The Smoking Cuban
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Dallas Mavericks: 5 Off-the-Radar Trade Targets

ByKohl 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)
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MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 26: Wayne Ellington #2 of the Miami Heat speaks with media after the game against the Orlando Magic on December 26, 2017 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 26: Wayne Ellington #2 of the Miami Heat speaks with media after the game against the Orlando Magic on December 26, 2017 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)

Wayne Ellington

Why the Mavs should try to get Ellington: The Mavs made a mistake by not utilizing Ellington more while he was with the team. He averaged fewer minutes and fewer points in his one year with Dallas than he has in the rest of his career. Now he has become a reliable bench player for the Miami Heat.

If you haven’t noticed the theme yet, the Mavs could really use an upgrade at the wing position from the bench. Ellington could very well be one of the best options out there with a realistic chance of being traded. If the Mavs wanted to spend a little extra on guaranteed production, Ellington would be a great way to go.

Why the Mavs should not go for Ellington: The main sacrifice for targeting a guy like Ellington is his age. At 30 years old, there is no guarantee that he would fit into the long term plans for Dallas, and if that is what we are supposed to be working towards, then Ellington is the wrong target. Also, he is a bonafide scorer. Those kinds of players come with a price tag.

Why the Heat should let Ellington go: The Heat need to figure out exactly what they want to do, much like the LA Clippers. Miami is currently in the playoff picture in the East and continues to win games, but they struggle with their identity. If they want to buy into the playoffs, the Mavs have players that can help, but it would cost Ellington.

Why the Heat should hold on to Ellington: Despite him being one of the few trusted scorers in Miami, the trade market for him is going to be select teams. He has been a great source of offense for the team and would be hard to replace for that reason. They seem to have a good thing going right now, so a trade might not make much sense.

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