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NBA Trade Rumors: Wesley Matthews Available, But for a First

By Isaac Harris

PORTLAND, OR - JANUARY 20: Wesley Matthews #23 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 20, 2018 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - JANUARY 20: Wesley Matthews #23 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 20, 2018 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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As Marc Stein reports, the Dallas Mavericks seem to be making Wesley Matthews available, but only for a first round pick.

The NBA Trade Deadline is just two weeks away and so far, the trade rumors around the Dallas Mavericks have been quiet.

After another loss to the Houston Rockets last night, N.Y. Times reporter, Marc Stein sent out a tweet on Thursday in regards to one of the starters on the Dallas Mavericks.

This is interesting for a couple of reasons.

Wesley Matthews is loved throughout the organization and is the most competitive basketball player I have been around in my short time covering the league so far. His passion and intensity is second to none and he has served as a mentor type figure to Dennis Smith Jr.

Early this season, a member of the coaching staff told me Matthews is one of the most competitive players he has ever coached and he has over a decade of NBA coaching experience.

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On the other hand, Matthews is 31 years old and has a player option worth $18.6 million for next season. For a rebuilding Mavericks team, capitalizing on gaining a young asset might be the way they want to go.

Even though Matthews might not be the player he was in Portland, he would still be coveted around the league. He is one of the best wing defenders in the game and is shooting his best percentage from behind the arc in three years.

Assuming a lottery bound team would not give up a first for the veteran in Matthews, teams in the lower half of the first round should be interested.

Some options might include a package gaining Cleveland’s first round pick in 2018, OKC’s 2018 first from Minnesota or even a return to Portland. This is of course just considering first round picks in 2018.

Next: Dennis Smith Jr. Loves Playing With Motley

If Dallas is serious about trading Wesley Matthews, the market will be there, but will it be worth getting rid of one of their leaders?

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