Mavericks rumored to target All-Star wing in deadline blockbuster

NBA trade season is almost upon us, and the Dallas Mavericks are a team that could end up being active on the market.

Dallas is always looking to get better before the trade deadline, as evidenced by their trades for Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington last season that led them to the NBA Finals, and this season will be no different.

It has already been reported that the Mavs will look to trade Maxi Kleber at the deadline as his three-year, $33 million extension that he signed after his dominant run in the 2022 playoffs will expire after next season, and although the rumors are light right now, the Mavs have been linked to their first player as a trade target.

Mavericks rumored to target Jimmy Butler in trade talks

According to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, the Mavs could be a team to keep an eye on to trade for Miami Heat star wing, Jimmy Butler.

"Within league circles, there’s been quiet discourse about whether the Houston Rockets or Dallas Mavericks will eventually land Butler, a Texas native, should he and Miami decide to part ways," Scotto reported.

Scotto reported that Butler drew interest from teams such as the Brooklyn Nets and Golden State Warriors near the beginning of the season, also saying that "executives who’ve checked in on Butler got the impression that Miami wants to figure out their star’s future after the season."

Butler is in year two of a three-year, $146 million contract with the Heat with a player option after the end of this season. He is set to make over $52 million at the end of next season if he were to opt into his contract, if not, he would become a free agent.

While it would be hard to make the money work in a deal for Butler, he could be a good veteran fit in Dallas. Jason Kidd has managed Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic at an elite level, and he has the juice to manage a big personality like Butler if the Mavs were to make a trade for him.

This season for Miami, Butler is averaging 18.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 53.8 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from downtown. Butler isn't the same player that he once was, but his finishing, defense, intensity, and secondary playmaking abilities would be good fits next to Irving and Doncic in Dallas. He plays as hard as anyone when he's fully healthy, but injuries have not been his friend over the last few years.

Butler has averaged 58.2 games played per season over the last five years, and combining his injury history with his age may send the Mavs running the other way when it comes to making a trade for him. Their chemistry is already at a great level, and bringing in another star with an ego would be a big risk.

Dallas would also have to consider the fact that he could potentially become a free agent after this season, and if they didn't plan on extending him, trading serious capital for him would be a huge risk. It also must be considered that he is likely going to command a huge contract in free agency, and Dallas may not want to sign themselves up for that type of commitment. The Mavs aren't afraid to trade for stars at the trade deadline, and Butler could be the next player on that list if Dallas believes he is the missing piece to help them return to the Finals.

Butler is a Texas native, and this type of move could be the perfect way for him to finish his career in his home state if the stars align.