Grade the Trade: Dallas Mavericks land Raptors star forward in blockbuster proposal

After the first game of their seven-game homestand, the Dallas Mavericks are sitting at 20-15 on the year after Wednesday night's victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.

They needed this win badly last night, as they had lost three of their last four games. Dallas will look to continue to stay on track, as Kyrie Irving played in his second game since returning from injury on Monday night.

Dallas will need him to continue to be an excellent running mate for Luka Doncic if they want to contend in the loaded Western Conference.

Grade the Trade: Dallas Mavericks land Raptors star forward in blockbuster proposal

Although Dallas is a playoff team right now, it seems that they may need to make at least one trade to become true NBA Finals contenders. Dallas needs help in their frontcourt, and their focus seems to be adding a power forward. Adding a 3-and-D wing wouldn't be a bad idea either.

Although Nico Harrison and company typically hold their cards close to their chests during trade season, there have been a few rumors this season of players that Dallas has shown interest in.

The Mavs reportedly have "great interest" in Isaiah Stewart of the Detroit Pistons and have also shown interest in a reunion with Dorian Finney-Smith of the Brooklyn Nets.

This team has plenty of things that they can improve upon, and Mavs fans should be excited about the potential of this squad down the stretch. Doncic continues to be one of the top MVP candidates in the NBA, and if he can keep this up, Dallas has a chance against anybody in the playoffs.

In this mock deal, the Mavs strike up a deal with the Toronto Raptors for their star forward whom they have already reportedly shown interest in. This deal may not be easy, but it would push the Mavericks to the top of the standings of the Western Conference.