5 Players the Mavericks should trade for instead of chasing Jimmy Butler

Earlier this month, the Dallas Mavericks were linked to Jimmy Butler, and it sent Mavs nation into a whirlwind for a moment thinking about what a big three of Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, and Butler would look like.

While fans briefly thought about this possibility, they quickly came to their senses when breaking down how much it would take to get a deal done. Dallas would have to give up tons of their role players to make the finances work, and a Butler to Dallas trade seems extremely unrealistic at this point.

Dallas' depth would have to be gutted just to get Butler to the Mavs for half a season, and he could end up leaving for nothing once the offseason hits as he plans on opting out of his contract and becoming a free agent after this season.

5 Players the Mavericks should trade for instead of chasing Jimmy Butler

Despite Butler reportedly being interested in joining the Mavs, the interest isn't mutual at this point. Dallas hasn't shown any true interest in making a Butler trade, and there are plenty of other more reasonable (and cheaper) options they can consider as well that make more sense than Butler.

Dallas needs power forward help badly, and bringing in another shooter or ball handler off the bench wouldn't be a bad idea either. They could even consider bringing in a reliable third-string center who plays in emergency situations when Dereck Lively II or Daniel Gafford is hurt or in bad foul trouble.

5. Isaiah Stewart

The Mavs showed serious interest in trading for Detroit Pistons big man Isaiah Stewart last season and now might be the perfect time to trade for him considering that they need frontcourt help and the Pistons' asking price for him could be down.

This season for Detroit, Stewart is averaging 6.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 55.2 percent from the field and a lousy 23.8 percent from downtown, and his production has taken a serious dip since last season. His 3-point volume is way down, and he also isn't starting anymore.

Stewart is in the first year of a four-year, $60 million deal with the Pistons, and with how much he has struggled, they may be more likely to move him. Dallas would be the perfect spot to get him back shooting efficiently from three, and he would finally have the chance to play for a contender.

4. Obi Toppin

One thing that the Mavericks need to add more of after losing Derrick Jones Jr. and Josh Green over the offseason is athleticism, and they could address this need by trading for Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin.

With Indiana having so much power forward depth, Toppin could be the perfect trade candidate for Dallas to pursue, and they could send Maxi Kleber to the Pacers as part of this deal.

Toppin is averaging 10.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and a career-high 0.8 steals per game while shooting 54.8 percent from the field and 35.8 percent from downtown, and he would give Dallas' bench unit a freak athlete who can defend, knock down open shots, and finish above the rim.

Although he can't defend fives as well as Kleber can, he would undoubtedly be an upgrade.

3. Gary Payton II

Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II was speculated to be someone the Mavs should trade for before the season began, and his fit as a defensive stopper off the bench is intriguing.

This season for the Dubs, Payton II is averaging 4.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.8 steals per game while shooting 54.1 percent from the field, and he excels at defending elite guards. The Mavs could also likely get him for relatively cheap, and having one more point-of-attack stopper off the bench would increase the team's defense significantly.

His route to big minutes in Dallas is unclear considering their excellent depth, but it wouldn't be bad to have him as one of the end-of-the-bench guys.

2. Dorian Finney-Smith

Every Mavericks fan has wanted the team to bring Dorian Finney-Smith back ever since trading him to the Brooklyn Nets as part of the Kyrie Irving trade, and now might be the time to do it if the Nets lower their asking price. Brooklyn is reportedly looking for a first-round pick in a deal for Finney-Smith, and while the Mavs have two first-round picks to trade, that may be too steep of a price.

Regardless though, Finney-Smith would give the Mavs much-needed depth and is having one of the best seasons of his career. He is averaging 11.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per game while shooting 47.6 percent from the field and a career-high 45.0 percent from downtown, and if the Mavs were to trade for him, he would strengthen their bench immensely.

He can play the three or the four, defend at an elite level, and knock down open shots, and Luka Doncic would likely be thrilled if Nico Harrison were to bring him back.

1. Herbert Jones

Herbert Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans would be an absolute pipe dream for the Mavs, and fans have been clamoring over the opportunity to make him a Maverick.

Despite the undeniable fit, it doesn't look like the Pelicans are looking to trade him right now, but things could change if New Orleans continues to plummet in the standings. This season for the Pelicans, Jones is averaging 11.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.0 steals per game while shooting 45.8 percent from the field, and he would truly make the Mavs unstoppable.

Jones is one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, and having him as the starting three next to Doncic and Irving would give the Mavs an even more elite starting five.