Mavericks' real trade deadline goal isn't trading Anthony Davis

It is without question that the Dallas Mavericks are exploring Anthony Davis' trade market; however, it's clear that the team has more important goals, such as creating a roster spot for Ryan Nembhard. The two-way rookie has exceeded expectations this season, and it's clear Dallas must make room for him to sign him to a standard contract.

Remember, since Nembhard is currently on a two-way contract, he is only allotted 50 games. However, the rookie has already been active 24 times for Dallas, becoming an everyday starter at the end of last month. So, if the Mavs hope to keep him for the long run, they will need to sign him to a standard contract and make room for his roster spot by the end of the regular season.

Players on two-way contracts are not eligible for the postseason, and with how well Nembhard is playing, they need to ensure that he is a building block for the future alongside Cooper Flagg.

Why signing Nembhard to a standard deal matters more than any trade

Dallas could use the trade deadline to free up roster space; it could trade away more players than they bring back to open up a roster spot and sign the rookie immediately. So, whatever the Mavs decide to do, it's clear they need Nembhard on their roster.

The breakout rookie has proven deserving of a standard contract, as he has earned coach Jason Kidd's trust by becoming the starter over D'Angelo Russell and Brandon Williams. Not to mention, it's not easy to earn Kidd's trust, so Nembhard shouldn't take this lightly.

The Dallas rookie has gone above and beyond what Kidd and the Mavericks have asked for. He has been a key component of the team's recent successful stretch (won seven of their last 11 games), as they desperately needed a point guard to step up to lead the offense.

Nembhard has risen to the challenge and been everything the organization has asked for. He has started in 12 games this season and has been a major contributor to the Mavs' offense. It's a move that has worked in Dallas' favor, as the rookie is having one of his best months.

Currently, he is averaging 10.6 points per game and 7.7 assists in December. Nembhard had one of his best games on December 1, scoring a season-high 28 points to go with 10 assists.

As mentioned, Nembhard has been a game-changer. He has proven himself effective when running the point, and everyone on the roster loves playing with him. The rookie can easily drive to the basket with ease, pull up for a mid-range jumper, or even dish it out to an open teammate.

His ability to move the ball effectively has helped elevate the offense and make his teammates much better, including rookie of the year candidate Cooper Flagg. He and Flagg have formed a special on-court bond, and the growing chemistry there is one of the many reasons that Kidd has kept Nembhard in the starting lineup.

Remember, Flagg was the starting point guard for the beginning of the season, but he struggled, and the offense was extremely clunky and ranked at the bottom of the NBA. However, Nembhard's transition into the starting lineup has helped Flagg become even more dangerous, as he can play off the ball and plays as a secondary playmaker rather than having to create everything himself.

Not to mention, other players such as P.J. Washington and Max Christie are getting countless open looks when sharing the court with Nembhard. In simple terms, it helps to have a true point guard on the floor to run the show. He is always looking to find an open teammate, and his pass-first playstyle is hard to find.

The team's main goal before the trade deadline should be signing Ryan Nembhard to a standard contract. They must create roster space, as the two-way rookie has proven his worth time and time again. Plus, he has been the answer that Dallas has been looking for at point guard.

No one else could get the offense moving in the right direction, and since Nembhard became the starter, Dallas has the No. 9 offense in the NBA. This is not a coincidence, and his impact on the team's process and offensive flow can't be overlooked.

The Dallas Mavericks need to make room soon, and while trading Anthony Davis may be a move they explore, signing Ryan Nembhard for the long haul is more important.