NBA Insider reveals Dallas Mavericks' top 2 trade targets ahead of trade deadline

The Dallas Mavericks are coming off their first back-to-back wins for the first time in a month after defeating the Philadelphia 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets. The Mavericks have finally recovered some of the team's health back which helped secure these victories.

In particular, Kyrie Irving was lights out in his first return to Brooklyn since last year's trade deadline. Finishing the night with 36 points, five assists, and a few highlight-reel plays.

With the NBA trade deadline closing in less than two days, the Mavericks will try to make another big impact trade similar to the Irving trade from last year.

NBA Insider reveals Dallas Mavericks' top 2 trade targets ahead of trade deadline

The Dallas Mavericks' focus this trade deadline is upgrading at small forward or power forward. Recently, the Mavs have been linked to Charlotte Hornets forward P.J. Washington and Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma as the team's "preferred targets," according to a report by NBA Insider Marc Stein (subscription required).

Stein also reported that Dallas' interest in Golden State Warriors wing Andrew Wiggins isn't as serious as it may seem, showing that Dallas is prioritizing Kuzma and Washington.

P.J. Washington is a young emerging forward, averaging 13.8 points and 5.3 rebounds, who brings a paint presence on both sides of the floor. On the flip side, Kyle Kuzma, a more offensive-minded player is averaging 21.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists.

Kuzma is an underrated perimeter defender and is capable on the defensive end. Depending on the price of these players, they could fit in very nicely with what is already built. It's obvious the Mavericks need more size and this is a way to capture it.

Fixing the glaring holes of the team's rebounding and inconsistent defense doesn't happen overnight, but moves like these can help trend these in the right direction going forward.

The Dallas Mavericks have been involved in a multitude of trade rumors, so it'll be interesting to see what happens by the February 8 NBA trade deadline. For all news on the Dallas Mavericks and all trade rumors, stay tuned.