3 most likely Dallas Mavericks to be traded before 2023 deadline

The Dallas Mavericks did not wait until deadline day to make a splash. Kyrie Irving requested a trade on Friday and by Sunday afternoon he was dealt to Dallas in a blockbuster trade. The Mavs wanted a second star to pair with Luka Doncic, and the eight-time All-Star was the best available player. They now have arguably the best backcourt in the NBA, but Dallas must make additional moves.

When the Mavs traded Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, and three draft picks to land Kyrie, they sent their best perimeter defender and an important playmaker to Brooklyn. Dallas is still searching for trades before Thursday’s deadline. They are motivated to plug holes and further clean up their cap sheet heading into next season.

Expect the Mavericks to make at least one more move before the 2 p.m. CT deadline on Feb. 9, but who heads out of Dallas? They are shopping three players, but are they the most likely to move? Let us take a closer look by counting down the top three.

Dallas Mavericks player most likely to be traded before the deadline: 3. JaVale McGee

This was the most difficult selection because the Mavs are unlikely to find a taker for McGee before Thursday’s deadline. He signed a three-year $17.2 million contract in the offseason and was the team’s starting center to begin the season. Things quickly turned south, and McGee tumbled completely out of the team’s rotation.

Both sides would like to part ways. The 35-year-old wants an opportunity to play for a contender, and the Mavericks would like to ship his contract elsewhere. Will some team step up and covet McGee before the deadline? Teams often avoid long-term salaries, so it will be fascinating to watch.

If the Mavericks pull off another marquee move, the other team will want Josh Green. The 22-year-old is highly valued by his current team, but they may have to part with the 6’5 wing to upgrade their roster.

Dwight Powell and Frank Ntilikina are likely to be traded because of their expiring contracts, but they are not the two most likely Mavericks to find new homes before the deadline.