Perfect trade for Dallas Mavericks to upgrade frontcourt has emerged

The Dallas Mavericks have gone 2-3 in their past five games. Some key losses included defeats to the Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, and most recently, the Los Angeles Lakers.

Against the Grizzlies, Dallas was outrebounded by 21. They allowed Memphis to pull in 54 boards and score 56 points inside the paint. The same trend occurred two games later when the Pelicans scored 50 points down low.

So, what's the problem?

Perfect trade for Dallas Mavericks to upgrade frontcourt has emerged

Well, for starters, the Mavs struggle rebounding the ball. All-Star Luka Doncic leads the team with 8.1 boards a game. Rookie Dereck Lively II ranks behind him with 7.7 rebounds per game. After that, no one on the team averages more than five rebounds. The team also has the sixth-worst rebounding average in the league.

Other issues include depth and size. Right now, the team lacks a true power forward who can be relied upon. The team traded for Grant Williams during the offseason; however, he has been coming off the bench due to his inconsistency and struggles. Derrick Jones Jr. has been the Mavs' starting power forward the past couple of games, but he is seen more as a small forward.

One power forward who could solve the Mavs' issues is Charlotte Hornets player P.J. Washington. The 6-foot-7 forward has recently drawn interest on the trade market from Dallas.

Assuming Dallas were to make a move for a player like Washington, what could it mean for the team?

For one, Washington is a young, fierce competitor who isn't afraid to use his body. He has averaged above 10 points per game and around five rebounds in five seasons. His best season came three years ago when he averaged 12.9 points per game and 6.5 rebounds.

Offensively, he does a great job of spacing the floor. He can score by driving to the basket or using the pick and roll to find an open mid-range or 3-point shot. Washington also shoots the ball well; he has a career field goal percentage of 44.7. Another thing about the young forward is that he is not afraid to shoot the ball from long range. He has converted 35.9 percent of his shots from the 3-point line for his career.

On the defensive side, he does an excellent switching between multiple positions. He can use his big frame to guard players down low or contest shooters from the top of the key. Washington can also switch off between the power forward and center position.

One thing that stands out is his ability to protect the rim when needed and disrupt passing lanes. Last season, he averaged 2.84 deflections per 75 possessions.

Fitting Washington into the Dallas system shouldn't be a problem. He would give the team an extra mid-range shooter who excels in the pick-and-roll game. This works in Dallas' favor, as Doncic can find his teammates off the pick and roll with ease.

He would also give the team another big-man presence who can guard multiple positions. The Mavs could also use Washington at the center spot whenever Lively II is out or needs a breather, but adding a true center would still be ideal.

So, it's fitting to say Washington would be a great compliment for the Mavs.

For all the latest news and rumors on the Dallas Mavericks and their potential pursuit of P.J. Washington, stay tuned.