3 Mavericks we'd be surprised to see beyond the 2025 trade deadline

After a strong start on Sunday that saw the Dallas Mavericks take a 19-point lead at one point, the team suffered yet again from fourth-quarter mishaps, resulting in their 112-101 loss to the Denver Nuggets. Despite losing, the team saw plenty of positive progression with their two superstars sidelined with injuries.

Mavericks sharpshooter Klay Thompson finally broke out of a mini-slump with a 25-point day that saw him crack the 16,000 career point threshold. Thompson's hot start as well as scorching shooting out of half gave the Mavericks a comfortable lead that they would unfortunately give up late in the fourth quarter.

In addition to Thompson's impressive game, Dereck Lively II continued his remarkable streak with 14 points and eight assists. Lively II's eight assists mark a career-high in the passing department, and it reminded fans of Lively II's impressive passing ability in the short roll.

3 Mavericks players who won't last all of 2025 in Dallas

While some Mavericks had great games on Sunday, many fans were reminded that the team still needs to make some moves around the fringes before they can truly call themselves championship contenders this season.

It's hard to fully evaluate where Dallas stands since they haven't been healthy in so long, but one move could be all they need to pose a major threat to the top teams in the association.

3. Spencer Dinwiddie

Spencer Dinwiddie may not be a popular name in the trade market for Mavericks fans, but there's no doubt the aging guard may have his value on another roster. Dinwiddie has been a near-perfect addition in Dallas with his elite scoring capabilities off the bench, but Dinwiddie's age could play a factor in his future as a Mav.

It may be a tough decision for fans to come to but it will likely come down to one Dinwiddie or Jaden Hardy for the Mavericks' last guard spot off the bench. Assuming Dinwiddie continues to struggle a few weeks before the trade deadline, he could be the odd one out between the two guards and thrown into a trade to help the salary match up.

2. Jaden Hardy

Jaden Hardy has long been speculated to be one of the few Mavs on the trading block considering the team-friendly extension he just signed combined with his youth. It may be a difficult pill to swallow for some fans to see the young asset go for little to zero return, but the Mavericks' logjam at the guard position may mean the end of Hardy's tenure in Dallas.

Despite Hardy being a hot name on the trade market for fans to consider, the young guard has continued to light up the scoreboard when it seems like the team is ready to call it quits. Since the turn of the new year, Hardy has averaged 16.6 points per game on an impressive 55.6 percent shooting split from behind the 3-point line.

While Hardy may still be trade bait for a younger team looking to get a scoring spark off the bench, there's no doubt he can continue to contribute with Dallas' two stars sidelined. Despite this positive outlook, Hardy's recent six-game streak may not be enough to save the third-year pro's career in Dallas.

1. Maxi Kleber

Maxi Kleber has long been rumored to be the odd man out in the Mavericks' rotation. Kleber's age and his lengthy injury history have been a huge reason for the German's name to be included in plenty of trade talks this year.

While Kleber hasn't been a complete dud on both ends of the floor, it's apparent he has lost a step of athleticism, which has made him unplayable in certain situations. Kleber's lack of athleticism has made him a cone on the defensive end despite his lengthy history of being able to guard three through five on the floor.

In addition to Kleber's lack of athleticism, the Mavericks have desperately needed to upgrade the back-up four spot which could mean unloading the German to create roster space for a better player. It's unlikely Dallas would get any real compensation back for Kleber, but his expiring contract after next season may be enough for a team to add a spicy asset in a presumed deal.