The Dallas Mavericks were looking for ways to improve their roster in February. The trade deadline had just passed meaning the buyout market was in full swing. The Charlotte Hornets decided to waive Michael Kidd-Gilchrist on Feb. 8. After a few days, he signed with the Mavs. Ryan Broekhoff was waived in a corresponding move.
The Mavericks viewed MKG as an upgrade. The 26-year-old was the number two overall pick in 2012. Kidd-Gilchrist is known as a plus defender, but he had only played in 12 of the Hornets 51 games up to that point.