Uncertainty in Backcourt Makes Raymond Felton Trade Risky Business

There was a time when Raymond Felton was expendable, but has that changed with uncertainties in the Dallas backcourt?

When Raymond Felton came over from the New York Knicks in the trade for Tyson Chandler he was just a throw-in, probably destined to be an end-of-the-bench guy for the Dallas Mavericks. Injury to the point guard in his first season with the Mavericks made him just that, as he appeared in just 29 games during the 2014-15 regular season.

Things changed for Felton and the Mavericks this season, despite having a stable of guards on the roster, as strong preseason play catapulted Felton into a significant role in the rotation. Still, with so many guards, needs elsewhere, and his increased value as a player, Felton has been viewed by many as a trade chip capable of netting help on the wing or up front. And he is, especially with a contract that comes off the books at the end of the year.

But an area of depth for the Mavericks has suddenly become somewhat of a question mark. Deron Williams suffered a hip contusion against the Atlanta Hawks that forced him out of the game early, and head coach Rick Carlisle is “concerned”. No time table has been set for his return. Not only that, Devin Harris has missed the last five games with a left toe strain.

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While neither of these injuries screams “long term issue”, the players involved do heighten the anxiety. We all know the injury history of Williams, and Harris hasn’t exactly been a picture of health over his career, either.

Now the question becomes, can the Mavericks afford to lose Raymond Felton in a trade?

Felton has arguably been Dallas’ best bench player, averaging 9.4 points, 3.4 assists, and 3.2 rebounds in 27.0 minutes a night for the Mavericks. And calling him a bench player is almost unfair to the former Tar Heel, as he’s started 22 of the 50 games in which he has appeared and routinely is on the floor to close out games.

Not only is Felton a valuable member of the rotation, but he’s an excellent insurance policy. With the trade deadline rapidly approaching some decisions will have to be made, but while upgrading elsewhere is almost a necessity, trading Raymond Felton is risky business.