1 Dallas Mavericks trade target at every position to consider

The Dallas Mavericks want to upgrade their roster around Luka Doncic before the Feb. 9 trade deadline. They need another playmaker to diversify their attack, but their primary focus should be on finding more talent. The Mavs need Luka to do it all right now, and they must find him help as soon as possible.

Dallas wants to find a second star that can complement Doncic, but they still owe their 2023 first-round pick to the New York Knicks from the first Kristaps Porzingis trade. Will they be willing to deal another first-rounder before the deadline? Only if they can find someone that improves their title chances now and moving forward.

Who is available that the Mavs could acquire? General manager Nico Harrison is not afraid to be aggressive, but the jam-packed standings in both conferences have limited the sellers. Still, there will be plenty of impactful names shopped before Feb. 9, and here is one player at every position that the Mavericks should consider.

Point guard: Fred VanVleet, Toronto Raptors

The current Raptors point guard is the ideal target for the Mavs. He is in his prime and was an All-Star last season. VanVleet can handle the ball, score, and make plays. He is a career 37.6 percent 3-point shooter that competes on the defensive end. FVV was part of the Raptors championship in 2019, and he could make a massive impact in Dallas playing off Luka Doncic.

The Raptors have a ton of decisions to make before the trade deadline. They are currently five games under .500, and teams are looking at them as the potential seller that could shift the market. Gary Trent Jr., OG Anunoby, and Pascal Siakam could all join VanVleet on the trade block. The 6’1 point guard has a player option for next that he is likely to decline to become a free agent this summer, so extension talks are a must if acquiring FVV.

Dallas Mavericks trade rumors: Will they acquire Fred VanVleet?

The Mavs should be interested. They miss Jalen Brunson dearly after letting him depart in free agency, and VanVleet is arguably a better player. He does not have the scoring efficiency, but he is a better defender and creator. Will Dallas realize their mistake and pay the price to acquire Fred VanVleet? Would the 28-year-old be willing to sign a long-term contract to stay in Dallas to play next to Luka Doncic?

The Mavericks will certainly find out before Feb. 9 but expect them to be active and aggressive if Fred VanVleet hits the trade block.