Staff writer Brad Townsend breaks down Mavericks winners and losers in the wake of the 7-player trade with the New York Knicks.
WINNERS
LUKA DONCIC
Dennis Smith Jr.'s departure immediately placed the key to the Mavericks' offense into Doncic's firm control, not that there was any doubt that he would eventually have it, anyway. Not having Smith sharing ball-handling to start the first and third quarters will only speed Doncic's development and increase his opportunities to score and create, intangibles that already were soaring.
KRISTAPS PORZINGIS
When he returns to the court, whether this season or next, he'll have a point guard in Doncic the likes of which he couldn't have fathomed as a Knick.