Fri, Nov 27, 2020 at 11:20am

MAVS, THUNDER, PISTONS 3-WAY TRADE

In a three-team trade, the Dallas Mavericks acquired forward James Johnson from the Oklahoma City Thunder; Oklahoma City acquired forward Trevor Ariza from the Detroit Pistons and forward/guard Justin Jackson, a second-round draft pick in 2023 and a second-round draft pick in 2026 from the Mavericks; and Detroit acquired guard Delon Wright from the Mavericks.

What does it give the Dallas Mavericks
For the Mavericks, the addition of Johnson should help the frontcourt (especially with Kristaps Porzingis expected to miss time early on in 2020-21). Johnson rebounds well and provides loads of energy, so he is a nice fit in Dallas. He will probably compete with Dorian Finney-Smith and Tim Hardaway Jr. for minutes during Porzingis' absence. Johnson will likely back up KP upon the latter's return.

What does it give the Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder have been busy dismantling and then rebuilding the roster this off-season. In Ariza, Oklahoma City gets a well traveled veteran (he was traded three times this off-season, after playing for five different NBA teams since 2017-18!), but someone who can provide leadership in the wake of the team's rebuilding plan. Jackson could see more minutes in OKC.

What does it give the Detroit Pistons
For Detroit, this deal comes down to Ariza for Wright. The Pistons have a strong frontcourt after off-season moves, so it makes sense to try to shore up the backcourt here. Wright is familiar with head coach Dwane Casey from their days in Toronto, so he could become a valuable combo guard off the bench. Wright might even challenge for the starting off-guard role in Detroit.

Fantasy impact
This trade was mostly about adding complementary, bench or role players. Therefore, the collective fantasy impact could be minimal. Of all the players dealt here (including the two future second-rounders sent by Dallas to OKC), Wright could be the one who emerges with the most fantasy value of them all. It largely depends on his role with the Pistons. So, keep a close eye on Wright in training camp.