Crafting the Dallas Mavericks' ideal 5-man starting lineup after the trade deadline

2. Power forward: Pascal Siakam

The Dallas Mavericks likely don't have the assets to make a trade for both Dorian Finney-Smith and Pascal Siakam, but Siakam is someone who Dallas has shown trade interest in this season and over the summer. It would be a dream come true if they somehow could land both of them.

This season for the Toronto Raptors, Siakam is averaging 21.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. He is an outstanding scorer, and his fit in Dallas is undeniable.

Although he has struggled tremendously as a shooter this season, I expect that these numbers would climb if he were traded to Dallas. He would be getting the most open looks of his career, and Luka Doncic typically helps players' shooting numbers rise through playing with him.

Both Dante Exum and Derrick Jones Jr. are having career seasons shooting the ball, and both of them have been getting plenty of open looks through playing with Luka.

Although Siakam isn't an elite defender, he would give Dallas someone who can switch on the perimeter and would be a great fit next to Dereck Lively II. He is also an NBA Finals champion, and having players with this type of playoff experience is important.

If Dallas were to trade for Siakam, they would likely have to give up their 2027 first-round pick and multiple role players. Dallas would likely only make this move if they had a good hunch that Siakam would re-sign over the summer, and this would give Dallas the best big three they've ever had.