The Mavericks' New Projected Starting Lineup Looks Scary

Kyrie Irving being traded to the Dallas Mavericks will most likely be the statement trade of this winter. An All-Star starter being moved for the price that Dallas got him at has to be extremely exciting for the franchise.

The team had to give up the 2 players that the Nets wanted from the start, Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith, along with a 2029 unprotected first-round pick. While the Mavericks' depth looks worse, the team definitely has a much higher ceiling with their offensive juggernaut of a backcourt.

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The Mavs' starting lineup will seemingly feature Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Tim Hardaway Jr., Christian Wood, and Dwight Powell. 

After Maxi Kleber returns from injury, it's likely he and Powell switch spots, as Maxi is the best defender left on the Mavs not named Luka. In addition, Josh Green may also see his role on the squad expand. 

The Mavericks also received Markieff Morris in the trade, with the former champion providing 3-and-D ability as a big. The lineup versatility of the Mavs has been retained for the final stretch of the season.

Do The Mavericks Need To Make More Moves?

The Dallas Mavericks definitely could use another trade or two to put the finishing touches on their roster. Losing Dorian Finney-Smith is going to be quite significant to the team's defense, as he was easily their most impactful defensive player on the court.

With the Irving trade showing the Mavs are looking to make win-now moves, Dallas has another 2 first-round picks available for trade this season, with all their picks outside 2029 being available to trade in the summer. 

If they want to maximize this season, they can use another pick to get off the Davis Bertans contract, though it may be smarter for them to go into the summer and make a move like that to ensure they can get another star-caliber player.