Dallas has done a phenomenal job in pairing two young stars together in Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, but the Mavs lack any sort of significant depth.
Adding Kris Dunn could be a crucial part in getting this Dallas squad to the playoffs. The Mavericks organization seems to have an affinity for Chicago native Jalen Brunson, but at this moment, Kris Dunn is both a better player and fit in Dallas. Dunn would slide in nicely with Kristaps Porzingis and Luka Doncic, providing stout defense and a solid distribution source for the rising stars.
Parting with Justin Jackson should not be too difficult for the Mavericks, as he was merely a throw-in in a salary dump trade with Sacramento. Jackson has been largely disappointing since coming out of North Carolina in 2017. The team should have no problem moving him, considering he played just over 18 minutes per contest in his 29 games as a Mav.
On the Chicago side of the deal, the Bulls would acquire a former fringe-lottery pick in Jackson, who possesses the tools to be a very nice fit in the modern NBA, but has yet to put it all together. A sharpshooter at 6-foot-8, his combination of floor spacing and size would be a great addition to the Bulls’ group of young wings. Jackson is also under team control until the Summer of 2021, when he is set to hit restricted free agency.
Indeed, Jackson has struggled in his time in the NBA, but acquiring players with his size, skill set, and potential is always a good thing. In addition, this trade is a very realistic concept due to the fact that the Bulls were reportedly interested in taking Jackson at 16th overall before moving the pick to Minnesota in the Jimmy Butler deal.
Essentially, this deal is two teams swapping disappointing NBA players, the only difference being that Dunn is more able to contribute now, while Jackson still hasn’t put it together yet as a professional.