The 2024 NBA Finals are just around the corner. This year’s NBA Finals will start on Thursday with Game 1 at 8:30 p.m. Eastern at TD Garden in Boston. Before the final postseason matchup of the year, the Dallas Mavericks eliminated the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games in the 2024 Western Conference Final, while the Boston Celtics swept the Indiana Pacers in four games in the 2024 Eastern Conference Final.
Fast forward to the present, as the Mavericks and Celtics will face different challenges from what they’ve just conquered in their respective conference finals. Dallas has won six of its last seven games, while Boston has won 12 of its last 14 with a double-digit scoring margin. That said, it’s probably good that both NBA conference champions have a few days off to rest, regroup, and recalibrate.
But there’s a possibility that the Mavericks will lose to the Celtics in the NBA Finals. If Dallas gets eliminated heartbreakingly, there’s a chance that the Southwest team will make changes ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season. Here are three changes.
The Dallas Mavericks Could Trade Tim Hardaway Jr.
If the Dallas Mavericks lose to the Boston Celtics, they could trade Tim Hardaway Jr., a small forward and shooting guard who was traded to the Mavericks in 2019, for draft picks. Then they could re-sign Derrick Jones Jr., a small/power forward who signed with the Mavericks as a free agent in 2023.
Tim Hardaway Jr. is the son of former five-time NBA All-Star Tim Hardaway Sr. and Yolanda Adkins Hardaway. But Hardaway Jr.’s recent downturn in play, the Dallas Mavericks’ recent moves, and the recent rumors of the Mavericks shopping the 32-year-old have fueled trade speculation in the basketball world.
Derrick Jones Jr. signed with the Dallas Mavericks on August 18, 2023. He debuted as a Maverick on October 25, 2023, in a 126-119 win over the San Antonio Spurs at the Frost Bank Center. Since then, Jones Jr. has helped bolster the Mavericks’ depth and reportedly said he wants to stay in Dallas. It’s safe to say the ball is in the Mavericks’ court.
The Dallas Mavericks Could Acquire Lauri Markkanen
Should the Dallas Mavericks lose to the Boston Celtics, they could acquire Lauri Markkanen, a small/power forward for the Utah Jazz, this offseason. Lauri, also known as “The Finisher,” hails from a Finnish athletic family. He is the son of former basketball players Pekka and Riikka Markkanen and the younger brother of football player Eero Markkanen.
If the Dallas Mavericks wish to carry out this acquisition with the Utah Jazz, they’ll likely acquire Lauri Markkanen in exchange for Tim Hardaway Jr., Dwight Powell, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, a 2025 first-round draft pick, and a 2028 second-round draft pick. Markkanen can help the Mavericks’ frontcourt and roster in general. After all, his potential, skill set, and recent play arguably make him an intriguing trade target for the Mavericks.
The Dallas Mavericks Could Enhance Their Competitiveness
If the Dallas Mavericks get knocked down by the Boston Celtics, they could enhance their team’s competitiveness while addressing team needs. The Mavericks have many options to choose from, but they might want to lean toward Kyle Kuzma, a power/small forward for the Washington Wizards. Kuzma would be a roster upgrade and a strategic move, as he could insert a brand-new dimension into the Mavericks’ offense. Kyle Kuzma has been playing for the Washington Wizards since 2021.
Kuzma’s tenure in the nation’s capital has been noteworthy, to say the least. His offensive versatility, playmaking ability, and prowess on the glass arguably make him a good, if not great, asset for teams — like the Dallas Mavericks — reportedly searching for offensive versatility. Plus, Kuzma might want to join the Mavericks now that they’re a “true” playoff contender after reportedly refusing to join the Mavs at the 2024 NBA trade deadline.
About the Author
Ana is an accomplished journalist with various credentials in writing, reporting, and broadcasting. With a diverse background and a bachelor’s degree in communications from San Jose State University, Ana can deliver the news in a timely manner and share her opinions with confidence. Her other articles can be found here.
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