Mavericks would be logical trade suitors for Cavs’ Tristan Thompson

While it could be intriguing, it’s hard to see the real Love here

Love wants to be traded, according to Fedor, and actions and reports throughout this season have definitely shown that to be the case, it seems.

A Kristaps Porzingis and Kevin Love frontcourt, coupled with Doncic’s playmaking and driving ability would make for plenty of fireworks. Williams’ potential deal included Dallas sending the Cleveland Cavaliers the aforementioned Powell, Tim Hardaway Jr. and the Mavs’ 2022 first-round pick, but that was before the Powell injury.

Again, though, a hoop there would be the Stepien Rule, as the Mavs don’t have a first-round pick in 2021 (and did not have one in 2019, by the way).

Additionally, to me, I wouldn’t think without Powell, who would be a nice piece to have at a reasonable $11 million and under contract for three more years, in the picture now in a potential Love deal I’d want Cleveland to deal Love there, and from the Mavs’ perspective, I would think they’d rather go for an expiring Thompson instead now to make up for the Powell injury.

Love is not close to the defender either Powell or Thompson are, especially when it comes to contesting shots on the interior, and they would not seemingly bow out of the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes of which Williams alluded to, either, as Dallas could still get in that if they don’t trade for Love.

Love is due to make over $91.5 million in the next three years following this season, so that would put an end to that Giannis possibility.

Moreover, given that Dallas has solid reserves in Maxi Kleber and Boban Marjanovic (in some matchups), but do not many players that have proven postseason experience, I’d think they could quickly emerge as a key Thompson trade suitor in coming weeks.

The aforementioned deal to me involving the Mavs and Thompson, while far from a King’s ransom, is one that, because the Cleveland Cavaliers are not likely big free agent players, anyhow, would be a solid return and again, Lee is expiring. Finney-Smith, again a player that could be a key rotational piece for Cleveland, also set to make a team-friendly $4.0 million in seasons through 2021-22 as well.

I’d look elsewhere if I’m the Cavaliers, really, in regards to a Love deal, and if that means the Wine and Gold has to deal Love in the offseason, oh well. Love’s attitude has been much better in recent weeks, and again, dealing him by the trade deadline won’t be a simple task; the two need to go their separate ways by the start of next season, at any rate.

So, anyway, keep on eye on the Mavs as a potential Thompson suitor, Cavs fans. Lastly, if Thompson plays a key role in a deep Dallas postseason run, I could see him and them agreeing on a team-friendly scenario as far as a new contract this summer.