Mavericks 'exploring' potential trades for No. 10 pick

The Dallas Mavericks successfully tanked at the end of the season to retain their top-10 protected first-round pick, which narrowly landed them the 10th overall selection in the 2023 NBA Draft.

However, there's a growing sense around the Association that the Mavericks won't make the pick at all and that they've explored several different avenues for using the selection. 

As part of a recent mock draft, The Athletic's Sam Vecenie reported that sources have suggested that Dallas will trade back or look to acquire an established veteran. 

"Not many sources around the league currently believe this pick will stay put in Dallas," Vecenie wrote. "The Mavs seem to be exploring several different options, from trading down in the draft to trading out and acquiring a player who can help now."

Vecenie also noted that the Mavericks hosted players projected to land between the 20th and 30th picks for pre-draft workouts despite not having a pick that late. Two noteworthy prospects Dallas worked out that are anticipated to be selected in that range are Michigan's Jett Howard and Pepperdine's Maxwell Lewis. 

Should Dallas trade its pick for a veteran, Hawks forward John Collins could be a name to watch. According to Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer, Dallas and Atlanta touched base on a deal that involves swapping Davis Bertans and the 10th overall selection for Collins and pick 15.

Although Fischer writes that the potential trade between Dallas and Atlanta isn't imminent, the draft is scheduled for June 22, so the situation could quickly change. 

After trading away some of its sparse depth and future draft picks for Kyrie Irving in February, Dallas must operate with a win-now mentality. 

The Mavericks intend to re-sign Irving this summer, and rather than acquiring young talent, they should trade for an experienced player who can complement their All-Star backcourt.

Whether or not Collins can be the answer to the team's issues is up for debate. Nonetheless, Dallas has limited options and must ensure Luka Doncic that the franchise is heading in the right direction, or he could be the next superstar to request a trade.