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2. Dallas Mavericks
Thaddeus Young would be an excellent addition to the current Dallas Mavericks squad.
After failing to land Lauri Markkanen this offseason, the Mavericks should shift their attention from an offensive-minded youngster to a defense-focused veteran. Thaddeus Young would improve the team's number of possessions and give up fewer points at the other end.
The Mavs had the eighth-best offensive rating last season but were 21st in defensive rating. Bringing in Thaddeus Young would be a huge boost for them, and his presence would stop teams from scoring too many points against them.
As good as Luka Doncic is, he will need someone who can silence players like Paul George and LeBron James in an NBA playoff series. With the current roster, the Mavs don’t have a guy with the skills that Young has.
If the Dallas Mavericks want to compete for a title next season, they need to pick up the phone and give the Spurs a call, if they haven’t already.
1. Phoenix Suns
After the LA Lakers retooled this offseason, the Phoenix Suns’ reign as the Western Conference champions is now in serious jeopardy.
Though chemistry and fit issues appear to be the greatest threats to the 17-time champions, many still believe that the Lakers are the team to beat in the West.
The Phoenix Suns hardly moved the needle in their bid to become stronger title contenders. Instead, they seemed to be content with the additions of Landry Shamet and JaVale McGee as their “major” summer acquisitions.
If the Suns were to add Thaddeus Young, however, they would have a player who can guard multiple frontcourt positions and score in double-figures as well.
As deep as the Phoenix Suns are at almost every position, they showed their weakness in the NBA Finals as they had no answer for a player like the Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Though virtually every team would have had problems guarding the two-time MVP, a championship contender must be prepared to counter the league’s best wingmen with a player who can limit their effectiveness. Thaddeus Young can do that for the Suns, and he would fit perfectly in their offensive and defensive systems.
If the NBA trade rumors are proven true, the Phoenix Suns should be the top landing spot for the latest winner of the Hustle Award.
