The Mavericks Decide to Trade! Thompson, Stunned! A Big Mistake of $50 Million in 3 Years
TA reporter: The Mavericks are willing to send Gafford in trade negotiations...
Some may ask, what does this have to do with Thompson?
This is because the Mavericks hope to exchange Gafford for an influential wing player to enhance their perimeter defense.
So far, the Mavericks rank 7th in the West with a record of 23 wins and 19 losses, with a defensive efficiency of 111.5 ranking 11th in the league. During this period, Gafford averaged 11.7 points, 6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.5 blocks in just 20 minutes per game, with a shooting percentage as high as 70.5%.
In fact, last season, the Mavericks had a defensive wing named Xiaoqiong Jones, who took on the important task of leading the defense against opponents' offensive arrows, averaging 8.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1 assist in the regular season, and starting all playoff games with an average of 9.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1 block, contributing greatly to the team's advancement to the finals.
Of course, it's not that the Mavericks gave up Xiaoqiong Jones for anyone; it was mainly because he wanted to leave. At that time, he had just joined the Clippers for 3 years at 30million,whileThompsonhadjustjoinedDallasfor3yearsat50 million, achieving a seamless connection. Therefore, not many people felt sorry for the departure of this Finals hero at that time.
However, this season's practice has proven that for the Mavericks, Xiaoqiong Jones is more important than Thompson. In other words, the team needs defensive players more than offensive ones, and the latter's offensive ability has declined seriously. So far, he has averaged 13.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2 assists, making an average of 3 three-pointers at a 37.9% shooting rate, which is obviously far from expectations.
Simply put, judging from the current situation, after replacing Xiaoqiong Jones with Thompson, the Mavericks have not only failed to make further progress but are now struggling hard for a playoff spot, completely lacking the style of a finalist team.
Due to poor performance, as mentioned above, the Mavericks are considering trading and plan to find another defensive wing to return to the old path. However, their decision to use Gafford for the exchange still surprises the outside world, because he performed outstandingly and worked diligently and willingly. There may also be considerations to create space for sophomore center Lively to grow quickly.
It is reported that the Mavericks' desired wing potential trade target is Herbert Jones, a 26-year-old forward from the Pelicans, who is 2 meters 01 tall. This season, he has averaged 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.9 steals, making an average of 1.1 three-pointers at a 30.6% shooting rate. Last season, he was the only non-interior player selected for the best defensive team.
However, most NBA insiders believe that the Pelicans will almost certainly not let go of Jones (earning 12.98millionthisseason),whichcanalsobeunderstoodasraisingtheprice.IftheMaverickstrytoexchangeonlywithGafford(earning1.345 million this year) without adding some draft picks, they will definitely be blacklisted on the spot.
It seems that the Mavericks have a special preference for wing players named "Jones," so why not simply trade with the Clippers to bring back Xiaoqiong Jones, who is familiar and easy to use.
Just kidding, the Clippers are living comfortably, recently winning the Los Angeles derby 116-102 against the Lakers, now ranking fifth in the West with 24 wins and 17 losses, with no reason to break up the lineup.
Moreover, Xiaoqiong Jones is enjoying life in the big city and can get heavy use by playing for the Clippers. This season, he has started 36 times in 39 appearances, averaging 9.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals, with a shooting percentage of 50.8%. He probably has no intention of returning to Dallas.
With the trade deadline approaching this year, what moves will the Mavericks make? Let's wait and see!