I would definitely consider a trade for Eric Gordon with Powell and Burke as the outgoing pieces (add a second rounder). Houston saves some money and gets a second rounder as a motivation.
In this hypothetical Mavs:
- get arguably best player in the trade
- lose Burke we don't really need
- lose Powell who is at most crowded position -C, so no real worries there, unless he is expected to be the starter (I doubt)
- clears roster spot for Ntilikina
- clears possible minutes for M.Brown
- further strengthen the wing rotation
- add scoring power to bench
Depth chart:
Luka, Brunson, Terry
THJ, Gordon, Ntilikina
DFS, Brown, Green
Bullock, Kleber
KP, WCS, Brown, Bobi
In this hypothetical Mavs:
- get arguably best player in the trade
- lose Burke we don't really need
- lose Powell who is at most crowded position -C, so no real worries there, unless he is expected to be the starter (I doubt)
- clears roster spot for Ntilikina
- clears possible minutes for M.Brown
- further strengthen the wing rotation
- add scoring power to bench
Depth chart:
Luka, Brunson, Terry
THJ, Gordon, Ntilikina
DFS, Brown, Green
Bullock, Kleber
KP, WCS, Brown, Bobi