The Mavericks got Luka Doncic more defense and a shooter. And another Texas team helped out.
Dallas added Boston’s Grant Williams on a four-year deal for $53M. While Williams was a key reserve for the Celtics, playing solid defense and shooting 43.3% from three-point range in his playoff career, Boston chose not to match his contract.
Perhaps that was due to their addition of Kristaps Porzingis. Or they valued the second-round picks or the $6.2M trade exception they received.
Williams was a restricted free agent, but by making the transaction a trade, Dallas preserved their mid-level exception. They quickly used it to add another restricted free agent, Portland’s Matisse Thybulle.
Thybulle made the All-Defensive second team in 2021 and 2022. While he’s limited offensively, Dallas is betting that alongside Doncic and Kyrie Irving, they won’t need Thybulle to shoot. They’ve prioritized adding defenders to their squad, which was sixth-worst in the NBA in defensive rating last year.
Why did San Antonio help out their in-state rival, taking on Reggie Bullock’s contract and dealing out second-rounders? Because they’re thinking ahead. Seven years ahead.
The Spurs received an unprotected first-round pick swap with the Mavericks in 2030. They’re essentially short selling Mavericks stock, giving them a potentially valuable pick if Dallas is bad in 2029-30.
And while the price was high, the Spurs have more future picks than they could possible have roster spots — they had 14 first-rounders and 17 seconds in the next seven years. Spending a few for a chance at a really good future pick is a great gamble.
Especially because in 2030, Victor Wembanyama will be just 26 years old and right in the prime of his career. Dallas is better now, but San Antonio could be much better later.
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