, Warriors, and Mavericks are not entirely consistent, especially considering the current injury wave faced by the Rockets, with key players like Tari Eason and Jabari Smith absent. This has significantly reduced their offensive firepower, and they urgently need to add a stable scoring point like Klay.
The Rockets' management probably also sees this point, after all, although Klay is plagued by injuries, his shooting touch remains, and he can bring some different offensive changes to the Rockets.
The question is, although this plan looks good on paper, it may not be that smooth in actual operation. Some netizens believe that if the Rockets can really get Klay Thompson, although his defense is not good, he is still a dangerous scorer who can provide some outside firepower support for the team. The problem with the Rockets now is not that no one can score, but that the scoring points are too scattered, lacking a core that can stably output. Klay's performance off the bench may bring unexpected joy to the Rockets. As some netizens said, "Although Klay is no longer the 'Splash Brother' who can fire at will, he can still hit some crucial threes in key moments. It's worth a try for the Rockets."
The most eye-catching part of this trade is the Mavericks team. Doncic's injury has left the team lacking the stability he brings, and Irving's herniated disc in his back has made their lineup even more stretched. If Wiggins can perform well within the team, he might indeed help the Mavericks get back on track. Wiggins' athleticism and three-point range are very suitable to pair with stars like Doncic, and his defensive and offensive abilities also make the Mavericks more competitive in the playoffs.
The Warriors, on the other hand, although their current state is indeed not up to expectations, especially Curry's big loss in the recent game against the Kings, they are still a strong team in the West. Trading away Wiggins may be a strategic adjustment for the Warriors in future seasons when facing teams like the Mavericks and Rockets. If the Warriors continue to bear the high salary burden, they may face an imbalance in their roster structure. Trading for some young players and future draft picks may be more meaningful for them in the long run. Some netizens believe that if the Warriors trade away Wiggins, it might make the team more flexible, after all, the core lineup of the Warriors is still Curry, Thompson, and Green. Trading Wiggins can free up more space and funds to supplement other positions or even lay the groundwork for the future.
Although this three-way trade is still in the discussion stage, it has given people a lot of room for imagination. The choices of the Rockets, Mavericks, and Warriors will directly affect the competitiveness of their teams in the future. For the Mavericks, getting Wiggins is obviously the most direct and effective way, as he can provide important assistance to the team on both offense and defense. If this trade can be successfully concluded, the next few games without Doncic might bring a glimmer of hope for the Mavericks.
