Dallas Mavericks: Best and worst case scenarios at the trade deadline

Worst case scenario

The Dallas Mavericks have to be smart here. They have a young team built around a 20-year-old superstar. They need to keep their options open for the future while improving now. Their worst-case scenario is taking on a massive long-term contract for a player that does not push them into immediate title contention.

The front office won’t make that mistake. They know they are building something special around Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis. The nucleus of the team is in place. They need a bit more growth from the young talent plus one additional piece to push them over the top. The Mavericks cannot secure that final piece yet, but will in time.

Their most likely worst-case scenario is standing pat. The Mavs already made a trade to acquire Willie Cauley-Stein, but not adding an upgrade on the wing. It means not maximizing that trade exception.

The Mavericks would also be taking a risk that they can stay fully healthy the rest of the way and into the playoffs. Adding another capable bench piece gives them a bit of cover for an injury.

Hopefully, fans are not dealing with any bad scenarios come Thursday afternoon. The Mavs have exceeded expectations thus far and will likely do so again at the trade deadline.

Next: Most likely to happen