The Smoking Cuban
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Dallas Mavericks: Three Harrison Barnes trade ideas before deadline

By Kohl Rast

DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 9: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against the Phoenix Suns on January 9, 2019 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 9: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against the Phoenix Suns on January 9, 2019 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – MARCH 29: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives against Harrison Barnes #40 of the Dallas Mavericks during the first half of a game at the Smoothie King Center on March 29, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – MARCH 29: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives against Harrison Barnes #40 of the Dallas Mavericks during the first half of a game at the Smoothie King Center on March 29, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

There is no right way to rebuild

This last trade is the final one because it seems like the most unlikely of the options. The New Orleans Pelicans are in a world of hurt right now, thanks to the shock of Anthony Davis requesting a trade from the team. Considering that statement and an injury to AD earlier in the year, the Pels are plummeting towards the lottery unless something changes.

That something could be the addition of a solid wing the likes of which Davis has never really played with. New Orleans would be able to get him while getting off of Solomon Hill’s contract, but they would be letting Nikola Mirotic go, who has been excellent for the team this year. He would fit in with the Mavs, especially this year as a sharpshooting specialist for Luka to dish to.

One reason the Pelicans may consider a trade like this is because it could help them stay afloat after the Anthony Davis saga. Barnes is not an elite player, but he can be a decent sidekick for a team with the right pieces. If they hold onto Jrue Holiday and trade Davis for a king’s ransom, the Pels could end up with some new regular starters.

The Mavs would get a big man to stretch the floor at an elite level in Mirotic. Until Porzingis comes back, that is something the Mavs will definitely need, and even after he comes back, Mirotic could play an important role. There would be little downside to adding him because of the fact that he has already played with some ball dominant guys.

Dallas Mavericks: Grading the Kristaps Porzingis trade. Next

Any of these trades could work for the Mavericks who are supposedly gauging interest on Harrison Barnes. Whether it is one of these trades or something else, I think both parties may be happier after the fact if Dallas can find a trade partner for Barnes. Stay tuned as we approach 24 hours until the deadline.