With the 2020 NBA Draft soon approaching, the Dallas Mavericks are determined to grab a higher pick in this year’s edition. According to reports, Mavericks president and general manager Donnie Nelson is looking to add another rising stat to the lineup to play alongside Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis.
According to Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News, Dallas are even prepared to make all players in their roster—apart from Doncic and Porzingis—available for trade during the offseason in exchange for a lottery pick. Currently, the Mavericks have been allocated the 18th and 31st picks of the evening.
Mark Cuban’s franchise is allegedly in “urgency mode” following its disappointing results last season. After finishing in 7th position on the Western Conference Standings, the Mavericks lost 4-2 on aggregate to the Los Angeles Clippers during the first round of the playoffs.
In order to improve on last season’s performance, Dallas will be keen to retain the services of key players Doncic and Porzingis. Doncic, who was awarded the 2019 NBA Rookie of the Year Award, continued to impress last season, averaging 28.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 8.8 assists, and 1.0 steals in 61 games. While Porzingis missed the 2018-19 season due to an ACL tear, he enjoyed a respectable comeback last season, grabbing 20.4 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and 1.8 assists in 57 games.
