The Smoking Cuban
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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) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 24: Shabazz Muhammad #15 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends against the Miami Heat during the game on November 24, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 24: Shabazz Muhammad #15 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends against the Miami Heat during the game on November 24, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Shabazz Muhammad

Why the Mavs should try to get Muhammad: Shabazz Muhammad would be an interesting target for the Dallas Mavericks. He had a couple really good seasons with the Timberwolves before they made all their moves this summer, and now he is restricted mostly to riding the bench.

Muhammad is a unique skillset, focusing primarily on scoring the ball. At his best, he was averaging 10.5 shots per game while shooting 49% in only 22 minutes a night. He needs the ball in his hands to operate, but he can be pretty good with it, similar to Raymond Felton in his Dallas days.

Why the Mavs should not go for Muhammad: Dallas does not generally do well with a ball-dominant player. We have had a few that have done fairly well, but it completely altered the flow of the team (Monta Ellis, Rajon Rondo). Not saying that it couldn’t work, but historically the Mavs have been at their best when they work well as a team.

Why the Timberwolves should let Muhammad go: Well, he isn’t really helping them much right now. The T-Wolves want to add as many pieces to the puzzle as they can because their window of success is going to be small. If they want a chance to make a real splash in the Western Conference playoffs, they need more firepower. A player like Wes Matthews could be of huge benefit to them, but it would cost.

Why the Timberwolves should hold on to Muhammad: He is still a good bench scorer and can light up the scoreboard when needed. Obviously he has faded out of their rotation a little bit, but if an injury were to happen, he isn’t the worst player to have to rely on coming off the bench. All he needs is a chance to remind them what he can do.

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