The Dallas Mavericks suffered a frustrating 110-105 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Monday afternoon, but amidst the disappointment, one offseason decision continues to look like a winner for the Mavs’ front office: moving Josh Green.
Kyrie Irving poured in 33 points, and Daniel Gafford contributed a double-double with 31 points and 15 rebounds. Yet, even their efforts couldn’t lift Dallas, as the team’s inconsistencies remain evident. Despite the defeat, the trade that sent Josh Green to the Hornets as part of the sign-and-trade deal that landed Klay Thompson in Dallas is proving to be a smart play.
Green struggles in Hornets loss, Thompson fills role
Josh Green’s underwhelming performance for Charlotte—four points on 1-of-6 shooting, five rebounds, and two steals—mirrored much of his season. Averaging just 6.9 points and 2.9 rebounds while shooting 40.7% from the field, Green hasn’t justified the three-year, $41 million extension the Mavericks signed him to before trading him.
In contrast, Klay Thompson has been exactly what Dallas envisioned, particularly when playing alongside Luka Doncic. While Thompson’s seven-point, three-turnover outing against Charlotte was lackluster, his veteran presence and potential to elevate the team’s ceiling during big moments make him a better fit for a Mavericks squad aiming for a return to the NBA Finals.
Why the Green experiment failed in Dallas
Drafted 18th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, Green was always seen as a project. Selected ahead of players like Tyrese Maxey, Desmond Bane, and Jaden McDaniels, Green never developed into the high-impact player the Mavericks hoped he could become. His athleticism and defensive energy were notable, but his offensive limitations and inconsistency kept him from carving out a substantial role in Dallas’ rotation.
Had Green stayed in Dallas, he likely would’ve been buried further down the depth chart. Quentin Grimes, another high-energy, defensive-minded guard, has shown far more offensive potential this season, with six 20-point games compared to Green’s season-high of 17 points.
What’s next for Dallas?
The Mavericks’ season hasn’t gone according to plan, primarily due to injuries and inconsistent performances. However, trading Green for a proven veteran like Thompson signals that the front office remains committed to winning now. Dallas is banking on Thompson’s ability to deliver in critical moments and provide the leadership and firepower needed to complement Doncic and Irving.
While the Mavericks still have hurdles to overcome, Monday’s loss underscored that the absence of Josh Green isn’t among them. For Dallas, the focus now shifts to staying healthy and building momentum as they chase another deep playoff run.
