The Smoking Cuban
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Opinion: Which Dallas Mavericks Could Be Traded?

By Ben Zajdel

MEMPHIS, TN - OCTOBER 26: Wesley Matthews #23 of the Dallas Mavericks brings the ball down the court during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedEx Forum on October 26, 2017 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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. The Grizzlies defeated the Mavericks 96-91. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - OCTOBER 26: Wesley Matthews #23 of the Dallas Mavericks brings the ball down the court during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedEx Forum on October 26, 2017 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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. The Grizzlies defeated the Mavericks 96-91. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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The Mavericks are headed into an off-season full of draft and free agency speculation. But trades are always a possibility. Which current Mavericks could be traded?

Mark Cuban has hinted the Mavericks won’t endure another losing season. That could be just talk, but it also could mean Dallas is ready to deal. I wanted to take a look at which current Mavericks are the most likely to be traded.

Only players currently under contract were included–and Dirk Nowitzki, who has a team option. I then divided them into categories I made up. Finally, I ranked them in order of least likely to most likely to be traded.

Mark Cuban Just Laughs and Hangs Up the Phone

Dirk Nowitzki–Look, Dirk isn’t getting traded. He doesn’t want to go anywhere. He means too much to the Mavericks. And most importantly, he and Cuban have some sort of blood pact to never part ways. If Dirk got traded, my jaw would become permanently unhinged from hitting the floor so hard. It’s just not happening.

You Better Have a Really, Really Good Offer

Dennis Smith Jr.–I don’t think Smith is getting traded. He’s pretty much untouchable. But what if the Wizards called and offered John Wall? That’s not ideal on its own, but if the Mavericks got wind that another top twenty NBA player might be interested in coming to Dallas once Wall is on board, it suddenly becomes interesting.

A core of Wall, Paul George, Harrison Barnes, and a re-signed Nerlens Noel is an instant contender. I’m not saying George is seriously considering coming to Dallas or that the quartet in the previous sentence can dethrone the Warriors. But it’s a start. The point is, Smith is only getting moved if the trade brings significant talent to Dallas.

You Could Talk Me Into It

Harrison Barnes–I think Barnes is a good asset in the sense that he makes the Mavericks more attractive to more talented NBA players. (LeBron James would have loved to have Barnes on the Cavaliers this season) But if he’s part of a package deal that includes this year’s pick and the return is someone like Kawhi Leonard, the Mavericks couldn’t say yes fast enough.

Maybe that trade is a bit unrealistic. It’s possible that Dallas could flip Barnes for someone like C.J. McCollum. Or perhaps Memphis wants to deal Chandler Parsons’ awful contract and the fourth pick for Barnes. These might be the best case scenarios for the Mavericks when it comes to trading Barnes. But what’s undeniable is Barnes is a decent trade asset that could be moved for the right deal.

Dallas Would Hate to Do It….But They Would Do It

J.J. Barea-I don’t think any team is going to go after Barea in a trade, but if pulling off a deal required matching salaries, I don’t think he’d be a sticking point for the Mavericks. Dallas loves Barea for everything he’s meant to the franchise since 2011. No point guard understands Rick Carlisle’s system better than him. I don’t think the Mavericks would ever shop him, but there’s a chance he’s included in a trade this off-season.

Dwight Powell–It hurts to say this, but Powell was actually pretty good toward the end of the year. He finished with career highs in points, rebounds, and assists. It’s possible some playoff team in need of a front court player comes calling. For the right price–say, a late first round pick–the Mavericks could say yes.

Definitely Getting Thrown Into a Larger Trade at Some Point

Dorian Finney-Smith, Kyle Collinsworth, and Maxi Kleber–There’s not a lot to say here. All three have non-guaranteed contracts and are destined to be thrown into a trade in the future. They’ll be the salaries that make some more important trade work. That’s not a dig, it’s just reality. I’ve appreciated watching the hustle from all three guys and wish them the best.

Why Wasn’t He Traded in February?

Wesley Matthews–I thought Matthews should have been traded at the deadline, but it’s possible there weren’t any deals the Mavericks liked. I’ve loved watching Matthews and admire his grit in coming back from a devastating injury. But he can be more helpful to a team that’s contending for a championship than he is to the Mavericks at this point.

Next: NBA Draft Roundtable: Who Will Be the Bust of the Lottery?

I’m assuming Matthews didn’t draw any offers that would have netted the Mavericks a first round pick, because otherwise he would’ve been gone in February. Now that he has only one year remaining on his contract, however, other teams will be more interested. I’d be surprised if Matthews is on the roster at the start of next season.