Grading 10 Dallas Mavericks trade deadline targets from no-brainer to must-avoid

3. Must-avoid: Isaiah Stewart

Another center makes this list, but rather than being a no-brainer like the two previously mentioned big men, Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart is someone who the Mavs should avoid. This season for the Pistons, Stewart is averaging 11.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 37.4 percent from downtown.

Although Dallas needs help at the backup center spot, a trade for Stewart may not be the smartest. Stewart was one of the first players that Dallas was linked to this season, and the fact that he is undersized combined with his potential asking price makes him who Dallas should pass on.

Dallas doesn't need another undersized big. Even though he plays bigger than his height, Stewart is only 6-foot-8. The Mavs should be looking for a backup center who is 6-foot-10 or taller, as they need another player who can anchor their defense.

Detroit would undoubtedly command one of Dallas' young pieces along with draft capital in a trade for Stewart, and making the money match up would also be challenging.

Stewart's youth, hustle, and physicality are all intriguing, but there are much better centers that Dallas can pursue rather than him. His name has also not been mentioned much in trade rumors recently, and there could be a good chance that he stays put in Detroit.