NBA Trade Deadline 2019: One trade every team should make

ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 17: Center Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket against Center JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the game at the Amway Center on November 17, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. The Magic defeated the Lakers 130 to 117. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 17: Center Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket against Center JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the game at the Amway Center on November 17, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. The Magic defeated the Lakers 130 to 117. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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Dennis Smith
DALLAS, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 02: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on November 02, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

The Mavericks are dealing with their 2017 first round pick’s unhappiness with his role after they drafted a truly generational talent in Luka Doncic, and while they weren’t able to find any good deals the first time they looked for a trade, perhaps they just didn’t set their eyes high enough.

The Mavericks have long wanted DeAndre Jordan, but at this point with their franchise, it’s all about finding players that will work alongside Doncic. Drummond could easily be that kind of a player for Dallas — he has tremendous size to help protect the paint, he’s a monster offensive rebounder, and he has the quickness to work the pick-and-roll with Doncic. Ish Smith becomes the latest veteran point guard to average nine points per game with Rick Carlisle, with the veteran coach finding ways to take advantage of Smith’s speed.

For the Pistons, they get to take a chance on a point guard in Smith Jr., and reunite Blake Griffin with DeAndre Jordan. If it works between those two again, they could potentially bring him back at a lower per year salary; if it doesn’t work, they’re free of that contract and have more room to bring back Stanley Johnson if they’re interested or find other free agents,