Dallas Mavericks cannot trade for John Wall but monitor his situation

The Dallas Mavericks had cap space this offseason and were targeting a marquee free agent to place next to Luka Doncic with Kyle Lowry being their rumored top target. The All-Star point guard decided to sign with the Miami Heat, and the Mavs moved on to covering holes in their roster. They added two wings to help space the floor, defend on the perimeter, and knock down shots, but they failed to plug one of their biggest gaps.

The Mavericks still need a secondary ball-handler and creator, which is why the Goran Dragic rumors continue to leak out. The Raptors do not appear keen on buying Dragic out, and Dallas is not eager to trade for his $19.1 million expiring contract, so the stalemate continues. Dragic is not the only option that could fill the Mavs' need.

On Sept. 14, Shams Charania reported that the Rockets are trying to find a new home for John Wall with no plans of him planning in Houston this season. Here is a closer look at the situation and why Mavericks fans should keep an eye on it.

Dallas Mavericks cannot trade for John Wall but keep an eye on the situation

Charania notes that the Rockets are searching for a trade and have no plans of buying Wall out. The biggest problem in making a deal is Wall’s contract. He has two years and $91.6 million left, which makes it difficult for any team to match salaries in a trade.

It is nearly impossible for the Mavs to even put them much money together unless they include Kristaps Porzingis. Pairing KP and Dwight Powell for Wall works, but Dallas is not eager to take on the current Rockets guard’s contract. They do not want to give up the assets to get Dragic, so why would they double the salary going out to acquire Wall? Even if the Rockets add draft pick compensation, there is no trade to be made with the Dallas Mavericks.

Mavs fans should keep an eye on the situation, though. It appears unlikely that any team will take on Wall’s contract, so at some point, a buyout becomes inevitable. If Dallas can pick up the 31-year-old point guard on a minimal deal, that becomes appealing. Wall played well last season in a small sample where he averaged 20.6 points, 6.9 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 32.2 minutes per game.

It is not the perfect fit in Dallas. Wall is at his best with the ball in his hands because he struggles to space the floor with the five-time All-Star shooting just 32.3 percent from 3-point range in his career. He has also played just 72 games over the last three seasons combined because of various injuries.

Contending teams are likely only to make a move for John Wall if it comes after a buyout of his current contract. The Dallas Mavericks could be interested in that situation, but only if it becomes a reality. Stay tuned to see how things unfolds in Houston.