The Smoking Cuban
FanSided

Dallas Mavericks: 5 Off-the-Radar Trade Targets

By Kohl Rast

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 14: Head coach Rick Carlisle of the Dallas Mavericks reacts to the action on the floor against the Golden State Warriors during an NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on December 14, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 14: Head coach Rick Carlisle of the Dallas Mavericks reacts to the action on the floor against the Golden State Warriors during an NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on December 14, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
SACRAMENTO, CA – JANUARY 11: Sam Dekker #7 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on January 11, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA – JANUARY 11: Sam Dekker #7 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on January 11, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Sam Dekker

Why the Mavs should try to get Dekker: Although Dekker has not had the success he was expected to coming in to the NBA, his opportunities have also been very limited. After missing essentially all of his rookie season, Dekker became a role player for Houston, averaging 18 minutes per game and playing in 77 total games.

Since arriving in LA in the Chris Paul trade, Dekker has become mostly a benchwarmer and has some untapped potential. He would fill a desperate need that the Mavs have at wing depth, while also continuing to add youth to a pretty young team.

Why the Mavs should not go for Dekker: The fear with chasing any unproven youngster definitely starts with the potential of a bust. Dekker has played well in his limited time but nowhere near well enough to be a trade target. Although I believe he will get better if he finds a better environment, it is hard to say for sure that this will be the case. Some players never find their stride.

Why the Clippers should let Dekker go: The Clippers don’t need Dekker, which they have made clear with his lack of playing time so far this season. Although it is nice to add some youth to your team, Dekker isn’t going to ride the bench forever. The Clips also need to decide soon if they feel like they are going to swing big for the playoffs, or start a mini rebuild. Either way, Dekker may be a good trading piece.

Why the Clippers should hold on to Dekker: For the same reason other teams may be interested in Dekker, the Clippers probably see a lot of potential out of the youngster. If they are looking to start a rebuild of some sort, Dekker would be a good building block with potential of being a serviceable role player.

Next: The Unproven Croatian

Home/Mavs News