The Dallas Mavericks have been linked to Jimmy Butler in trade talks recently.
This comes from reports that Butler was open to being traded to the Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns or Houston Rockets.
While Butler would be a big help to the team, this trade proposal shows that the Mavericks would have to give up too many gold assets.
Grade the Trade: Mavs land Jimmy Butler in blockbuster proposal
At this point, Mavs fans might start to ask if this is even worth it in the end.
After all, the Mavericks have already shown some disinterest in doing the work to try and get Butler to Dallas. They haven't shown real interest in him, and a trade seems unlikely between Dallas and Miami.
We've seen Maxi Kleber's name thrown around in trade talks surrounding Dallas, but this would mean a lot more than just that.
This specific trade proposal will get a D+ because of the many assets that Dallas would have to give up to get Butler.
At 35 years of age, Butler coming to Dallas would be a problem already. He'd be a short-term project. That's something the Mavs don't need to deal with right now.
Miami would thrive under this trade. They would have another big next to Bam Adebayo while getting two more sharpshooters next to Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson.
As for Kleber, he's been in the trade discussions for a while, he's someone who has a legitimate possibility of being moved, but making room for Butler shouldn't be something he should expect.
The Klay Thompson project in Dallas would be over as we know it. Has Thompson had some cold streaks at times? Sure, but his production is already utilized so much better compared to what Dallas had with Josh Green or Tim Hardaway Jr. in years past.
Daniel Gafford is the big energy guy that a team needs, and he has been elite ever since becoming a Maverick. He's already well beloved in the organization and has grown to a special bond with Dereck Lively II over their friendly rivalry as starting big men.
Quentin Grimes leaving would probably be a mistake for Dallas too. He's been knocking down threes at a high clip. Grimes is showing he's a valuable asset for Dallas and has gotten some starting nods during his time here.
Butler would be a great asset for the team, but the amount that Dallas would have to give up to make that happen is just not worth it all in the end. They can make another trade happen, of course. They need to make a more reasonable trade to improve around the margins rather than sacrificing several members of their core group.
Nico Harrison and company are always looking to get better, and this year will be no different. This year's team is arguably the best roster they've ever put around Luka Doncic, and a move at the deadline could cement this Mavericks team as true NBA Finals contenders.
