With just about a week until training camps get underway around the NBA, teams are finalizing their rosters. During camp, teams are permitted to carry up to 20 players but that number needs to be cut down to 15 by the regular season with two additional spots for two-way players.
Eventually, we will see a good amount of player movement as teams wait and see who is released from teams and hits the open market. There are always a few surprises each year, but a lot of players will be offered spots on G League teams.
Two teams that will be keeping their eye on the market are the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks. The franchises faced off in the second round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs with Dallas besting Phoenix in seven games. Alas, this offseason has been far from ideal for either side.
Dallas lost guard Jalen Brunson in free agency as he signed a contract with the New York Knicks to become their new starting point guard. They addressed their needs in the frontcourt, acquiring Christian Wood and signing JaVale McGee.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dallas Mavericks & Phoenix Suns Updates
Coincidentally, McGee departed from the Suns, weakening what was already a bench unit that failed to produce at times. The only player that Phoenix added from outside the organization this offseason was Damion Lee, formerly of the Golden State Warriors.
But, could the teams help each other out in a trade? One NBA executive that spoke to NBA Analysis Network certainly believes so. Swapping Jae Crowder for Dwight Powell is something the executive believes both teams would benefit from.
“The Mavs could use another wing with some size beyond Finney-Smith and Bullock. Jae Crowder would be a clean fit. He’d get a lot of great looks from Donci. They would be deeper playing small lineups and would have some insurance in case Josh Green doesn’t take a step forward. … The Suns have Ayton and Biyombo, but I could see the benefit to Dwight Powell for them. He’s on an expiring deal, too. He’d fit nicely with Chris Paul and Devin Booker as a rim roller.”
If they cannot add another ball-handler to the mix, upgrading the depth on the wing makes sense for Dallas. Crowder, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Reggie Bullock would be interchangeable as all three could share the court.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dallas Mavericks & Phoenix Suns Updates
The Mavericks would also clear their logjam in the middle, which would benefit the Suns. Not only did they lose McGee, but they also lost Frank Kaminsky in free agency. Adding Powell would provide them with another solid option at the center spot that offers a little more than Bismack Biyombo does.
With both players being on expiring deals, it won’t impact future plans for the franchises either. The Mavericks and Suns would also both alleviate logjams while addressing potential areas of need.
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