Possible Dallas Mavericks Trade Targets

Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier in the season I wrote about why not to expect a Dallas Mavericks’ trade.

With the Mavs in danger to miss the playoffs, they may have no choice but to go all in for a trade.

I’m looking at potential trade targets that we may hear being linked to the Mavs as the trade deadline approaches, and with Jose Calderon, Monta Ellis, and Dirk Nowitzki most likely locked up at their positions this and next season, I’m just going to focus on small forwards and centers that can help the Mavs this and next season.

Jeff Green, 27 years old: Boston Celtics, 16 points and 5 rebounds per game

Let me make this clear, there have not been any rumors or discussion of the Mavs being interested in Green. This is fully speculation on my part. Green is in the second year of a four-year contract. With the Celtics currently rebuilding, they may be looking to unshed the rest of his contract. If the Mavericks feel he’s better than anything they can get via free agency, then Green may end up being a candidate to supplant Shawn Marion in the coming years.

Luol Deng, 28: Cleveland Cavaliers, 18 points, 6.2 rebounds

I think everyone knows the Mavs would love to get their hands on Deng. He’s shown the ability to play both sides of the ball. With recent reports that Deng is not happy in Cleveland, the Cavs may shop the small forward to make up for the draft picks they lost in trading for him instead of just losing him via free agency.

Wilson Chandler, 26: Denver Nuggets, 13.9 points, 4.9 rebounds

With the Nuggets sliding down the standings, they may begin to look to unload some contracts. Chandler, like Green, has another two years left on his contract (last year is a team option). Chandler has dealt with injuries the last couple seasons, so this may be a pricy gamble.

Timofey Mozgov, 27, JaVale McGee, 26: Nuggets

Mozgov has another two years left on his deal (last year expires) and McGee with two years fully guaranteed.  The Nuggets may look to shop one of these big men. McGee has been out for majority of the season with a stress fracture and has $23 million plus on his deal, so he may be pushed hard in trade talks.

Evan Turner, 25: Philadelphia 76ers, 18.1 points, 6 rebounds

Turner has finally begun to show why the 76ers drafted him number two overall. With Turner set to hit restricted free agency, the 76ers may shop the small forward while his value his high.

Josh Smith, 28, Greg Monroe 23: Detroit Pistons

Looks like the Pistons prize free agent signing hasn’t gone as expected. Highly unlikely the Mavs would consider Smith after the contract he signed this summer. If the Pistons can’t find a taker for Smith, they may be left to deal Monroe. It’s evident that Smith-Monroe-Andre Drummond don’t mesh. With Smith’s big contract and Drummond looking to be untouchable, Monroe may be the odd man out. He’s looking for a big pay-day as he hits restricted free agency, so the Pistons may try to sell high.

Larry Sanders, 25: Milwaukee Bucks, 7.2 pints, 6.8 rebounds, 1.9 blocks

It would be a dream come true if the Mavs can get their hands on Sanders. He’s everything the Mavs want next to Dirk. He’s athletic, can rebound, and can block shots. After having a great season last year, he inked a 4 year $44 million dollar contract extension this offseason. With suffering injuries and having a down year, the Bucks may look to get out of his contract before the extension kicks in.

Tyson Chandler, 31: New York Knicks, 8.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.5 blocks

We can dream right?