Baby Don’t Hurt Me
Injuries are one reason the Mavericks have been so bad this season. Among the Mavericks top five scorers, only Harrison Barnes has played in all 19 of their games. J.J. Barea played in 9 games, Wesley Matthews played in 18 games, Dirk Nowitzki played in 5 games, and Deron Williams played in 11 games.
Similarly, the Philadelphia 76ers have started the season without projected starters Ben Simmons, Jerryd Bayless, and one of the top defensive NBA centers in Nerlens Noel.
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With the Mavericks currently seven games out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference and four of their top five players being at least 30 years old and struggling with injuries, they are unlikely to be a good enough team to make the playoffs. This article from hoopsrumors.com shows that the Mavericks are over $16 million dollars over the salary cap. Another article on the same website suggests trading starting center Andrew Bogut would be the best way for the Mavericks to save money. Money that is needed to start rebuilding an old roster. Bogut makes $11,027,027 this season and will become an unrestricted after the 2016-17 season.
To do so, the Mavericks would need to find an NBA team willing to take on the role of salary dump.
Enter the Philadelphia 76ers.