The 2018 30-team NBA mega-trade that solves nothing and makes everyone mad
By Ian Levy
Dallas Mavericks
Sending out: Nerlens Noel (CLE), 2021 second-round pick (GSW)
Bringing in: Julius Randle (DAL)
The Dallas Mavericks clearly have no use for Nerlens Noel and not much interest in finding one. Given how contract negotiations went last summer, it’s hard to imagine him being willing to sign there again and so this is an opportunity for the Mavericks to move him while he still has value.
Randle would be a fantastic haul for Dallas. They would have to be willing to pay him this summer but he’s a versatile big man who can probably do a lot more than he has been able to show in the middle of the chaotic Lakers situation the past few seasons.
Randle doesn’t have much stretch to his game but he’s strong on the glass and finishing around the rim. He’s also very comfortable around the elbows, both as a facilitator and taking his man off the dribble. Dallas has had some success with Harrison Barnes acting as a power forward and playing from those spots but there’s enough variation between his game and Randle’s that they should be able to co-exist.
Randle is playing just 23.8 minutes per game for Los Angeles this season, but his per-36 minute numbers — 21.2 points, 11.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists — and 55.1 field goal percentage give a better idea of his offensive ceiling.