NBA Rumors: Why the Dallas Mavericks should consider a Dirk Nowitzki trade
In this week’s NBA Rumors we will take a look at the Dallas Mavericks situation with Dirk Nowitzki.
The NBA is a business, let’s not forget that. Most people see it from one side as teams do what they have to do in order to keep fans in the seats and TV ratings as high as possible. But, what about the players? Are they not supposed to view the league the same way the owners do?
How wrong were Kevin Durant and LeBron James for leaving their respective teams to chase rings? Not as wrongs as you think. Which brings us to the Dallas Mavericks and the Dirk Nowitzki situation.
Nowitzki is a Mavs lifer. He’s given everything to the organization but over the last few seasons, his efforts have fallen short. All on his shoulders? No, but when you win as a leader, you must lose as one.
Mark Cuban has tried everything to build around Dirk since his last championship in 2011. But, no such luck. They have tried everything from vets to rookies to players in their 2nd-3rd season, and still, the team has struggled. There is only one thing left to do. Trade Dirk.
It’s harsh and will rub fans the wrong way but as much as Mavericks fans love Dirk they should want to see him go out on top and not struggle like he is sure enough going to do this season.
Let’s be honest here. The Mavericks are not contenders and won’t be for a while. This is all the more reason to let Dirk go and finish his career for a contender.
What the Mavs may get in return will be something more than what they will receive if he wakes up after this season and decides enough is enough and retires. At least with a trade, they can get some youth or picks in return and continue to rebuild.
Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs were different. In Duncan’s last season they were still looked at as contenders and when he left they already had a replacement in mind. The Mavericks have no such person. If Dirk and the Mavs were somehow capable of righting the ship and making a push then any chance at a high draft pick goes out the window. As it stands now the Mavs will hook their future to the likes of Deron Williams, Harrison Barnes or Wesley Matthews. Not good.
Why not ship him off to the Raptors for Norman Powell and two picks or to the Blazers for Allen Crabbe or Mason Plumlee? There are options out there for the team to explore only if they are willing to look at the bigger picture.
Dirk has done all he can do for the Mavericks. It’s time they repay his gesture with one of their own.
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
