Grade the Trade: Mavs land fan-favorite wing and elite center in mock deal with Nets

The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Los Angeles Lakers last night to improve 15-8 and sit as the third seed in the Western Conference.

Luka Doncic is playing some of the best basketball of his career, and the Mavs are finding a way to win games even with injuries to several of their key players.

The Mavs are settling into the groove of things, but they still need to make at least one move at the trade deadline to become true NBA Finals contenders.

Grade the Trade: Mavs land fan-favorite wing and elite center in mock deal with Nets

Their rebounding and defense must get better, and they could look to the trade market to help improve these areas.

The Dallas Mavericks have been linked to several players over the last few months, including Pascal Siakam, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Clint Capela.

It doesn't seem like the Siakam rumors from a few months ago hold much weight, as Dallas just inquired about his availability, and Dallas' interest in Capela has also reportedly "faded" now that Dereck Lively II is playing so well.

That leaves Finney-Smith as a player whom a trade with Dallas seems possible, and honestly, not too far-fetched. There have been flurries that Finney-Smith "would love" to return to Dallas one day, and it's no secret that Luka wants to play with him again, it just depends on the cost.

Should Dallas pursue Finney-Smith or should they look elsewhere to improve their squad?

In this mock proposal, the Mavs address their two biggest weaknesses in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets. This move would probably excite every Mavs fan and could propel Dallas into being the best team in the Western Conference.